MLS NEXT Pro: Table-Topping CITY2 Travels to Face Tacoma Defiance

Staff Writer
3 days ago
2 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — St. Louis CITY2 heads to the Pacific Northwest this Friday to put their perfect unbeaten record on the line against Tacoma Defiance. The match, set for April 17 at the Starfire Sports Complex, features a clash between the Western Conference’s current pacesetters and a Tacoma side desperate to find its footing at home.

CITY2 enters the weekend following a gritty comeback performance against Colorado Rapids 2, where they erased a two-goal deficit to secure a 2–2 draw and claim the extra point in a penalty shootout.

Ault and Lynch Leading the Charge

The St. Louis attack has been firing on all cylinders, led by the dynamic duo of Palmer Ault and Riley Lynch.

Palmer Ault: Now has eight goal contributions (five goals, three assists) in his last six matches. He ignited the comeback against Colorado with his fifth goal of the season.
Riley Lynch: Currently tied for the league lead in assists, Lynch was the hero of Matchweek 5, scoring the equalizing goal in the final minute of stoppage time to force the shootout.
Cooper Forcellini: Added to the offensive depth by recording his first assist of the season during the Colorado rally.

Defensively, goalkeeper Lucas McPartlin remains a reliable presence, coming up with a massive save in Friday’s shootout to set the stage for Andrew De Gannes to bury the winning penalty.

By the Numbers: Western Conference Standings

Team	Record	Points	GD
St. Louis CITY2	4-0-2 (Unbeaten)	14	+7
Tacoma Defiance	0-4-2	3	-7

The Opponent: Tacoma’s Defensive Struggles

While CITY2 sits comfortably in first place, the Tacoma Defiance find themselves in 12th position, still searching for their first victory of 2026. The Defiance have struggled to find the back of the net, scoring only three goals while conceding 10. Their home record at Starfire (0-2-2) suggests a team vulnerable to a high-pressing side like St. Louis.

Friday marks the first meeting of the season between the two clubs. For CITY2, it is an opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table; for Tacoma, it is a chance to provide a massive "upset" and jumpstart a stagnant campaign.

How to Watch

Matchup: St. Louis CITY2 vs. Tacoma Defiance
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. CT
Venue: Starfire Sports Complex (Tukwila, WA)
Streaming: MLSNEXTPro.com or OneFootball

St. Louis remains the only team in the Western Conference yet to suffer a defeat through six matches. With Ault and Lynch in peak form, the "Boys in Red" look to bring three points back to the Gateway City.