What once were just road woes are plainly woes now. Tacoma Defiance dropped their last five matches, plummeting from a high of second place in the Pacific Division all the way to sixth. The only way out is to beat the teams below them, wherever they face each other, beat the teams above them when at home, and get a couple draws on the road.

Once upon a time Defiance players and coaches could dream about a home game at Cheney Stadium. Bitter reality is in the way of those dreams. Reality requires a win at Sacramento Republic tonight.

Why You Should Watch

• Wherefore Art Thou Offense: During the losing streak Defiance have only scored three times. The five matches prior the attack notched 11 goals while going 4-1-0, +5. Someone besides Sam Adeniran has to be a scoring threat, and not just on set-pieces.
• 5-2-1-2: Recently Wade Webber’s tried to use a 2-forward set and keeping the wingbacks back more frequently. The desire is to get a bit more balance in the formation, but maybe give up possession. The reported lineup makes it look like Danny Robles will be a #10.
• Loandowns Must Show Why They’re MLS Players: With Seattle Sounders at home Sunday night there’s a chance that loandowns will be limited. Still, if any of the younger HGPs don Commencement Gray they have to show that they are more talented than their teammates. They should boost the overall play of the side, especially in possession and the attack.

How to Watch

Match date/kickoff time: Saturday, October 2, 7:30 PM PT

Venue: Heart Health Park | Sacramento, California

Online Streaming: ESPN+

Defiance Absences: There are no injuries to report. Sota Kitahara is on loan to FC Pinzgau Saalfelden in Austria until the end of 2021. Azriel Gonzalez is on loan to FC Edmonton through the 2021 CPL season.

Republic: to be announced