FC Salmon Creek Nemesis reaches semifinals of regional

Goals by Baylee Groom and MacKenzie Ellertson lifted the FC Salmon Creek Nemesis into the semifinals of the under-15 girls tournament at the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals in Boise.

The 2-1 win in Friday’s quarterfinals over the Broomfield SC Prestige from Colorado puts the FC Salmon Creek team in a Saturday semifinal match. The Nemesis, the Oregon state champions, face the Washington Rush from Everett at 9 a.m. on Saturday. The winner advances to the regional championship match on Sunday morning.

The other two Vancouver teams at the regionals lost in Friday’s quarterfinal round.

For the under-15 Nemesis, Groom scored in the 21st minute and Ellertson in the 28th to erase an early 1-0 lead for the team from Colorado. Groom’s goal was on a shot from outside the 18-yard box off a pass from Ellertson. Ellertson’s go-ahead goal was assisted by Jenna Efraimson.

The Colorado team, with the wind at its back in the second half, pushed for a tying goal. Nemesis goalkeeper Hallie Byzewski made several saves to preserve the lead.

Girls under-17 — La Roca SD from Utah scored three first-half goals and defeated the FC Salmon Creek Nemesis 3-0 in Friday’s quarterfinals. The team of players entering their high school senior year finished the tournament with two wins and two losses.

Girls under-14 — Northern California champion USA Stars scored in the 59th minute to beat the Washington Timbers Red 1-0 in Friday’s quarterfinals. The Vancouver club finished with two wins, one draw and one loss at the regionals.

With six goals in the three group play games, Olivia Fothergill of Timbers Red leads the tournament with six goals through Friday’s matches.

Timbers 2 on the road

Portland Timbers 2 (5-8-2) visit St. Louis FC (5-5-4) at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday in United Soccer League play.

T2 will travel to face Saint Louis FC at World Wide Technology Park in Fenton, Mo., on Saturday, June 25; kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. (Pacific). A live web stream will be available at www.timbers2.com.