FRISCO, Texas – North Texas SC hosts Austin FC II on Sunday, September 24 at 4:00PM CT at Choctaw Stadium. Here is everything you need to know before the game.
How to Watch
Sunday’s game will kick off at 4:03PM CT on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Josh Tolle will be on the call for the broadcast.
Match Overview
NTX Record: 8-11-8 (33 points – 9th in West)
ATX record: 12-6-9 (40 points – 3rd in West)
NTX vs. ATX all-time: 0-1-0 (0 GF, 3 GA)
STORY LINES
Pushing Forward
North Texas SC returns home, after a resounding 3-1 victory over playoff hopeful Houston Dynamo 2. After falling behind early, North Texas responded with three goals in the second half. The scoring was opened by forward José Mulato in the 59th minute, tying the game and notching his 10th goal of the season in the process. That goal was followed up by a powerful header from center back Henri Santos in the 67th minute from a corner to take the lead. North Texas would then seal the victory, with a resounding strike from outside of the box by forward Tomas Pondeca in the 75th minute. This win marks the first victory for North Texas SC in a Texas derby. Winning this game also had a major impact on the playoff picture, as the loss currently knocks Dynamo 2 out of the playoffs with one game left to be played. The team looks to end the season on a high note, with an intrastate showdown against Texas rival Austin FC II.
Offensive Force
With the three goal thriller against Houston Dynamo 2, North Texas SC has now scored at least three goals in five games this season. The abundance of goals can be attributed to the style of play by North Texas and great individual efforts. The squad is currently led by forward José Mulato, who’s scored a team-high 10 goals this season on the back of scoring 9 last year. North Texas has also seen tremendous output from forwards Hope Avayevu and Tomas Pondeca. Despite being injured for part of the season, Avayevu has amassed eight total goal contributions and ranks second on the team in total dribbles with 26. Pondeca, right behind him has five total goal contributions (4 goals) with the majority coming in the second half of the season. This creative trio have been outstanding performers for North Texas this season, and hope to play well in the season finale against Austin FC II.
Texas Showdown
Intrastate rival Austin FC II enter the match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to number 1-seed Colorado Rapids 2. Austin FC II has been winless in their last five games, registering their last win on August 12th against San Jose Earthquakes II. Led by head coach Brett Uttley, the team currently sits in third position in the Western Conference with 49 points through 27 matches. The club has been a scoring threat all season, ranking third in the conference with an average of 1.81 points per game. The majority of their goals this season have come from midfielder Valentin Noël and forward Sebastien Pineau, who have scored six goals apiece. The upcoming match against North Texas will have major playoff implications for Austin FC II who are currently fighting to stay in the third seed. North Texas will look to drop their Texas rival in the rankings with a victory.
Parking Information
There are two options for parking at Choctaw Stadium: parking lots E and L. Fans are encouraged to purchase a prepaid parking ticket as day of game parking prices vary on events happening within the district. If fans purchase a prepaid parking ticket, they are to park in Lot L. Parking lots open 90 minutes prior to kick off. For more information visit our FAQ page located here.
Ticket Information
Tickets can be purchased through the AXS app or in person at Choctaw Stadium. Fans can also purchase tickets online. Fans may purchase either general admission tickets for $20 or field level seats for $40.
