Top-seeded CITY2 defeated Tacoma Defiance 2-1 in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Finals at Ralph Korte Stadium on Sunday night. CITY2 advances to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Finals to face Columbus Crew 2 who won the Eastern Conference Finals.

With both sides desperate for the win, there was a real tempo to the match in the early exchanges, with CITY2 pinning Tacoma Defiance in their defensive third. The game’s opening goal came in the 31st minute through midfielder Tomáš Ostrák. Ostrák weaved his way past two defenders before rocketing a shot in the top corner of the net. Minutes later Tacoma Defiance hit the woodwork, as they searched for the quick response.

On the defensive end, Michael Creek came up big with a double save in the 41st minute to deny Tacoma’s Alfonso Ocampo-Chávez from close range. CITY2 came close to doubling their lead three minutes later, but Isak Jensen’s shot ricocheted off the post, rounding out an action-packed first half.

After winning the back high up the pitch, Max Schneider whipped a cross into Josh Dolling who headed home to give CITY2 the 2-0 lead in the 59th minute.

Tacoma Defiance won and converted a penalty in the 75th minute through Abdoulaye Cissoko. Tacoma pushed numbers forward in search of the equalizer but CITY2’s resilient defending meant they would hold off their opponents to become MLS NEXT Pro’s first-ever Western Conference Champion.

CITY2 will face the Eastern Conference Champions Columbus Crew 2 at Lower.com field on Saturday, October 8, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. CT. Fans will be able to watch the match live via enhanced broadcasts on mlsnextpro.com.

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COURTESY ST. LOUIS CITY2 COMMUNICATIONS