With a shorter season, MLS Next Pro standings are already important. With a small playoff structure, Tacoma Defiance have to grab home points — at least a draw and bonus point in each match — to ensure themselves a second season. The playoffs are important because that means more matches to develop talent for the Seattle Sounders.
Sunday’s match will be tough. Houston Dynamo 2 are at the top of the table with five victories in five played. Their +9 goal differential shows just how hard they are to stop. Their clear scoring leader is Roberto Avila.