CITY2 Puts Four Past Tacoma Defiance to Earn Another Home Win
St Louis CITY2 came out the gates flying, pressing Tacoma Defiance high up the pitch and dictating the tempo of the game early on. Though CITY2 looked the most likely to score the opening goal, it was Tacoma Defiance who took the lead through an own goal following a deflection in the six-yard box. Despite going down against the run of play, CITY2 battled their way back into the match and leveled the score three minutes later. Josh Dolling dribbled past two defenders before laying a pass in the stride of Akil Watts who slammed his shot past the Tacoma goalkeeper.
After the goal, STL CITY2 ramped up their pressing and pinned back the Tacoma Defiance players deep in their own half. CITY2 created numerous chances to score but were missing that final piece to grab their second goal. All their dominance would eventually pay off in the 36th minute when Célio Pompeu slipped his shot past the goalkeeper – sending CITY2 into the break with a one-goal lead.
CITY2 started the second half how they started the first, with grit and intensity as they looked to protect the lead. Though Tacoma Defiance searched hard for the equalizer, CITY2’s defensive setup did not allow them to generate any significant chances. While the boys had a comfortable lead, that didn’t stop them from hunting for more goals. After winning a free kick on the right side, Pompeu whipped in a cross for AJ Palazzolo who rose above everyone to head home. Two minutes later, Max Schneider added another goal to give CITY2 a comfortable lead heading into the final stages.
Tacoma Defiance made the final minutes interesting with two late goals, but their efforts were not enough to deny CITY2 their second win in MLS NEXT Pro.
UP NEXT
St Louis CITY2 are on the road next Saturday, April 16 to face Sporting KC II at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, Kan.
STARTING LINEUP
Eric Walker, Ben Di Rosa, Josh Yaro, Kyle Hiebert, AJ Palazzolo, Akil Watts, Max Schneider, Wan Kuzain, Vitor Dias, Célio Pompeu, Josh Dolling
GOALS
12' - Josh Yaro (OG) - Tacoma Defiance
15’ - Akil Watts - STL CITY2
36’ - Célio Pompeu - STL CITY2
68’ - AJ Palazzolo - STL CITY2
70’ - Max Schneider - STL CITY2
78’ - Ocampo-Chavez - Tacoma Defiance
88’ - Kitahara - Tacoma Defiance
To learn more about St Louis CITY2, please find all player bios and headshots in this link here. To stay up to date with St. Louis CITY SC, visit stlcitysc.com and follow the club on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
