Defiance will face North Texas in MLS Next Pro playoffs

The Tacoma Defiance will face FC Dallas affiliate North Texas in the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday at 5:30 PM. North Texas was the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and were given the option to choose their opponent. The Defiance, who finished the regular season fourth, were the lowest remaining seed.

The Defiance faced North Texas only once this season, losing 2-1 on April 14. The Defiance beat Ventura County FC 4-0 to earn their spot in the semis, while North Texas needed an 85th minute goal to beat Vancouver Whitecaps 2, 3-2, after blowing a two-goal lead.

North Texas was the top team in MLS Next Pro this season, collecting 62 points and posting a +24 goal-difference in 28 games. Their 56 goals were the second most in the Western Conference, just three fewer than the league-leading Defiance.

Their goal scoring was pretty well spread out, with Tarik Scott and Pedrinho each scoring 10 goals to lead the team and six others scoring at least three goals.

Leading the way for the Defiance has been Chris Aquino (10 goals) and Gio Miglietti (7 goals).