The Tacoma Defiance snapped their first-ever MLS Next Pro two-game losing streak – albeit while allowing multiple goals for the fourth straight game – by claiming a 3-2 come-from-behind win over Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday. The Defiance got goals from Burke Fahling, Snyder Brunell and an own goal.
Highlights
Key performers
Burke Fahling: It’s been a bit of an odd season for Fahling, who was brought in with the idea he’d be a veteran leader, but who has struggled to find regular playing time. This was just his third start of the season, and was almost certainly his best. In addition to a well-taken goal that gave Defiance an early lead, he was also the player who forced the game-winning own goal and he also was largely responsible for breaking up a 1v1 chance that would have left Defiance down by two goals.
Snyder Brunell: Still just 17, there’s no real rush for Brunell to find a permanent position, but he did show again that he can be effective in the attack. His goal was just his second in his MLS Next Pro career – technically his first as a professional – and it was quite a hit from about 20 yards out. He also completed 37 of 42 passes, which included eight passes into the final third and going 5-for-5 on long balls.
Georgi Minoungou: By now, Sounders fans are probably aware of Minoungou’s promise. It was on full display again, along with reminders why he’s still not on a MLS contract. Dyanamo 2 had no answers for Minoungou who terrorized their defense with six chances created and six successful dribbles. He also got behind the defense twice, once deciding to pull it back and then, shockingly, failing to score on a 1-on-0 look at an empty net in which he inexplicably shot from about 45 yards out while the goalkeeper was a solid step or two behind him. The shot went wide.
Stats
MATCH SUMMARY
Tacoma Defiance 3 – Houston Dynamo 2 2
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Venue: SaberCats Stadium
Referee: Melinda Sopka
Assistants: Clarence Clark, Logan Reeves
Fourth official: Melvin Rivas
Weather: 90 degrees and partly cloudy
SCORING SUMMARY
TAC – Burke Fahling (Faysal Bettache) 22’
HOU – Obafemi Awodesu (Ousame Sylla) 59’
HOU – Maddox Findlay (Stephen Annor) 63’
TAC – Snyder Brunell (Owen O’Malley) 81’
TAC – Own Goal (Isaac Mwakutuya) 84’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
HOU – Kieran Sargeant (caution) 18’
TAC – Osaze De Rosario (caution) 45+2’
TAC – Owen O’Malley (caution) 66’
LINEUPS & STATS
Tacoma Defiance – Jacob Castro; Blake Bowen (Owen O’Malley 64’), Antino Lopez, Brian Aguilar, Travian Sousa; Snyder Brunell (Kelvin Luis Brito 86’), Faysal Bettache – captain; Georgi Minoungou, Yu Tsukanome (Chris Aquino 86’), Burke Fahling; Osaze De Rosario (Shaun Brun 90+3’)
Substitutes not used: Lars Helleren, Gallatin Sandnes
Total shots: 17
Shots on goal: 7
Fouls: 16
Offside: 4
Corner-kicks: 6
Saves: 6
Houston Dynamo 2 – Nicolas Defreitas-Hansen; David Nguema (Omar Grey HT), Obafemi Awodesu, Isaac Mwakutuya, Kieran Sargeant (Isaiah Reid HT); Josue Souza Dos Santos (Ifunanyachi Achara HT), Sebastian Rodriguez, Diego Gonzalez; Exon Arzu (Maddox Findlay HT), Stephen Annor (David Garcia 76’), Ousmane Sylla
Substitutes not used: Xavier Valdez, Omar Bolanos, Jeferson Medina Obando
Total shots: 12
Shots on goal: 8
Fouls: 10
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks: 8
Saves: 5
