Press Release

MATCH PREVIEW: TACOMA DEFIANCE TRAVELS TO AUSTIN FC II FRIDAY FOR SEASON OPENER

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RENTON, WASH. – Tacoma Defiance kicks off its 2024 MLS NEXT Pro campaign with a rematch of the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals against Austin FC II on Friday, March 15 at Parmer Field (6:00 p.m. PT / Apple TV).

Tacoma lost in 1-0 in the Semifinals matchup, with Austin's lone goal enough to leave Starfire Stadium with the victory. Austin would go on to eventually win the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup.

Friday's match also marks the first contest for new Head Coach Hervé Diese. Diese took over for Wade Webber this offseason, who moved into the Director of Development role with Sounders FC.

Following Friday's match, Tacoma hosts Colorado Rapids 2 in its season opener on Sunday, March 24 at Starfire Stadium (7:00 p.m. PT / Apple TV).

In addition to the players on Tacoma Defiance's roster, below are the names of Sounders FC and Sounders FC Academy players who are eligible to represent Defiance this season via either Academy Agreements or MLS Loans:

ACADEMY AGREEMENTS

Shaun Brun

Kelvin Luis Brito

Gallatin Sandnes

Mohammed Shour

Etienne Veillard

Trevor Wilson

MLS LOANS

Josh Atencio

Cody Baker

Reed Baker-Whiting

Jacob Castro

Stuart Hawkins

Sota Kitahara

Danny Leyva

Braudilio Rodrigues

Paul Rothrock

Dylan Teves

Andrew Thomas

Obed Vargas