Frisco, Texas (September 23, 2022) – MLS NEXT Pro today announced the winners of its regular season awards, honoring the best in the League’s inaugural season of play. North Texas SC’s Bernard Kamungo has been named into 2022 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI. Kamungo recently made his FC Dallas and MLS debut versus San Jose Earthquakes in the 1-1 draw on September 17. The forward entered as sub in the 70th minute of the match.
“One of my goals was to be on the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI,” said Kamungo. “It’s incredible, really. I was not expecting that now, today or any time soon. I don’t know what to say right now but I am happy to be included in the Best XI.”
Kamungo scored 16 goals in the 2022 season, finishing second in MLS NEXT Pro’s Golden Boot race. He also becomes North Texas SC’s all-time leading goal scorer with 22 goals over two seasons. The 16 goals he scored this year, ties the club’s single-season record that Ronaldo Damus set in 2019. Kamungo led North Texas with 2033 minutes played in 2022 and is one of only six players in the league to register more than two thousand minutes played. He also had two multi-goal games this season, bringing his career total to three.
“I am truly proud of him,” said North Texas SC head coach Pa-Modou Kah. “He puts in hard work every day and he always set challenges for himself.”
MLS NEXT Pro head coaches and Chief Soccer Officers, as well as league-wide broadcasters and content producers voted on all 2022 honorees.
MLS NEXT Pro Best XI:
Goalkeeper (1):
Patrick Schulte – Columbus Crew 2
Defenders (3):
Mo Farsi – Columbus Crew 2
Kyle Hiebert – St Louis CITY2
Talen Maples – Houston Dynamo 2
Midfielders (4):
Pedro Dolabella – Rochester New York FC
Aziel Jackson – MNUFC2
Isaiah Parente - Columbus Crew 2
Marlon Vargas – Tacoma Defiance
Forwards (3):
Bernard Kamungo – North Texas SC
Jack Lynn – Orlando City B
Jacen Russell-Rowe - Columbus Crew 2
UP NEXT
North Texas SC will travel to take on St Louis CITY2 in the Western Conference semifinal on Sunday, September 25 at 6:30PM CT at Ralph Korte Stadium. The playoff match will be streamed live on mlsnextpro.com.
