These two sides aren’t as far away as they’ve been in past seasons. In 2021, Tacoma Defiance are competing for a playoff spot with their 5th place standing and a 8-9-6, -3 record. Phoenix Rising are still the class of the Pacific Division at 16-3-5, +31. Coach Rick Schantz’s team can clinch a playoff berth with a win and can win the division tonight with a win and some help.
Wade Webber has his work cut out for hm. Tacoma are on a four-game losing streak. Phoenix have won five straight. Going toe-to-toe with Rising will be an immense challenge.