After a tough start to the year in which the club is still winless in regulation and struggling to score goals, the Defiance made a few adjustments. Structurally they changed the tactics, lining up in a 3-4-3 that pressed high with the front three. Additionally, academy product Leo Flores Gonzalez got the start up top and Peter Kingston slotted into central midfield.
While the team still couldn’t get on the scoresheet, this did feel like a step in the right direction. They finished with 16 shots, 12 of which were from inside the box.
It took the team about 15 minutes to settle into the game, but once they did the high press proved effective. It led to the best chance of the first half where the pressure forced Ventura County into a bad back pass. Flores picked up the loose ball at the top of the box and put a shot off the post. While the high press was a new tactical adjustment, the same backline got the start and again the defensive structure was solid. The center back pairing of Winslow and Sandnes seems like a very effective partnership.
Defiance came out in the second half with the same momentum they ended the first. Strong defense kept things comfortable and the team was progressing the ball well up to the final third. However, in the 74th minute, Ventura County would score against the run of play off a corner. While the defense was solid all night, in this instance Dylan Vanney was completely unmarked and had a clear run to one time the low corner into the net.
The team responded with strong pressure through the rest of the game, with substitute Mark Bronnik involved heavily with five shots. However, good saves from the opposing keeper and plenty of blocked shots kept Defiance off the scoresheet.
Overview
Lineup
Substitutes
- 60’ Rafael Jauregui ⇆ Codey Phoenix
- 74’ Mark Bronniki ⇆ Leonardo Flores Gonzalez
- 74’ Brayden Smith ⇆ Xavi Gnaulauti
- 84’ Omar Hassan ⇆ Edson Carli
Goals
- 74’ Ventura County - ⚽Dylan Vanney (Tucker Lepley)
Stats
Key performers
Leonardo Flores Gonzalez
The academy striker got his first start of the season and made a good impression. As the center of the front three, he was pivotal in the effective high press. He showed a willingness and aptitude for putting in the work against the ball. His best moment of the night was in the 16th minute, where he picked up a loose ball after the high press forced a turnover. He drove forward to the top of the 18 and made a cutback to create space, putting his shot off the post. This outing should earn some more minutes where he will hopefully be able to add a bit more polish on his game.
Sebastian Gomez
Playing as a left winger, Gomez floated where he could get on the ball and make plays with his dribbling. He finished the game with 19 total carries, six of which were progressive. This tactical shift got the wingers more isolated on the wing and Gomez got such opportunities in the 27th and 46th minute. He also showed some passing vision with a couple through balls. He looks to be rounding a bit into form and just needs clean up the final product.
Peter Kingston
After spending time recently with the first team, Kingston was back with Defiance in central midfield and was the main connector for the team. He had 87% pass completion on 61 total passes while also creating two key passes. He kept himself an outlet on the top of the box in interplay and had a good shot saved in extra time. The confidence he must be feeling after his performances with the Sounders showed tonight.
