For the first time since joining MLS Next Pro, the Tacoma Defiance will be selling tickets for a game, but it’s a big one – their U.S. Open Cup match against the Portland Timbers on May 6. Tickets for the match went on sale Wednesday and start at $10, with covered seats costing just $11.25.
While Defiance games are open to the public, there’s never been a formal ticketing process. Fans could gain free entry by showing proof they were a Sounders Alliance member and all other fans were allowed in with a donation to the RAVE Foundation. That policy had also been in place during the first three rounds of the Open Cup and the initial plans were for that to remain in place for at least another round. Defiance games rarely draw more than a few hundred fans.
But after the Defiance drew the Portland Timbers, internal discussions began about possibly making a change. Although there was apparently some back and forth, ultimately the club decided that it would be sensible to have a more controlled environment given the possibility of increased demand and the likelihood of opposing fans showing up.
Defiance come into the match as one of the most prolific scoring teams in North America. They have scored 27 goals in nine matches across all competitions, including at least three in five of them. Leading the way are Osaze De Rosario (eight goals and one assist) and Yu Tsukanome (seven goals and two assists). Their roster will also likely be bolstered by several Sounders. Georgi Minoungou, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Reed Baker-Whiting, Stuart Hawkins, Travian Sousa, Leo Burney, Cody Baker, Andrew Thomas and Jacob Castro have all played for the Defiance at various points this season.
The Timbers are tied for the MLS lead in goals scored and currently sit second in the Western Conference table with 18 points in 10 games, but it's not clear how heavily they'll rotate their team after playing an MLS match on Saturday.
Not only are the Defiance the last remaining MLS Next Pro team in the tournament, this will mark the first time a reserve team from the four-year-old league has faced an MLS opponent in a genuine competition.
