Key takeaways from Defiance's win over LAFC2

Dave Clark -

After a pace-driven loss to Ventura County, Defiance found a way to bend-not-break their way to victory against LAFC2 on Sunday evening. Yu Tsukanome scored his third goal of the season in the 20th minute. Then the field tilted to LAFC2's favor.

Frequent mis-passes between those responsible for defense let LA's attackers get in on goal frequently, forcing Jacob Castro into five saves. Castro earned his first clean sheet of the season and fourth of his MLS Next Pro career. An all-Academy goal iced the match when Chris Aquino finished off the match. It was Aquino's first goal of 2024. Defiance now has seven scorers on the young season.

Defiance next play at North Texas SC on Sunday April 14 at 5:30 p.m. PDT.

Notable performances

Jacob Castro

Facing an xG of 2.11 with at least four significant opportunities against him Jacob Castro displayed his combination of athleticism and game knowledge to keep a shutout that frequently lacked support from his defense. This was likely Castro's best ever professional performance with a highlight reel to show for it.

He also integrated well into Defiance's less-potent-than-usual attack. His strong arm put Tacoma in possession opportunities on the run at the centerline after his catches. Castro also showed a decent ability to dribble and pass. A Sounders fan worried about the post-Frei future should watch this highlight reel to see how strong Seattle's third keeper is.

Yu Tsukanome

Starting for the first time as a winger, Tsukanome started with early success accepting passes in dangerous places and finding the goal. He now leads the team in G+ for receiving and shooting. Yu's early appearances seem to be as a space stealer who breaks lines in unexpected places. Late in the match he had trouble finding the ball.

Highlights

Stats

MATCH SUMMARY

Tacoma Defiance 2 – LAFC2 0
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Venue: Starfire Stadium
Referee: Elijio Arreguin
Assistants: Melissa Beck, Conrado Garcia
Fourth official: Jaclyn Metz
Weather: 54 degrees and mostly cloudy

SCORING SUMMARY

TAC – Yu Tsukanome (Kalani Kossa-Rienzi) 20’

TAC – Chris Aquino (Snyder Brunell) 90+1’

MISCONDUCT SUMMARY 

TAC – Faysal Bettache (caution) 13’

TAC – Frank Daroma (caution) 16’

LAFC – Tamir Ratovitz (caution) 44’

LAFC – Javen Romero (caution) 64’

LAFC – Thabo Nare (catuion) 90+4’

LINEUPS & STATS 

Tacoma Defiance – Jacob Castro; Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Stuart Hawkins, Jonathan Bell (Antino Lopez 65’), Travian Sousa; Frank Daroma, Sota Kitahara; Paul Rothrock (Sebastian Gomez 65’), Faysal Bettache – captain (Snyder Brunell 81’), Yu Tsukanome (Chris Aquino 76’); Osaze De Rosario (Gio Miglietti 65’)

Substitutes not used: Lars Helleren, Owen O’Malley, Elias Katsaros, Burke Fahling

Total shots: 9

Shots on goal: 6

Fouls: 15

Offside: 3

Corner-kicks: 4

Saves: 5 

LAFC2 – David Ochoa; Shakir Nixon, Javen Romero, Thabo Nare, Luca Bombino; Diego Rosales, Tommy Musto (Decarlo Guerra 75’), Tamir Ratovitz (Matias Wanchope 75’); Bajung Darobe (Aidan Martin 69’), Leonardo Flores, Matthew Evans

Substitutes not used: Dylan Ryan Glowaski, Adrian Sanders, James Lane, Javier Hernandez

Total shots: 12

Shots on goal: 5

Fouls: 17

Offside: 5

Corner-kicks: 10

Saves: 4