FRISCO, Texas – North Texas SC visits Sporting KC II on Sunday, June 25 at 6:00PM CT at Rock Chalk Park. Here’s everything you need to know before the game.
How to WatchSunday’s game will kick off at 6:03PM CT on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Marisa Pilla will be on the call for the broadcast.
Match Overview
NTX Record: 5-6-4 (19 points – 10th in West)
SKC record: 5-4-4 (21 points – 6th in West)
NTX vs. SKC all-time: 2-1-0 (7 GF, 4 GA)
STORY LINES
Stoppage Time Struggles
Last time out against San Jose, North Texas SC saw points slip out of their grasp in stoppage time for the third time this season. On May 21st, Dynamo 2 stole two points after a late equalizer and on April 21st, Nyeman’s Free Kick in the 95th minute took all three points for Real Monarchs. In total, the team has seen up to six points slip away in the final moments of games this year and in a tightly packed Western Conference, which has eight points separating 3rd from 11th, every point is crucial. Knowing this, the team will be sure to fight for all 90 minutes plus stoppage time in their road bout with Sporting KC II, who they can leapfrog with a win on Sunday.
Player to Watch
This season, no midfielder for North Texas SC has completed more passes than second year player and captain André Costa. The 21-year-old midfielder has attempted 634 passes, completing 89.1% ranking second highest on the team for players with more than 25 pass attempts. The captain has played in all 15 games this season, starting in 13 of them. Costa has been a valuable utility player this season, deputizing in different spots in the defense and in the midfield. The talented Brazilian has proven to be extremely versatile, as he’s completed 12 key passes in attacking positions in addition to putting in 22 tackles. The midfielder’s ability to adapt and thrive in various positions makes him an important part in how the team chooses to both attack and defend. Costa looks to continue his strong play in the upcoming match against Sporting KC II.
Get to Know Sporting KC II
Sporting KC II come into the match on the back of a 2-0 victory on the road over LAFC2. Led by head coach Benny Feilhaber, the team currently sits in sixth position in the Western Conference with 21 points through 13 games. The club is no stranger to scoring goals, ranking sixth in total points per game with 1.62. The potent attack has been led by forward Pau Vidal who’s scored seven goals in 13 games, putting him in a tie for fourth highest scorer in the league. Sporting KC II has also gotten major goal contributions from forwards Andrew Draper and Alenis Vargas, who’ve combined for seven goals and assists.
