Bellevue, Wa. (May 9th, 2025 by Sy Hoekstra) — The debuts of Head Coach Felix Vu and the 2025 Midlakes United squad went about as well as fans could have hoped. In Friday’s pre-season friendly against Wenatchee Valley College, a team Vu formerly coached, it took less than three minutes for forward Francisco Magaña to fire a shot into the back of the net when a punch from WVC’s goalkeeper directed the ball his way. Just over half an hour later, Magaña, a veteran of Sacramento State’s team, sent a pass through to right midfielder Jason Buezo, who scored another Midlakes goal.
Pre-season rules allowed for nearly every player on both sides to get some game time. Substitutions were abundant, but there was one notable exception. With some players still making their way to the Eastside ahead of league play, Midlakes lone rostered goalkeeper, Levi Bieber, played start to finish. But no sweat off Bieber’s brow. He led the defense to a complete shutout.
Most of the second half was much quieter. But in the 84th minute, JJ Diaz placed a beautiful cross in front of Seattle University forward Alex Notzka who sent a header in for Midlakes’ third goal. Three minutes later, Diaz, a Seattle Pacific center midfielder, found himself in front of an open goal following a mishandling by the WVC keeper. The final score was 4-0 Midlakes.
It was an aggressive and energetic start to the year. The team is incorporating a number of new players and started training together a week before the game. But the seams were not showing at all on the Bellevue College field Friday.
Looking ahead, the squad fills out and training ramps up this week. Thursday evening will be the Eastside Classic, where Midlakes goes head-to-head with the UPSL’s Bellevue Athletic. Midlakes is technically the host, even though both sides call the same field home. With both teams’ fans in attendance, it should be a fun one. Get your tickets here!
