MLS NEXT Pro on Monday named the Tacoma Defiance as the No. 2 team in the Week 13 Power Rankings following the team's 4-1 victory over Colorado Rapids 2 on Saturday.
With the win, Tacoma climbed into first place in the MLS NEXT Pro Western conference on 28 points, just two points back of Columbus Crew 2 for the top spot in the league.
"Tacoma Defiance took care of things at home on Saturday when they defeated Colorado Rapids 4-1, extending their unbeaten streak to nine games," wrote MLSNEXTPro.com's Ramon Chavez. "Marlon Vargas scored for the sixth game in a row, bringing his season total to seven and tying him with teammate Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez."
Vargas, in particular, has been enjoying a breakout season in 2022. The 21-year-old Sounders Academy alum has posted seven goals and four assists from just nine starts, putting him in the top ten in the league for both metrics.
Beyond the individual milestones, the Defiance have been one of the most complete teams during the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro campaign. The team leads the league in both Goals Scored (35) and Goal Differential (20).
The Defiance return to action on June 26 when they visit Houston Dynamo (5:00 p.m. PT | MLSNEXTPro.com) at AVEVA Stadium.
