Key players in Tacoma Defiance’s first win in nearly two months

The Tacoma Defiance got their first win in nearly two months, coming back from an extended break to beat LAFC2 3-2 on Sunday. The win snaps a six-game winless run that started when they lost to the Portland Timbers in the U.S. Open Cup on May 6.

The Defiance jumped out to a 2-0 lead with goals from Snyder Brunell and Jackson Khoury just before halftime. LAFC2 came roaring back to tie it at 2-2, but Danny Robles grabbed a goal off the bench to deliver the win.

Highlights

Key players

Snyder Brunell: Strictly by the numbers, this has not been the significant step forward you’d have liked to see from the 18-year-old midfielder, having played in a little more than half of the Defiance’s games. But that’s partly because he’s been getting regular calls to the United States U18 team, even helping them win a recent tournament. This game was another reminder of why the Sounders are so high on Brunell. He had the goal, he added an assist and he was 6 of 12 on duels with 11 defensive actions, while completing 35 of 42 passes.

Kaito Yamada: The Japanese centerback on loan from Vissel Kobe has been a fixture of the Defiance this year. He was again exceptional in this one with his most influential moment being a ball he cleared off the line on a breakaway when the game seemed to be getting away from Defiance. He finished completing 54 of 57 passes, eight clearances and 11 defensive actions.

Jackson Khoury: The winger continues to make the most of his opportunities. Although he’s only been a periodic starter, he’s now scored three goals and dished out three assists. His goal was wonderfully taken, a curling left-footed shot from the top of the box.

Stats