Tacoma Defiance has turned their season around and has recently been playing strong soccer. However, against the Real Monarchs they reverted back to their early season struggles and put in a really poor shift, getting shut out 3-0.
The first half was relatively solid defensively; the team was able to keep a clean sheet and limit chances, only allowing 3 shots for the Monarchs. It was a similar story going the other way for the Defiance, who only 2 shots in the first half. Both teams seemed content to play a lot of safe passes, particularly cycling the ball through the back lines.
This defensive solidity fell apart in the second half, primarily on set pieces and the excellent service of Antonio Riquelme. The Defiance conceded first in the 59th minute off a set piece where the ball floated to the back post. Felix Ewald was running free and got his finishing touch inside the 6. The second Monarchs goal came on a corner kick where Ewald was able to make a run in front of a fellow Monarch player that was marked; he slammed a header past Max Anchor. The final nail in the coffin was again created off the foot of Riquelme, who found Lionel Djiro down the left channel. Djiro was able to beat Anchor to the near post.
It was a night to forget for the Defiance and they will need bounce back quick as they are only one point above the playoff line, and three teams behind them in the standings have a game in hand.
Overview
Lineup
Substitutions
- 62’ Matthew Bell ⇆ Rafael Jauregui
- 62’ Jared Ríos ⇆ Bryan Cisneros-Tafolla
- 79’ Landon Lucero ⇆ Danny Robles
Goals
- 59’ Real Monarchs - ⚽Felix Ewald (Antonio Riquelme)
- 83’ Real Monarchs - ⚽Felix Ewald (Antonio Riquelme)
- 89’ Real Monarchs - ⚽Lionel Djiro (Antonio Riquelme)
Stats
Key performers
Mark Bronnik
Bronnik didn’t get on the scoresheet but he was still dangerous, getting off 4 shots, including a big chance late where Codey Phoenix found him with a deep cross that he headed over the bar. He also put in an admirable defensive shift, getting into 8 duels and winning 5 of them, as well as finishing with 2 tackles, 1 block, 1 clearance and 4 defensive contributions. Ideally he will get more involved in the buildup next game as he only had 21 touches and 5 pass attempts.
Charlie Gaffney
Gaffney patrolled the right flank well and was involved on both the offensive and defensive end. He excels at providing a wide option, and in this game he also was strong on the dribble, completing all 4 of his attempts. He could have been a bit more dialed in with his crosses, in particular missing Bronnik on an early cross in the 34th minute on the counter attack. Defensively, Gaffney won 6 of his 8 duels and had 2 tackles, 1 clearance and 3 defensive contributions.
Danny Robles
Robles was partnered with academy central midfielder Bryan Cisneros-Tafolla and was solid but safe in the middle of the park. He completed 19 out of 21 passes, with 2 accurate long balls and 1 successful dribble. He also won all 3 of his duels and finished with 1 tackle, 1 block, 1 clearance, 1 interception and 4 defensive contributions. This was a game where he was involved in all facets but at a minimal level.
