FRISCO, Texas - North Texas SC travels to Utah to face the Real Monarchs this Saturday, Aug. 12 at 9PM CT. The match will be available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Match Overview
- NTX Record: 6-10-6 (25 points – 11th in West)
- SLC record: 6-12-2 (28 points – 12th in West)
- NTX vs. SLC all-time: 2-1-0 (7 GF, 1 GA)
STORY LINES
Bouncing Back
North Texas SC fell to a tough MNUFC2 side 2-1 on the road after a late goal. The team dominated the game, amassing 61% possession and registering a game-high 19 shots with 9 of them coming on goal. MNUFC2 was led by Cameron Dunbar who scored a brace, netting in the 47th and 84th minute to put the game just out of reach. Going down two goals didn’t stop the fight from North Texas, as forward Tomas Pondeca exhibited skill and determination to get a goal back in the 88th minute to make the score 2-1. The team created plenty of chances to score but were unable to capitalize and ended up running out of time. With the season winding down and North Texas fighting for a playoff spot, they hope to take points on the road in the next match against Real Monarchs.
Player to Watch
Last match marked the second consecutive game with a goal for forward Tomas Pondeca. It was a brilliant solo goal as the former futsal star was able to dribble past defenders and unleash a strike to the bottom corner from just inside the box. Pondeca has started to find his form in recent games, scoring the final goal in a 4-0 drubbing of Timbers2. The 21-year-old started the season relatively quietly but has come into his own as of late, having the third most shots (19) and shots on goal (9) despite only starting eight games this season. Pondeca is also second on the team with 15 key passes into attacking areas, just behind captain André Costa. The young winger looks to build on his recent performances in an important matchup with Real Monarchs.
Get to Know Real Monarchs
Real Monarchs are coming into the match on the back of 1-1 draw with San Jose Earthquakes II (Monarchs fell 10-9 in the shootout). Led by head coach Jamison Olave, the team is currently sitting in 12th position in the Western Conference with 21 points through four matches. SLC have been outscored by opponents this season by a margin of 23 goals. Through this stretch of games, the Monarchs have been led by forwards Ilijah Paul and Terron Williams who have scored seven of the club’s 22 goals this season. Paul leads the Monarchs with four goals in just nine games played. Williams, just 18 years old, has scored three goals in 17 total games. The San Diego native also leads the team in total shots, shots on targets and total dribbles completed.
