2026 EPLWA Semi-Finals Recap

The stage was set with a pair of highly anticipated Evergreen Premier League Washington (EPLWA) Semi-Final matchups on Saturday, July 18, as the league's top four clubs battled for a place in the 2026 EPLWA Championship. Defending champions and regular season winners Yakima United FC hosted first-year side Port Orchard FC, while Bellingham United FC traveled north to face last year's runners-up, WE SURF SC. By the end of the evening, Yakima and Bellingham had secured convincing victories to advance to the league final.

Yakima United FC 3, Port Orchard FC 1 (After Extra Time)

Port Orchard FC pushed the defending champions for 90 minutes before Yakima United FC found another gear in extra time. After finishing regulation level, Yakima scored twice in overtime to earn a 3-1 victory at Marquette Stadium and punch its ticket to a fourth consecutive EPLWA Championship match.

Connor Louden gave Port Orchard FC an early 1-0 lead with the opening goal of the match. Yakima United FC responded in the second half when Gonzalo Frausto found the equalizer off an assist from Juan Carlos Diaz-Acevedo. Frausto struck again in the first overtime period, netting the match-winning goal to put Yakima ahead. Jose Botello added an insurance goal in the second overtime, securing Yakima United FC's 3-1 victory and a place in the EPLWA Championship.

Bellingham United FC 5, WE SURF SC 0

Bellingham United FC delivered one of its most complete performances of the season, rolling to a 5-0 victory over WE SURF SC at Whatcom Community College.

Bellingham United FC's attack was led by Alexander Koenig, who recorded a hat trick to give the Hammers complete control of the match. Liam Schumacher added the fourth goal before Muhammed Darboe capped the scoring, as Bellingham rolled to a dominant 5-0 victory over WE SURF SC to advance to the 2026 EPLWA Championship.

“We are delighted to advance to the final again and in the style we did so. Some of our play and goals were excellent. WE Surf were set up to frustrate us and slow us down, they didn’t press every pass so we didn’t need to build with overloads behind the ball. Once we got more numbers in higher areas and accelerated our play as soon as we broke their lines we started to create lots of chances,” said Rich Henderson, BUFC player coach, who also added his thoughts on the finals. “It’s the final that made sense with us and Yakima finishing joint highest on points. We were frustrated not to get to play them again during the regular season so this is the final we wanted. Of course at home would have been ideal but this group likes the challenge and well go play wherever on turf or grass it don’t matter,” Henderson said. 

Note: The date, time, and location for the 2026 EPLWA Premier Division Final will be announced at a later date.