May 24, Curtis HS Stadium
The Tide needed a win and some help to qualify for the US Open Cup for the first time in their 3 year history. For a while in the second half it looked like the Open Cup dreams were in reach. The optimism stemmed from a beautiful through ball combination between Spencer Schomaker and Rafael Cox. Cox slotted home the goal from Schomaker’s pass to level the score at 1-1. The Tide had momentum and the home crowd cheering them on, but couldn’t convert another and were forced to wait for next year’s Open Cup qualifying.
The Tacoma side drew most of the opportunities in the first half. To be fair, they controlled the majority of possession as well. Much of the possession led to corner kicks, throw-ins, and balls lofted in from free kicks. In fact, the Tide finished with five corner kick opportunities in the first half to just one for BYU. However, with the Tide pushing forward towards goal, it was the Cougars who made a swift move for goal number one. An excellently timed run gave Zach Defrancis a one on one look at goal which he converted. BYU held the lead into half time.
In the second half, the Tide turned the pressure back up. Schomaker and Cox hooked up for the goal in the 53rd minute and the pressure continued. Machael David was buzzing in the midfield and continued to spring balls through the BYU back line. One move found Chase Tangney one on one with a bouncing ball. His volley attempt was blocked by Byran Black, the BYU goalkeeper in strong form. A late opportunity also fell to Cox after a long diagonal ball from Brayton Knapp. Cox’s first touch was positive to goal but BYU tracked back in good numbers and sharply to cut off angles for the on rushing Agu and David. The chance was cleared away.
The final score of 1-1 was a fair result for two teams that should be battling for the western conference playoffs down the stretch.
The Tide’s next league match is Saturday @ 2:00pm. This game is a change in time and date so please double check before heading to the stadium
Tacoma - Jennings, Maxwell, Lee, Scott, Sanchez, Cox, Orozco (Mohn 60), David, Tangney (Knapp 65), Macaluso (Agu 45), Schomaker (Hite 81)
BYU - Black, Van Wagenen, Gilliam, Christiansen, Bindrup, Graham, Osborne, Jensen, Defrancis, Fellows, Losee
