Everett FC Crowned Busch Cup Champions in Inaugural Season

In their first year as a club in the EPLWA Championship Division, Everett Football Club (EFC) is the Busch Cup champions after defeating Bellingham United 2, 4-2, in the finals on July 29 at Frank Goddard Stadium in front of more than 200 fans.

Everett scored twice in the first half to take a 2-0 lead. Bellingham answered with a goal early in the second half to close the gap to 2-1, but EFC responded as Jaden Oguda rocketed a shot that deflected off the keeper and trickled over the line to make it 3-1.

Bellingham pulled back within one on a penalty kick converted by Rich Henderson, narrowing the score to 3-2. But in the final minutes, Everett delivered a deep cross that led to the final goal, sealing a 4-2 victory.

[Watch the match replay here]

Following the match, EPLWA Commissioner Tim Busch presented the Busch Cup to Everett FC.

“You guys were amazing and had an incredible season,” said Busch during the trophy presentation.

[View the full Busch Cup presentation here]

EFC Club President Kelsey Baker reflected on the team's journey and the impact of their inaugural season:

“We came into this just really hoping to pull something together, and we're so grateful to the league for taking us on. Honestly, we were like, ‘Gosh, please let this take off and make sure we don't lose every game.’

And so here we are. We’ve come to the end of the season, and we're very, very excited about what the future of this means—not just for these kids, but really for the little kids that are all out here watching, and for our program as a whole.”

She added:

“We're grateful to you guys [EPLWA] for giving us a spot at the last minute and making room for us, and to our community for continuing to come out and show up.”

Interested in Joining the EPLWA Championship Division?

If your club is interested in joining the EPLWA Championship Division, the league is always open to welcoming new teams into the competition. Learn more and contact league staff at the front office here.