Tacoma Defiance hosted Austin FC II and lost 1-0 thanks to a late 88th minute goal from the visitors. While the defensive side of the ball was again encouraging, this is now the third consecutive game that the team has not been able to score. Moving forward, the coaching staff is going to need to figure out how to pair the stronger defensive play with more attacking dynamism.
The Defiance opened up the game with only two changes from the previous outing, Brayden Smith returned to the double pivot and Sebastian Gomez replaced Edson Carli on the left wing. The team displayed a strong defensive organization and effort, limiting Austin II to only three shots. The right hand side of Mark O’Neill and Rafael Jauregui was especially stout, combining to win 77% of duels.
The second half was fairly similar to the first, with Defiance repelling the Austin attacks while not being able to create good opportunities of their own. However, this defensive solidity broke down towards the end of the game when Mohammad Badiwaya split substitutes Drew Brown and Saku Kitafuji and centered to Kenan Hot. While Hot’s initial shot was blocked, he was first to the loose ball and put it past goalkeeper Max Anchor.
Defiance tried to snag an equalizer, with additional substitute Leonardo Flores getting a couple shots off, but neither could be converted.
Overview
Lineup
Substitutes
- 64’ Drew Brown ⇆ Codey Phoenix
- 64’ Edson Carli ⇆ Mark Bronnik
- 64’ Danny Robles ⇆ Brayden Smith
- 81’ Leonardo Flores Gonzalez ⇆ Rafael Jauregui
- 85’ Saku Kitafuji ⇆ Sebastian Gomez
Goals
- 88’ Austin FC II - ⚽Kenan Hot (Mohammad Badiwaya)
Stats
Key performers
Mark O’Neill
The converted centerback has made his new position of right back his own with Defiance. He partnered well with Jauregui in front of him, both of them positioning together to avoid any gaps on the right side. He was consistently able to jump passing lanes for interceptions, finishing with seven. His interception in the 30th minute turned into a nice combination with Jauregui to get in the prime assist zone, though his cross was ultimately blocked. For Defiance, he plays the Nouhou role but on the opposite side, staying home to create a back three. This is proving beneficial as it helps the second team implement similar principles of play as the first team.
Rafael Jauregui
Jauregui was the other half of the right side pairing that played well throughout the match. Defensively he positioned himself well and got stuck in, winning 66% of his duels. He was one of the guys that looked ready from the opening whistle. In the 4th minute he created space with a nifty dribble on the touchline before crossing to the top of the box where Gomez and Mark Bronnik were able to combine and get a shot off. He joined this offseason a bit under the radar, and that is similar to how he plays – putting in well rounded shifts that, even if his play doesn’t grab your attention.
Xavi Gnaulati
Gnaulati has been the mainstay in the double pivot to start the year, operating mostly as the more offensive minded of the pair. His comfort on the ball is evident, and tonight was no different. He was continually creative both on the dribble and in his passing where he finished with a couple of progressive carries and key passes apiece. In the 27th minute he turned his defender and earned a foul a few yards outside the 18. Again he showed inventiveness by standing over the ball with Yu before making a bursting run out wide, after receiving the through ball he was in prime assist zone, but his cross was blocked. With the team in an offensive rut, Gnaulati looks like one of the guys who can help turn that around.
