It’s been over 1,800 days since the last home playoff match for North Texas SC. The no. 1 overall seed in MLS NEXT Pro will host Vancouver Whitecaps FC II on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 7:30PM CT from Choctaw Stadium. Here is everything you need to know before the game.
How to Tune In
Stream: The match will be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com and YouTube.
Radio: For the first time ever, fans will be able to tune in live on the FC Dallas app and follow along throughout the postseason. Pregame coverage will begin at 7:15PM with Ryan Figert and Steve Davis on the call.
Match Overview
NTX Record: 16-4-8 (62 points – 1st in West)
VAN record: 10-11-7 (40 points – 7th in West)
NTX vs. VAN all-time: (3-2-1, 5 GF, 7 GA)
Time to Defend the House
North Texas SC finished the season unbeaten at home for the second time in club history. The boys, led by Michel Garbini, have scored an average of 2.4 goals when playing at the historic Arlington venue this season. The only time North Texas was shut out at home was in the first match of the season against none other than Whitecaps FC 2, this weekend’s opponent. Michel felt the need for a test and decided to pick the Canadian side in the Pick Your Opponent call last Tuesday.
Entering Playoffs with Some Familiar Faces
October 19, 2019, was the last time North Texas SC hosted a playoff match at Toyota Stadium. Five years later, the club will get the opportunity to host a playoff match for the first time ever at Choctaw Stadium. When playing at home, North Texas holds a 2-0-0 record with one of those wins being the 2019 USL League One Final. Some familiar faces from the 2019 squad are still around the club including interim head coach Michel Garbini, assistant coach Alex Aldaz and goalkeeper-turned-coach Kyle Zobeck. Their shared experience will benefit the team as this will be their first time tasting playoff action. Only three players on the current roster were on the field for the 2022 playoff match: Tarik Scott, Carl Sainté and Isaiah Parker.
Whitecaps FC 2
The Canadian side joined the MLS NEXT Pro playoff party by finishing seventh in the west, with a 10-11-7 record. The side is led by Houston Dynamo FC legend, Ricardo Clark. Vancouver comes off a 3-1 defeat on the road to Houston Dynamo FC 2 on Decision Day. Three key players that pose a threat to North Texas are leading goal scorer Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau, captain Jay Herdman and goalkeeper Max Anchor. The three of them featured against North Texas in the 0-0 draw in the season opener match at Choctaw Stadium, with Anchor securing the extra point with two penalty kick saves.
