FRISCO, Texas – North Texas SC travels to Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, September 17 at 5:30PM CT at SaberCats Stadium. Here is everything you need to know before the game.
How to Watc*h
Sunday’s game will kick off at 5:33PM CT on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Eric Duick will be on the call for the broadcast.Match Overview NTX Record:* 7-11-8 (30 points – 12th in West)
HOU record: 11-11-4 (40 points – 6th in West)
NTX vs. HOU all-time: 0-3-2 (9 GF, 13 GA)STORY LINES
Pushing Forward
After a bye week, North Texas SC will travel to Houston after being defeated in their last match 3-2 to Colorado Rapids 2. In a closely contested game, North Texas was unable to hold on to the lead, conceding twice late including the game winning goal in the 92nd minute. With the loss, North Texas is officially eliminated from playoff contention this season meaning they won’t be able to repeat their conference semifinal berth from last year. North Texas came out fighting, getting two early goals from Hope Avayevu and José Mulato but were unable to hold on to the lead. North Texas knew that going up against the current 1-seed in the Western Conference, Rapids 2, would to be a tough task but fought hard to the end. The team looks to regroup against Texas Derby rival Houston Dynamo 2.
Positive Direction
Under current interim coach John Gall, North Texas SC has seen a revitalization of sorts going 2-2-3 during his tenure. With an extremely difficult schedule, including four playoff teams and the current top two seeds, Gall has managed to help the team keep two clean sheets and score in every game. This is a significant improvement as North Texas was held scoreless six times prior to Gall’s appointment as head coach. With many North Texas SC players floating between the FC Dallas first team and Academy team’s, Gall has done a great job getting the players to buy in and play a possession-based style which is at the heart of FC Dallas. The club looks to play spoiler in the next match against intrastate rivals Houston Dynamo 2 and hurt their playoff chances.
Texas Derby Rivals
Texas Derby rival Houston Dynamo 2 enter the match on the back of a 3-1 win against Timbers2. Prior to the win in the last match, Dynamo Dos had lost three consecutive games and were winless in the last four. Led by head coach Kenny Bundy, the team currently sits in sixth position in the Western Conference with 40 points through 26 matches. The club can attribute their place in the standings to the performances this season from midfielder Diego Gonzalez and forward Papa Ndoye who have scored 10 and 12 goals respectively. The upcoming match against North Texas will prove to be a battle with major playoff implications for both squads, as North Texas has the ability to help knock Dynamo Dos out of the playoff picture.
