Tacoma Defiance welcomed LAFC 2 back to Starfire and got their first win of the season through a rare offensive outburst.
The first half opened shakily when LAFC 2 scored off a 20-yard free kick in the 7th minute. However, Defiance were resilient and got a hold on the game, scoring three goals in a 10-minute span. The first was in the 14th minute off a corner kick, where Leo Flores Gonzalez was targeted at the near post but it got through to Mark O’Neill who headed for the goal. Leo did get his assist after he was found in the box on a beautiful slip ball from Sebastian Gomez, then crossed to the back post to Charlie Gaffney. The third and final goal of the half was a penalty kick called for a pulling foul on Mark O’Neill off a corner. Yu Tsukanome stepped up to take the spot kick and tucked it into the right corner.
A welcome sight in this game was Stuart Hawkins returning from injury, going the first 45 minutes before being subbed for Jasper Winslow. In addition, Charlie Gaffney was subbed out for Rafael Jauregui at half.
The second half didn’t have as much excitement as the first, but the Defiance did extend their lead again off a corner. It was taken short to Gomez who was able to beat his man into the box, put in a chipped cross to Tsukanome who volleyed for his second goal of the game.
Overview
Lineup
Substitutes
- 45’ Jasper Winslow ⇆ Stuart Hawkins
- 45’ Rafael Jauregui ⇆ Charlie Gaffney
- 61’ Cody Baker ⇆ Demian Alvarez
- 69‘ Edson Carli ⇆ Xavi Gnaulati
- 77‘ Codey Phoenix ⇆ Drew Brown
Goals
- 7’ LAFC 2 - ⚽Matthew Evans
- 14’ Tacoma Defiance - ⚽Mark O’Neill
- 17’ Tacoma Defiance - ⚽Charlie Gaffney (Leonardo Flores Gonzalez)
- 22’ Tacoma Defiance - ⚽Yu Tsukanome
- 75’ Tacoma Defiance - ⚽Yu Tsukanome (Sebastian Gomez)
Stats
Key performers
Leonardo Flores Gonzalez
The academy striker continues to show well with his time as the starting forward and the entire team seems to be more effective in attack with him leading the line. He was able to get on the scoresheet with a nice run into the box before crossing to Gaffney at the back post. Additionally, he continues to show a willingness to be active in defense as at the end of the game he had gotten into 14 duels. The next step is for him to show a bit more physical presence as he was only able to win four.
Mark O'Neill
This was another game where O’Neill showed his versatility, lining up as a part of the double pivot for the second straight game. He was able to get his first goal for the club off a nice header from a corner kick, but the highlight of his play was how strong of a presence he was in the center of the pitch. On the defensive end, he won 50% of his 12 duels, had five interceptions and clearances a piece, as well as a blocked shot. While his best position is likely still on the back line, this ability to play a pure destroying 6 is an interesting facet to his game.
Sebastian Gomez
Gomez was the creative hub of the team in their best offensive performance of the year. He kickstarted the second goal with a beautiful slipped pass to Flores Gonzalez and he got on the scorecard with his assist on the final goal after beating his defender from the short corner. He finished with four key passes and progressive carries a piece. Consistency will be important for Gomez to take the next step as he is showing the capability to be an offensive catalyst.
