Key performers in Defiance's shootout loss to Monarchs

The Tacoma Defiance were forced to settle for just a single point after surrendering two leads in regulation and then failing to convert what would have been a winning spot kick in the shootout, in what was a 2-2 tie with Real Monarchs on Thursday. Kaito Yamada and Edson Carli scored goals for the Defiance, who also hit the woodwork three times in the second half.

Highlights

Key performers

Edson Carli: The Sounders Academy player has cooled off after a hot start, picking up his first goal contribution since May 3. Coming in as a halftime sub, Carli wasted little time having an influence. His slick pass set up Yu Tsukanome for a good look that was only kept out by the goal post. Later in the match, he gave the Defiance the lead with a smooth e first-time finish from the top of the box. To finish off his night, Carli converted his shootout attempt.

Kaito Yamada: The 18-year-old loanee from Vissel Kobe continues to impress, this time getting a goal to go with another confident performance in the back. Yamada completed 84 of 92 passes, was 2/2 on dribbles and was credited with 13 defensive actions while also winning 6 of 11 duels. It would be great if the Sounders can figure out how to keep him in the organization after his loan expires.

Sebastian Gomez: This hasn't been the big step forward many of us had expected this year, but Gomez did show what makes him so intriguing. In some ways, he's a bit of a Paul Rothrock clone. He was just 12/21 passing but he created three chances, setting up Osaze De Rosario for a chance that hit off the crossbar and then assisting Carli on his goal. He was also 6 of 9 on dribbles and won 9 of 14 duels.