The first week of MLS NEXT Pro action is in the books for the Tacoma Defiance.
Following a 4-0 win over Real Monarchs SLC on Sunday, the Defiance were named the top team in the league in the MLSNEXTPro.com Week 1 Power Rankings.
“Complete dominance is what Tacoma Defiance showcased in their 4-0 victory over Real Monarchs at Starfire Stadium Sunday afternoon,” wrote MLSNEXTPro.com’s Jesus Tellitud. “Defiance was relentless all game as they tallied 16 total shots on goal, with nine of them on target. The team from Washington made Real Monarchs pay for every mistake it made as the ball seemed to never leave the Monarchs' side of the pitch.”
The Defiance controlled proceedings from the opening whistle, with a mixture of young players on the First Team and Tacoma prospects carving out chance after chance. It was a thrilling performance by the Sounders second team as they dominated possession and combined their way through visitors with clever passes and attacking flair.
“The score easily could have swollen to five or six goals if not for the goalposts saving Real Monarchs,” added Tellitud. “Stand-out performers include Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, who scored 2 goals, and Dylan Teves, who scored and assisted a goal. The home team walked away from this game with 4 goals, a clean sheet, and the league's attention as it put all MLS NEXT Pro clubs on notice.”
The Tacoma Defiance return to action Saturday as they host FC Dallas affiliate North Texas SC at Starfire Stadium (7:00 p.m. PT; Streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com | TICKETS).
