The Tacoma Defiance are hosting Austin FC II on Sunday in the Western Conference Semifinal of the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs. Here is everything you need to know:
WHEN AND WHERE: Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. PT at Starfire Stadium (TICKETS).
WHERE TO WATCH: The match will be available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
FORM GUIDE (all competitions, most recent first): Tacoma: WDWWW, Austin: WLLDD
HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Defiance defeated Houston Dynamo 2 by a score of 4-3 in the opening round of the playoffs, with Blake Bowen, Braudilio Rodrigues and Dylan Teves notching goals for the home side. Austin picked up a 2-0 win over Sporting KC II courtesy of goals from David Rodriguez and Alonso Ramírez.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Tacoma picked up a 1-0 home win over Austin back on June 25, with Braudilio Rodrigues scoring the lone goal for the hosts.
ATTACKING FIREPOWER: The Defiance have scored two or more goals in every game dating back to the beginning of August. During that span, they have scored 23 goals from just seven matches.
RODRIGUES RUNNING RAMPANT: The rookie winger has been a sensation in MLS NEXT Pro, tallying 17 goals and 4 assists during his first season with the Defiance.
DEFENSIVE STALWART: First Team center back AB Cissoko was named to the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI. The buccaneering defender has been a vital piece of the Defiance back line and has chipped in with five goals this season.
THE FUTURE IS HERE: Center back Stuart Hawkins, who recently inked a Homegrown deal with the First Team, has been a mainstay in the lineup, while 16-year-old Academy midfielder Snyder Brunell has broken into the side and made significant contributions this season.
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SHOW YOUR SUPPORT: Tickets are still available for Sunday night's Western Conference Semifinal. Few matchday experiences can rival a packed Starfire Stadium. And with proceeds from ticket sales benefitting the RAVE Foundation, you can go support the team as they pursue a new trophy and give back to a good cause.
FAMILIAR FACES: Former Sounders Academy and Tacoma Defiance defender Joe Hafferty has been instrumental for Austin this season, and former Sounders Homegrown Player Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez has also been a key attacking piece for the visitors.
CLASH OF STYLES: Tacoma has one of the most potent attacks in MLS NEXT Pro with 58 goals scored, while Austin boasts the best defensive record in the league, allowing just 28 goals all season.
