North Texas SC hits the road for the first time this season as they take on Houston Dynamo 2 in the first Texas Derby of the year at SaberCats Stadium on Sunday at 6 PM. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game.
How to Watch
The match will be available to watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Match Overview
- North Texas SC Record: 1-1-0 (3 points)
- Houston Dynamo 2 Record: 1-0-0 (3 points)
- All-time Series: 2-4-3 (18 GF, 21 GA)
First Texas Derby Test
Sunday’s matchup will be the first of three meetings this season between North Texas SC and Houston Dynamo 2. With an average of 4.3 goals per game in previous meetings, it is guaranteed to be an action-packed game. North Texas SC has struggled to win in Houston with only one victory on the road. That win came in 2023 under head coach John Gall, who led the team to a 3-1 victory. Gall will aim to replicate that success this weekend.
Learning to Close Out GamesIn their last match, North Texas SC secured a 3-2 home victory. John Gall’s side dominated the first half, taking a commanding 3-0 lead at the break—arguably their best 45-minute performance of the season. Though they conceded twice in the second half, the team held their ground and saw out the win. Closing out results like that, especially at home, is crucial for securing valuable points in a long season.
The Southern Foes
Houston Dynamo 2 is coming off a 3-1 win over SKC II on March 8. The team, led by newly appointed head coach Marcelo Santos, has not played in over two weeks. A key player to watch for Houston is midfielder Diego Gonazlez, who enters his fourth season with the club. Gonzalez has a habit of scoring in Texas Derby matches, having found the net in each of the past four seasons. With both teams looking to gain early-season momentum, Sunday’s clash promises to be a thrilling contest.
