2026 EPLWA Semifinal Preview

The stage is set for the 2026 Evergreen Premier League (EPLWA) semifinals.

Last year's runner-up, WE SURF SC, will travel to Bellingham to face Bellingham United FC in the No. 2 vs. No. 3 matchup. Meanwhile, defending EPLWA champion and top-seeded Yakima United FC will host first-year league member Port Orchard FC with a spot in the championship match on the line.

Port Orchard FC at Yakima United FC

Yakima United FC enters the EPLWA Premier Division semifinals as the league's top seed after finishing 5-2-1 to claim first place in the regular-season standings. The club also captured the 2026 WSASA Super Cup and will look to continue its recent postseason success. Yakima has reached the EPLWA semifinals in each of the past four seasons and advanced to the league championship match in each of the past three years, winning two league titles.

Yakima Executive Teressa Vega said the 2026 season has showcased the league's growth both on and off the field. She pointed to the increasing competitiveness of the EPLWA, improved media coverage, growing fan support and opportunities for players to advance to higher levels, including elite college programs, USL League Two and professional indoor soccer. Vega expects another competitive semifinal, saying fans can look forward to high-level soccer as Yakima's hometown players chase another trip to the championship match.

Standing in Yakima's way is Port Orchard FC, which earned a playoff berth in its inaugural EPLWA season. Club coordinator David Falk said reaching the postseason continues the club's tradition of qualifying for the playoffs in each of the club's four seasons while highlighting the impact of a new coaching staff led by Max Sampson. The teams played to an entertaining 4-4 draw in Yakima on June 13, but Falk expects a much different match with a place in the EPLWA Final at stake. He said Port Orchard hopes a healthier defensive lineup will help slow the defending champions while acknowledging the challenge of facing Yakima on its home field.

WE SURF SC at Bellingham United FC

Bellingham United FC finished the regular season level on points atop the EPLWA standings but narrowly missed the No. 1 seed after losing the head-to-head tiebreaker. Player-coach Rich Henderson said the league's unbalanced schedule made it difficult to compare teams because some opponents were only faced once, but he was pleased with Bellingham's consistency throughout the season.

Henderson said Bellingham enters the playoffs in strong form after posting the league's best defensive record. He also believes the team's attack has yet to reach its full potential, giving the club confidence heading into the postseason.

Looking ahead to Saturday's semifinal against WE SURF SC, Henderson expects a tightly contested tactical battle between two of the league's most disciplined teams. He said both clubs defend well without sacrificing their attacking style and believes the opening goal could prove decisive in a match where small moments are likely to determine who advances to the EPLWA Final.