Key performers in Defiance’s wild 4-3 win over Sporting KC II
The Tacoma Defiance earned a wild come-from-behind win over Sporting KC II on Sunday, getting a pair of stoppage-time goals to erase what was once a 3-1 deficit. Osaze De Rosario scored two goals, including the equalizer at 90+2’, with the other goals coming from Dylan Teves and Faysal Bettache’s winner at 90+3’.
The match featured several first-teamers, likely in preparation for what promises to be a heavily rotated Sounders lineup against Austin FC next week. Unfortunately, some of them didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory. Cody Baker appeared to lose his mark on the first two SKC II goals, while Nathan got caught in possession after a marauding run forward to set up the counter on the third goal.
Defiance's 5.59 expected goals were the highest in MLS Next Pro history, according to American Soccer Analysis’ database. This was their third straight win and they now sit sixth in the Western Conference.
Highlights
Key performers
Osaze De Rosario: It’s been an up-and-down season for De Rosario, who at one point was considered one of the top young attacking talents in the Canadian Premier League but who has struggled to get regular starts with Defiance. Given a start and surrounded by some experience, De Rosario acquitted himself well in this one. He finished with seven shots, two goals and helped set up the game-winner. His first goal showcased some decent speed, good touch and excellent composure as he got behind the defense and finished calmly. He put himself in excellent position to clean up a rebound on the equalizer and would have likely earned a penalty if the shot had not gone in. On the winner, he pounced on a deflected shot and the rebound of his shot fell nicely for Bettache. He now has five goals in less than 700 minutes this season, including three goals in his past three games.
Faysal Bettache: Coming off the bench, Bettache was certainly active in his 32 minutes. He was 20 of 23 passing, created three chances and had his goal. The goal was a bit of redemption as well, after his would-be equalizing 83rd-minute penalty was saved. The penalty was reasonably well taken, it should be said, but the goalkeeper guessed the right way and stretched to make a quality save. Bettache now ranks fifth in MLS Next Pro in total goal contributions, with seven goals and three assists.
Yu Tsukanome: Another quality performer off the bench, Tsukanome had two assists that proved pivotal. His first was a beautiful ball over the top that put De Rosario into space. The second was a bit more accidental, but he deserves credit for being in a dangerous spot even it was more of a shot that set up De Rosario again. He also was a key part of the defense, leading all outfield players with eight recoveries.
Travian Sousa: Deployed as a left winger, Sousa was again very effective. Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet, he was credited with a game-high five chances created and won 5 of 7 duels. Like many of the top Defiance players, he’s a little on the older side and it’s not entirely clear how he might project as a MLS player, but he has consistently been making the most of his opportunities.
Stats
g+ GameFlow: MLS Next Pro Regular Season Tacoma Defiance v Sporting Kansas City II on July 07, 2024. #TACvSKC
— g+ GameFlow (@gameflow.bsky.social) Jul 8, 2024 at 5:31 AM
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MATCH SUMMARY
Tacoma Defiance 4 – Sporting Kansas City II 3
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Venue: Starfire Sports, Tukwila, Wash.
Referee: Justin St. Pierre
Assistants: Miles Crumley, Hunter Zachwieja
Fourth official: Dion Coxe-Trieger
Weather: 85 degrees and sunny
SCORING SUMMARY
SKC – Maouloune Goumballe (Christopher Rindov) 10’
TAC – Dylan Teves (Danny Leyva) 33’
SKC – Maouloune Goumballe (Mason Visconti) 43’
SKC – Ethan Bryant (penalty) 45’+1’
TAC – Osaze De Rosario (Yu Tsukanome) 48’
TAC – Osaze De Rosario (Yu Tsukanome) 90+2’
TAC – Faysal Bettache (Osaze De Rosario) 90+3’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
SKC – Christopher Rindov (caution) 16’
SKC – Jonathan Robinson (caution) 31’
TAC – Kalani Kossa-Rienzi (caution) 45’
SKC – Kamron Habibullah (caution) 50’
SKC – Ethan Bryant (caution) 75’
SKC – Mason Visconti (caution) 84’
TAC – Chris Aquino (caution) 90’+4’
LINEUPS & STATS
Tacoma Defiance – Trevor Wilson; Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, Nathan (Antino Lopez 46’), Stuart Hawkins – captain, Cody Baker (Yu Tsukanome 46’); Sota Kitahara, Snyder Brunell (Chris Aquino 70’); Dylan Teves (Faysal Bettache 60’), Danny Leyva (Frank Daroma 67’), Travian Sousa; Osaze De Rosario
Substitutes not used: Lars Helleren, Blake Bowen, Elias Katsaros, Owen O’Malley, Sebastian Gomez
Total shots: 21
Shots on goal: 13
Fouls: 11
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks: 3
Saves: 3
Sporting Kansas City II – Ryan Schewe; Mason Visconti, Christopher Rindov, Haris Alisah (Ian James 87’), Jonathan Robinson (Jacob Swallen 66’); Sebastian Cruz, Macielo Tschantret, Kamron Habibullah; Ethan Bryant, Beto Avila (Demarre Mantoute 73’), Maouloune Goumballe
Substitutes not used: Nicholas Hategan, Leo Christiano, Medgy Alexandre, Jacob Molinaro, Shane Donovan
Total shots: 16
Shots on goal: 6
Fouls: 9
Offside: 1
Corner-kicks: 4
Saves: 9