The Defiance traveled to face North Texas SC without their full complement of players, as usual starters Mark Bronnik, Edson Carli, Mark O’Neill and Max Anchor are called up to the first team for Leagues Cup. Additionally, Codey Phoenix was missing from the starting lineup for unknown reasons.
This gave opportunities to a bunch of academy players, with highly rated striker Landon Lucero getting his second start and defensive midfielder Bryan Cisneros-Tafolla getting his first-ever start.
The first half started slow with a lot of possession for each team in between the respective 18-yard boxes. However, things started to open up as the half went on. North Texas almost got on the scoresheet in the 27th minute off of a free kick that wasn’t cleared effectively. The attacker was able to take a short clearance in the air and put it off the far post and into the net, but it was called off for a handball. Ten minutes later, North Texas again had a quality chance at the top of the box where a strong shot was put on frame but was saved by Mohammed Shour over the bar. Tacoma Defiance got their best chance of the half right before the whistle with a chipped shot from Xavi Gnaulati to the far post, but his effort was saved.
The second half saw these dangerous chances convert to the scoresheet. Defiance opened the scoring with Charlie Gaffney intercepting a pass out wide, making a quick central pass to Gnaulati, who slotted in at the far post after beating two defenders on the dribble. However, things started to fall apart in the 69th minute when North Texas equalized off a back-post cross that was headed in at the far post. Things turned worse 3 minutes later, when Shour gave up a free kick right outside the penalty box, and the ensuing shot was placed perfectly in the upper corner. Finally while Defiance was pushing, North Texas sealed the win in the 92nd minute off a turnover in Defiance’s own half that was scored on a deflection after Shour’s initial save.
This ended a 4-game win streak, but it was always going to be tough on the road without some of Defiance’s standout performers.
Overview
Lineup
Substitutions
- 65' Omar Hassan ⇆ Charlie Gaffney
- 65’ Taiki Sugitani ⇆ Gallatin Sandnes
- 73’ Saku Kiafuji ⇆ Xavi Gnaulati
- 83’ Wells Lear ⇆ Landon Lucero
- 84’ Paolo Hurtado Martinez ⇆ Danny Robles
Goals
- 50' Tacoma Defiance - ⚽Xavi Gnaulati (Charlie Gaffney)
- 69’ North Texas SC - ⚽Slade Starnes (Caleb Swann)
- 72’ North Texas SC - ⚽Daniel Baran
- 92’ North Texas SC - ⚽Da’vian Kimbrough
Stats
Key performers
Xavi Gnaulati
With the depleted roster, Gnaulati showed his versatility by moving from the double pivot up a line, to play as one of the dual 10s. In that role he performed admirably, and found himself on the scoresheet with an excellent goal. He was perfectly positioned to receive a quick central ball from Gaffney and was able to beat two defenders on the dribble before slotting in the far post. This was one of his 3 shots on target, which was 100% accuracy on the night.
Charlie Gaffney
The former academy right back was a surprise inclusion in the roster today as he was an option for the first team in their opening Leagues Cup game. While he may be disappointed to not have another opportunity, he continued to make his case with a solid performance. He has found a home as a right wingback and balances a strong offensive and defensive game. This was illustrated perfectly by his assist on Defiance’s lone goal, which came directly off his anticipating a passing lane to intercept the ball.
Gallatin Sandnes
Sandnes was instrumental in possession for Defiance and finished second on the team in pass attempts while only playing 65 minutes. His passing game continues to improve as he finished with 92% accuracy and 4 passes into the final third. Playing as the center of a back 3 in possession, he also organizes the defensive shape of the team. It was notable that the Defiance had a clean sheet until he was subbed off.
