ARLINGTON, Texas (May 21, 2023) – North Texas SC (4-4-2, 14 points) drew 3-3 with Houston Dynamo 2 (3-4-2, 13 points) before falling 6-5 in the extra point shootout Sunday night at Choctaw Stadium.
EXTRA POINT SHOOTOUT
North Texas SC fell 6-5 in the extra point shootout. That was North Texas’ second tie and second extra point shootout loss of the season. The club won two of its five extra point shootouts during the 2022 season.
MULATO AGAINST HOUSTON
Forward José Mulato’s goal in the 17th minute was his third goal of the 2023 season. The Colombian forward has now scored four goals in four matches played versus Houston Dynamo 2.
FIRST GOALS
Midfielder Diego Hernandez came on as a substitute and scored his first professional goal for North Texas SC in the 82nd minute of the game. The goal represents the first goal scored by an FC Dallas Academy player this season for NTSC. Midfielder Carl Sainté also scored his first career goal for North Texas SC in the 6th minute of the match. Sainté signed for NTSC on a permanent transfer on November 22, 2022 after initially joining the club on loan from New Mexico United.
UP NEXT
North Texas SC hosts Colorado Rapids 2 for midweek action on Thursday, May 25 at Choctaw Stadium. The match kicks off at 7:30 PM CT and will be available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Lineups
North Texas SC — Julian Eyestone; Herbert Endeley, Amet Korça, Henri Santos, Tyshawn Rose; Carl Sainté (Alejandro Urzua – 46’), Nolan Norris (Andre Costa – 73’) , Diego García; Bernard Kamungo (Diego Hernandez – 73’), José Mulato (Nayrobi Vargas – 82’), Hope Avayevu (Anthony Ramirez – 29’).
Substitutes not used — Justin Stewart, Alejandro Araneda, Theo Ferreira, Diego Pepi.
Houston Dynamo 2 — Andrew Pannenberg; Omar Grey( Diego Rosas – 67’) , Ifeanyi Udanoh, Tate Lampman, Isaiah LeFlore; Cesar Cordova (Paolo Rios – 56’) , Sebastian Rodriguez (Jesus Orejuela – 67’) , Jacob Evans; Jathan Juarez, Joe Farouz(Ezekiel Soto – 66’), Yair González (Isaiah Reid – 86’) .
Substitutes not used — Joyner Castillo, Jonathan Munteanu, Noah Betancourt, Brian Alanis.
Scoring Summary:
NTX: Carl Sainté – 6’
NTX: José Mulato (Bernard Kamungo) – 17’
HOU: Yair González (Isaiah LeFlore) – 36’
HOU: Jacob Evans (Isaiah LeFlore) – 71’
NTX: Diego Hernandez (Anthony Ramirez) – 82’
HOU: Isaiah Reid (Paolo Rios) – 90+
Misconduct Summary:
HOU: Ifeanyi Udanoh (caution) — 5’
NTX: Carl Sainté (caution) — 39’
NTX: Alejandro Urzua (caution) — 79’
Weather: Partly Cloudy, 75°F
Post Game Quotes
Head Coach Javier Cano
On teams overall performance…
“We started the game really well, and we allowed Houston to score and get back in the game. It was a bittersweet game because after taking the lead three to two and the game almost being over they came back. I do not understand how that penalty over us was not called, which in the end affected us a lot. We gave them the opportunity to come back into the game that we dominated completely. We could have also done more on our end and it was an unfortunate loss in penalties.
On Diego Hernandez’s first pro goal and development this season…
“I’m very happy and proud of Diego. I remember in the first game against LAFC, he was warming up the whole second half but didn’t have a chance to play. He was very frustrated but we had a nice conversation about how this opportunity didn’t have to be right then, it takes time and it can be slow. We worked on his confidence and every time he comes on the field he gives us something. Today, we needed some fresh legs in the midfield and he came and we started to dominate the game. He combined very well with Anthony (Ramirez) and was arriving in the box. In the end, Diego is a big project for us and he needs to be patient sometimes and keep going. He’s a very hard worker and has a great soccer IQ. He needs to work on some details but he’s still very young.”
Goalkeeper Julian Eyestone
On the team’s mood after the game…
“The mood right now, it was a tough game and result for the guys. It was an up and down game so it hurts just that little bit more. We just really need to get our heads up because we have another game Thursday so we need to get to work right away. It’s a special group of guys and I have no doubt in my mind that we’ll be able to turn it around really fast.”
On the importance of the extra point shootouts…
“They’re fantastic for development, it’s a great aspect for the guys. I speak for all the young guys on the team, we feel the nerves and the pressure on us to make those penalties. I think it’s fantastic getting to those penalties and the pressure and learning to fight through that. All of our hands are shaking because we want to win them really bad and it’s good preparation for the future."
