By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

Ballard FC fell short against the Ventura County Fusion team from Southern California by a 2-1 score Friday in the Western Conference final for men's division two soccer.

Ventura County rides the victory at Atwood Stadium in Flint, Mich. into national semifinal action Sunday.

Ballard beat Ventura County by an identical 2-1 score in the same game last year on its way to taking second in the nation.

The Salmon Bay women's team from Ballard just won a national championship against the Vermont Green team last Saturday.

After playing to a 1-1 tie through regulation and overtime play it won a shootout, 5-4.