Faysal Bettache scored two goals, but the Tacoma Defiance once again struggled to contain the opposition in a 3-2 loss to Ventura County FC on Friday. It was the fifth straight game in which Defiance have allowed at least two goals – a stretch in which they’ve gone 2-3-0 and allowed 15 goals – and have now allowed a Western Conference-worst 24 goals.
This was the last of a four-game road trip for Defiance, who will return to Starfire to host St. Louis City 2 on Thursday.
Highlights
Key performers
Faysal Bettache: At times, it seemed like Bettache might be capable of almost single-handedly lifting Defiance to a result. Both of his goals were wonderfully taken and came off the high press, one a sort of half-volley from inside the area and another a beautiful bending shot from about 25 yards out. Ventura goalkeeper Brady Scott was also forced to make two diving saves on other Bettache efforts and two others on quality chances Bettache set up. Bettache now has six goals – all from open play – and his nine goals+assists are tied for the most in MLS Next Pro.
Georgi Minoungou: Coming off several very good performances, we got a bit of a reminder why Minoungou still might be a ways off from being a MLS contributor. Although he had a team-high 12 touches in the opposition penalty area, he was credited with just one chance created and went just 2 for 6 on dribbles. Minoungou is clearly a talent, but there’s still a lot of refinement to be made.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi: Starting as a left back for the first time this year, Kossa-Rienzi predictably struggled at times. Ventura’s first and last goals came on attacks from his side. Following Bettache’s equalizer in the 69th minute, Kossa-Rienzi got caught a bit flat-footed, which allowed Ventura to retake the lead almost immediately.
Stats
MATCH SUMMARY
Tacoma Defiance 2 – Ventura County FC 3
Friday, May 31, 2024
Venue: William Rolland Stadium
Referee: Iryna Petrunok
Assistants: Melissa Gonzalez, Bruno Rizo
Fourth official: Trevor Wiseman
Weather: 61 degrees and mostly cloudy
SCORING SUMMARY
VCFC – Gino Vivi (Aaron Bibout) 4’
TAC – Faysal Bettache 18’
VCFC – Isaiah Parente 45’
TAC – Faysal Bettache 69’
VCFC – Ruben Ramos Jr. (Aaron Bibout) 71’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
TAC – Faysal Bettache (caution) 19’
VCFC – Sean Karani (caution) 62’
VCFC – Brady Scott (caution) 80’
VCFC – Harbor Miller (caution) 90+5’
LINEUPS & STATS
Tacoma Defiance – Jacob Castro; Antino Lopez, Stuart Hawkins, Brian Aguilar, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi (Blake Bowen 71’); Snyder Brunell, Frank Daroma; Georgi Minoungou, Faysal Bettache – captain, Travian Sousa; Osaze De Rosario (Yu Tsukanome 67’)
Substitutes not used: Lars Helleren, Chris Aquino, Owen O’Malley, Burke Fahling, Elias Katsaros
Total shots: 18
Shots on goal: 9
Fouls: 18
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks: 8
Saves: 4
Ventura County FC – Brady Scott; Harbor Miller (Marcus Ferkranus 90+4’), Carson Klein, Ascel Essengue, Riley Dalgado; Gabriel Arnold, Isaiah Parente; Sean Karani (Sergio Villalpando 70’), Ruben Ramos Jr. (Javier Corona Garcia 90+4’), Gino Vivi (Erik Hernandez 86’); Aaron Bibout
Substitutes not used: Lucca Adams, Nicolas Schelotto, Max Middleby, Christian Tchouante, David Díaz
Total shots: 15
Shots on goal: 7
Fouls: 6
Offside: 1
Corner-kicks: 5
Saves: 7
