The Tacoma Defiance held on late to snap a three-game losing streak and end Sacramento Republic FC’s unbeaten start to the season.

TACOMA, Wash. – Will Bruin recorded a goal and an assist in his Championship debut to lead the Defiance (2-3-0, 6pts) to victory over Republic FC (2-1-1, 7 pts) at Cheney Stadium. Sacramento looked to have grabbed the lead in the 35th minute as Stefano Bonomo finished off a quick counterattack, only to have his strike ruled out by the linesman’s flag for offside. The Defiance started brightly after the halftime break with Henry Wingo testing Republic FC goalkeeper Josh Cohen with a long-range strike, before beating him with a tidy finish in the 50th minute after a slick give-and-go with Bruin. The visitors should have equalized with just under 15 minutes to play as Tyler Blackwood slid a perfect pass across the six-yard box to Drew Skundrich, who sliced the close-range chance over the crossbar with the goal begging. Sacramento was left to rue that miss moments later, as Bruin’s right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area had just enough power to get past Cohen’s outstretched glove. Cameron Iwasa gave the visitors a glimmer of hope from the penalty spot in the 88th minute, but Tacoma's defense held strong in the final minutes for all three points.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Will Bruin, Tacoma Defiance – Bruin recorded a goal, an assist and made five key passes in his Championship debut to help Tacoma snap its three-game losing skid.