Tacoma's Ruben Orozco grimaces at the ball last night in Fresno.(Fresno Bee photo)
Last year's 4-1 playoff overtime loss to the Fresno Fuego has been avenged as Tacoma Tide FC returned to the same pitch and knocked Fresno out of the tournament with a 3-0 victory.
Tacoma got goals from Dan Scott, Spencer Schomaker and Chase Tangney to complete the biggest win to date in team history.
Tide fans were kept up to date with the match via posts from the Fuego front office.
Scott's 19th minute header off of a throw-in put TFC up 1-0 at the half. Fresno came out pushing in the second half and the Tide defense was challenged. TFC goalkeeper Jordan Jennings was called upon to make several fine saves.
The Tide got their needed cushion in the 77th minute when red-hot striker Spencer Schomaker finished up after some nice touches to make it 2-0.
The Fuego pushed everyone up, but in stoppage time it was the Tide who would score again, this time on a counter attack that ended on the boot of Chase Tangney.
The Tide wrapped up their first playoff win exactly one week after earning their first division title.
In the other Western Conference semifinal match the Vancouver Whitecaps went to overtime before passing the San Fernando Valley Quakes 3-1.
The Conference Final between the Tide and the Whitecaps will be played tonight in Fresno at 7:30 PM. The winner advances to the Premier Development League Final Four!
GOALTacoma.com hopes to have updates of tonight's Final in progress.
Match reports:
Tacoma Tide FC
The Fresno Bee (with photos)
Fresno Fuego
USL
Posts
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