Defiance washed away by Rapids 2, snapping three match unbeaten streak
By Jason Fridge, edited by Charles Hamaker
Tukwila, WA - The Tacoma Defiance (10-5-7) snapped their three-match unbeaten streak in a tough 3-1 loss to Colorado Rapids 2 (14-3-5) in an MLS Next Pro Western Conference matchup at Starfire Stadium on Sunday night. The loss puts the season series between the two clubs tied at one win a piece, as the Defiance took down Colorado in a matchup 2-1 back in June. Colorado remains strong at first place in the Western Conference, and become the first team to clinch a berth to the MLS Next Pro playoffs. The loss also marks only the second time the Defiance have fallen to an opposing club at Starfire, as fans have been a great supporting cast supplying much needed energy to the team when playing under the lights all season.
Tacoma Defiance goalkeeper Jacob Castro was tested early and often against Colorado, not getting much help from his defense (Photo by Liz Wolter)
Colorado makes noise early
One of the hardest parts about playing at Starfire Stadium is the passion from fans in the crowd making it intimidating for any visitor to play with poise on the field. Colorado found a way to neutralize this factor early, as they opened up scoring in the eighth minute thanks to a Dillon Serna free kick that snuck past Tacoma goalkeeper Jacob Castro. This was Serna’s first goal in his two seasons with Colorado, and immediately gave Colorado confidence in a familiar position they’ve had playing with the lead. Tacoma created plenty of opportunities throughout the rest of the first half to knot the game up, but impressive goalkeeping from Colorado’s Adam Beaudry and excellent defensive pressure held the Defiance without a score heading into the break.
The second half did not go much better for Tacoma, as self-inflicted wounds only made their comeback effort more difficult to manage. After a couple solid attacks on offense, a Stuart Hawkins foul in the 60th minute drew both a yellow card and a penalty shot for Colorado. Yosuke Hanya would step up to the line and deliver a massive blow to the Defiance comeback as he buried the ball in the low right corner to make it a 2-0 lead for the Rapids.
Tacoma still knew the game was young and there was plenty of time left to chip away at the lead. In the 72nd minute, Raul “Gio” Miglietti took advantage of a loose ball in the box coming off a shot from Braudílio Rodrigues and put the Defiance on the board. This was the former University of Washington Husky’s fifth goal of the season in only his fourth start with Tacoma, and breathed life into the squad heading into the final portion of the game. Tacoma used this new found energy to stay on the attack, and multiple attempts put towards the goal were either deflected away by Colorado defenders or missing the net altogether, tempting the crowd who was ready to explode at the sight of the tying goal.
The Defiance kept their offense in attack mode into extra time, with Rodrigues missing his opportunity to be the hero sending a shot from outside of the box wide of the goal. Moments later, Colorado would push a counter attack and Hanya would draw another foul in the penalty area from Tacoma’s Hal Uderitz that put the Rapids back in position for a chance to ice the game. Rémi Cabral filled in for Hanya and netted the game sealing point burying the ball past Castro in the bottom left to send Colorado home with a big road victory.
Defiance unable to capitalize on possession advantage
In a matchup against the top team in their conference, Tacoma understood that possession of the ball would be a major battle that they needed to control. And throughout the game, they dominated that area of the game. The Defiance held a heavy advantage of possession throughout the game and moved the ball with efficiency all over the field. The early goal against didn't seem to rattle the squad with the team flying around and sending crosses into the box left and right. The big challenge Tacoma consistently faced was Colorado defenders stepping up in big moments making saves before shots could get in towards Beaudry. The Rapids finished the game with five blocked shots from their defenders and were able to clear the ball out of the box 16 times, resetting the Defiance’s attack and giving them time to recover into their formation. Beaudry did his job when he was asked, making three saves in clutch moments to steal the glory of great possessions.
Another big problem that held Tacoma back was three offside calls, two of which came in the second half and shut down fast paced movement from the offense. After Miglietti’s goal to bring the game with one in the 72nd minute, the Defiance seemed to have another great look with Blake Bowen sending the ball up field to a streaking Georgi Minoungou before the sideline officials flag sprang into the air and sucked the momentum away from the team. Untimely fouls like these were the story of the night, ultimately putting a winnable game too far outside the grasp of this team that is still looking to make noise around the league.
What’s next?
Tacoma will have an opportunity to bounce back with a two-game road trip, heading to Arlington, Texas for a matchup with North Texas SC on August 19th. The Defiance shutout North Texas last month in a 3-0 victory at home and will look to complete the series sweep. After their match in the lone star state, they’ll travel up north to face Minnesota United FC 2 in a rematch of their 4-4 draw that Tacoma was able to snag a victory from in PKs 4:2. Following their road trip to end August, Tacoma will return to Starfire for a highly coveted matchup against PNW rival Portland Timbers 2 under the lights.
The Defiance remain in possession of third place in the MLS Next Pro Western Conference with 41 points. With six games remaining in the regular season, they’ll join the race for a playoff berth and hope to build off of their postseason appearance last season that saw them fall to St. Louis City 2 in the conference final.
Kickoff for next Saturday’s game is slated for 5:30pm PST from Choctaw Stadium in Arlington.