The best attacking pro soccer team in Puget Sound is Tacoma Defiance. They showed that again in Saturday's 4-2 over Vancouver Whitecaps 2. With the win they pushed up to 1.57 points per match. They are still 10 points off of taking the Pacific Division. After the rough spring, Defiance are thriving in the summer, going on a 7-2-1 run with their only losses coming to division-leading T2.
Running out with an odd-back set, Defiance used two flex attackers who could drift between dual-10s or provide width. On the board early due to another brilliant goal from Mark Bronnik after service from Charlie Gaffney (Edson Carli with the secondary assist), Defiance then gave up a quick goal in response.
That was essentially the last time that Vancouver could think they were going to win. Defiance flowed down hill, forcing a total of six big chances on 18 shots.
The match wasn’t yet over when Rafael Juaregui put Defiance up 3-1 moments into the second half, but the result seemed obvious.
Paulo Nagamura's side does not need heavy possession to dominate. They display a tightness and aggression with the ball and a group of attackers who press effectively with the four-band chasing second balls on long clearances.
Defiance play next on August 8 at unusually mediocre North Texas.
Overview
Lineup
Goals
- 3' Tacoma Defiance - ⚽Mark Bronnik (Charlie Gaffney)
- 6' Whitecaps 2 - ⚽Daniel Ittycheria (Yeider Zuluaga)
- 37' Tacoma Defiance - ⚽Edson Carli (PK)
- 46' Tacoma Defiance - ⚽Rafael Jauregui (Carli)
- 69' Tacoma Defiance - ⚽OG (Manav Badwal)
- 79' Whitecaps 2 - ⚽Carson Rassak (Cristiano Bruletti)
Stats
Key performers
Mark Bronnik
If you haven't watched Bronnik yet you're missing out on a young man who can ghost into positions for easy goals – that third minute header couldn't be missed. Bronnik finished the match with 9 touches in the box for 4 shots (2 big chances). He doesn't only get into good positions, he sets up others too. He now has 7 goals and 3 assists in his last seven starts. His 9 goals on the season are tied for 8th in MLS Next Pro.
Edson Carli
Dual-10s can work! Carli was a creative engine, frequently with the ball before the ball while also creating danger on his own. Edson's ability to go wide or slip underneath is proving difficult to cover at this level. Without Carli's on-ball skills Defiance don't generate six big chances.
Rafael Jauregui
Dual 10s can work! Jauregui continues to play in the left channel, mixing up wide and interior play, running an attack and pressing well. It's difficult to overstate the defensive effort he’s putting in. He was in 19 duels and only dribbled past once. He's more than a ball winner, and set up an excellent chance while finishing his own.
Danny Robles
Now 24, Robles is an old hand at Defiance. Last night was another sampling of veteran leadership and positional awareness. With 2 interceptions and 3 recoveries, Danny is showing an understanding of the game. His conversion to a low-touch defensive mid is highlighting veteran savvy from his eight professional seasons. Defiance are undefeated in his four starts, earning 11 points due to one shootout win.
