FRISCO, Texas (October 16, 2024) – North Texas SC goalkeeper Michael Collodi and defender Nico Gordon were voted to the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI. Collodi and Gordon join Bernard Kamungo as the second and third players in club history to be named into the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI. Collodi was also named MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year.
“I am very happy for both of our team captains, being voted into this shows all the hard work they have been putting in,” interim head coach Michel Garbini said. “Both players are great leaders for this team. Collodi winning Goalkeeper of the Year also shows his quality in goal. We are grateful to have the two of them on our team.”
Collodi posted a 13-4-6 record when playing in goal, registering a 73.1% save rate and logging six shutouts during the regular season. The Plano native ranks third in North Texas’ all-time in games played (23), wins (12) and saves (76). He also participated in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Goalie Wars, becoming the first North Texas SC goalkeeper to participate in the event.
“I’m very grateful and excited to have received these awards,” goalkeeper Michael Collodi said. “I am very thankful to the entire staff and the rest of the team because it wouldn’t have happened without all the support and help I’ve gotten all season.”
Gordon signed with North Texas SC on Feb. 2 and was named team captain ahead of the 2024 season. The defender registered 22 appearances, played 1,826 minutes, helped the team to five shutouts. The NTSC defense allowed the second-fewest goals (32) in the league.
“I am really grateful to be honest. Every day I come in and put in the work in training,” Nico Gordon said. “Having my first year here in the U.S., I am honored to receive this award. I am thankful for the entire coaching staff, teammates and the front office. This award happened because of my teammates always pushing each other.”
All awards were voted on by the Head Coaches and Chief Soccer Officers at MLS NEXT Pro Clubs, as well as League broadcasters and content team.
2024 MLS NEXT PRO BEST XI
Goalkeeper (1):
Michael Collodi – North Texas SC
Honorable mention: Brady Scott – Ventura County FC
Defenders (3):
Nico Gordon – North Texas SC
Michael Wentzel – St Louis CITY2
Francis Westfield – Philadelphia Union II
Honorable mention: Brian Schaefer – FC Cincinnati 2
Midfielders (4):
Diego Gonzalez – Houston Dynamo 2
Aron John – Crown Legacy FC
CJ Olney – Philadelphia Union II
David Poreba – Chicago Fire FC II
Honorable mention: Facundo Canete – Carolina Core FC
Forwards (3):
Taylor Calheira – New York City FC II
Mykhi Joyner – St Louis CITY2
Mehdi Ouamri – Chattanooga FC
Honorable mention: Yutaro Tsukada – Orlando City B
UP NEXT
North Texas SC will host Vancouver Whitecaps FC II on Sunday, October 20 from Choctaw Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:30PM CT and will be available to watch on MLSNEXTPro.com and YouTube. Tickets to the match can be purchased here.
