The new era in Tacoma will look quite different, but the players are quite familiar. No longer wearing an approximation of the Sounders kit, Tacoma Defiance players will have their own identity when they launch the USL Championship’s 2019 season. Clad in black, these teenage veterans of D2 action aren’t just gunning for MLS contracts, they are expected to make a push for the 2019 playoffs. Ten of the 18 teams in the Western Conference will qualify, and if Defiance do, it will be because the youthful talent performed.

With the roster at 19, plus four loanees from the Sounders and a handful of available Academy players, the matchday 18 will not be automatic. There is now competition up and down the roster, not just a matter of health and availability.

Sounders preseason saw 11 Tacoma Defiance players take the pitch with the First Team. That means a majority of this squad is more prepared than their opposition. Rio Grande Valley Toros went 1-3-2 -1 in preseason action. Defiance went 2-0-1 +3 with Alec Diaz scoring two goals to lead the team. Danny Robles scored with both Sounders and Defiance during their respective preseasons.

Defiantly Tacoma

Keys to the Game

• Defend via possession.
• Feed Diaz.
• Be overwhelming in attack.
• Lead from within.

Lineups

Toros

Defiance

How to Watch

Match date/time: 7 p.m. PT, Friday, March 8, 2019.

Venue: Cheney Stadium, Tacoma, South Sound.

Streaming: ESPN+ (Harvey, Clark).