Soccer on the Sound: Defiance get point to clinch playoff spot

Tacoma Defiance 1-1 Timbers2 (Tacoma win 4-3 on penalties)

TUKWILA, WA–Tacoma Defiance needed a win and some help to make the playoffs in MLS NEXT Pro. They got the win in a penalty shootout over Timbers2, and then bottom side Colorado Rapids 2 gave them the help they needed as they defeated North Texas SC, 2-1.

Timbers2 found themselves down to ten men after Damian Cervantes was sent off in the 16th minute. However, it took Tacoma 34 minutes to find the breakthrough and that came through Charlie Gaffney who headed in a cross from Jasper Winslow to put the Defiance ahead. The Defiance looked to have done the job in regulation, but Gage Guerra would score in the 90th minute to send the match to a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Tacoma would make four out of five and goalkeeper Max Anchor would deny Sawyer Juraon the fifth kick and send the Defiance to the playoffs. The Defiance will be in the play-in game against San Jose Earthquakes 2 on the weekend of October 9-11. Time TBA.

Photos by Yuriy Tsupruk