The 2019 USL Championship season is officially underway, and the home fans went away happy from Cheney Stadium in Tacoma Defiance’s first official bow.

TACOMA, Wash. – Alec Diaz scored the first goal of the 2019 season and it proved the winner for the host Defiance against RGVFC. The Toros created the better chances in the opening 45 minutes and Wilmer Cabrera Jr. twice could have put the visitors ahead only to miss the target in the 24th and 37th minutes respectively. RGVFC was made to pay four minutes into the second half when Diaz cleaned up the rebound after Shandon Hopeau’s initial effort had hit the right post to put the Defiance ahead. Andres Arcila had the best chance for the Toros to equalize with four minutes to go but shot high from close range, which summed up Rio Grande Valley’s night in front of goal.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Shandon Hopeau, Tacoma Defiance – Hopeau almost had the opening goal himself but was dynamic throughout in providing a threat to the Toros’ back line.