How Goes Spo?

Spokane Velocity has been on the pitch for 2 months now, playing 6 USL1 League matches and 2 Lamar Hunt Open Cup matches. In t he two Open Cup matches this year, Velocity performed better than in the two years prior. They still fell short in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 match with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC from the USL Championship. Thanks to Andrew Booth with a game-tying goal at 88’, Velocity was able to hold on all the way through extra time. 

Photo by Jedidiah Helling / April 7, 2026 / One Spokane Stadium, Spokane, WA    

In our six league matches, Velocity is 4-1-1. The first match of the year for Velocity ended 1-0. While it was a defensive battle, the goal only went to Velocity due to an own-goal by Union Omaha’s Brent Kallman. I sadly had to leave at halftime due to other responsibilities. 

But six days later, I was back in my seat. I got to watch Spokane obliterate New York Cosmos 3-1 with all 3 goals coming in the first half. I remember seeing Simon Fitch moving the ball down towards the opposing goal when I noticed Jack Denton wide open directly in front of the goalie. I screamed out “Denton!!” nearly losing my voice, and as the last bit of air left my throat, Fitch passed the ball to Denton, scoring the first home goal of the year. Watching Luis Gil and Neco Brett score in the first half felt like Christmas, too. What a game and what a squad!!!

Photo by Jedidiah Helling / April 7, 2026 / One Spokane Stadium, Spokane, WA

  #22 Rocky Wells, a 17-year-old Mead HS Student, charging down the pitch 

After such an amazing home win, I watched the Hawaii game in Charlotte as we played the Charlotte independent. I turned the game off shortly after halftime. Charlotte would go on to completely and utterly embarrass us 4-0. We knew it was going to be a rough game when Simon Fitch scored on our own goal at 2’ into the match. 

A little over a week later, Velocity would fly into Boise and barely hold on to a 1-1 draw. Thanks, Carlos Meranico, for doing everything he could to keep us in the match. After those two past matches, I was slightly worried going into our next home match just three days later. 

AV Alta flew into Spokane and scored within the first seven minutes. 

I will admit I was slightly worried, but due to their record at the time, 0-3-1, I still felt confident. When I tell you, I struggled to speak by the end of the night. Velocity went on to win 3-1 with some of the most fun offensive play I’ve seen in a while. The boys were like Velcro, refusing to let go of the ball, especially in “enemy territory.” The intensity on the pitch was profoundly electrifying. 

Sadly, I was on vacation four days later and missed the next home game against the Richmond Kickers. I followed through with the app as the day match went on. But once again, Velocity won 3-1. Holy COW!!! Velocity has a 10-3 score differential in their first four home games!!! Plus, the next home match will be on May 10th, Mother’s Day. 

In Velocity’s inaugural season, they handed out a bunch of free T-shirts and a single rose to all moms. So if you feel like having a fun experience with your mom, try to bring her to a game! It will be an absolutely amazing match against FC Naples.

FC Naples is ranked first in the league while Spokane is ranked second. Both teams have the same record in the league. 4-1-1. The only difference is they’ve scored 8 goals with 3 against, vs. Velocity's 11-8. This game will be a battle for #1, and you want to miss it. I encourage you to attend. 

On Saturday, April 25, Velocity plays its first USL Cup match, formerly known as the JägerMeister Cup. The Cup is in its third year, with 43 teams competing for the trophy. All USL Championship (Champ) and USL1 teams will compete in 7 groups to start the tournament. 

Photo by Jedidiah Helling / March 15,  2026 / One Spokane Stadium, Spokane, WA    

#7 Joe Gallardo, a 28-year-old from San Diego, CA, praying  before kickoff. 

Velocity is part of Group 1 of 7, along with Boise(USL1), Las Vegas Lights FC(Champ), Monterey Bay FC(Champ), Oakland Roots FC(Champ), and Sacramento Republic FC(Champ). Spokane and Boise are the only two USL1 teams in group 1.  Spokane flies out to Sacramento for the April 25th match-up. There will be a total of four matches over four months. If we fail to be among the top 2 teams in our group, we do not advance to the USL Cup. The odds are not in their favor, but I still believe they can at least give these Championship teams some hell. ONE Spokane Stadium sadly has failed to reach even half capacity yet this year, so I implore everyone to attend as many games as possible. I believe it was last year that Liegh Viedman said the Velocity's home-court advantage comes from the fans. I think we can take on this group and squeeze into the next round of the USL Cup. 

Don’t forget, while these gentlemen are professional football players, most of them make just as much as we do, and some have to get a second job. They’re people just like us, so go show them love and support, if not there, then try on social media. Let's help the boys bring a trophy to Spokane.