Tacoma Defiance put an end to Houston Dynamo 2’s perfect record after its 4-1 victory at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington Sunday evening.
With a brace by centerback Abdoulaye Cissoko, a tally by forward Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez and a stoppage-time goal by midfielder Valentín Sabella, Tacoma became the first team to earn a victory against the Western Conference leaders.
Dynamo Dos started off the game with more possession of the ball and created plenty of opportunities in set plays, however, they were unable to find the back of the net until the 79th minute with a goal by Papa N’Doye.
Prior to today’s matchup, Ocampo-Chavez and Dynamo 2 forward Roberto Avila were tied in the race for MLS NEXT Pro’s golden boot with five goals each. Following today’s duel, Ocampo-Chavez took the lead with six goals.
In an expected battle between the top two leading goal-scorers of the inaugural campaign, it was a defender who led the charge of Tacoma’s win. 22-year-old French player Cissoko is part of Seattle Sounders FC who will play the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final against Pumas UNAM at Lumen Field in Seattle on Wednesday, May 4.
Tacoma Defiance will look to maintain winning form in a road contest against North Texas SC at Cochtaw Stadium on Sunday, May 8.
Houston Dynamo 2 lost for the first time this season after falling 4-1 to Tacoma Defiance in Week 6.
Many factors came into play for the team coached by Kenny Bundy, including this trip being the longest one in the season so far, not having a complete roster available for this matchup due to players being called up to the U-19 and U-20 U.S. Youth National Teams, and a subpar performance from their leading scorer Beto Avila.
Those absent were midfielder Juan Castilla, goalkeeper Xavier Valdez, midfielder Brooklyn Raines and defender Mateo Pinilla.
Bundy made adjustments, however, the team struggled to maintain its winning ways which led to the end of their perfect record of 5-0-0.
Dynamo 2 will look to get back on track when they return to AVEVA Stadium to face Colorado Rapids 2 on May 8.
