FRISCO, Texas (December 12, 2023) – It has been five years since North Texas SC unveiled its crest and its first-ever signing, Ricardo Pepi, on December 6, 2018. To honor the occasion, we built an All-Star Starting XI from the over 120 players that have suited up for the club over the past five seasons.
Goalkeeper – Antonio Carrera
In “La Muralla” we trust. The Homegrown has solidified himself as NTSC’s number one within two seasons. Carrera registered 124 saves putting him first in all-time saves for the club within two seasons in goal. His best display came against Whitecaps FC II on the road on August 25 this season. A perfect game for “La Muralla” who logged a saves percentage of 100 and stopped all nine shots faced. His heroics helped the club earn its first win on Canadian soil.
Current club: FC Dallas
Right Back – Bryan Reynolds
An explosive player down the flank, Bryan Reynolds was an electric player for North Texas SC. During his 12 matches for the club, he scored one goal and recorded two assists during his first professional year. The Fort Worth, Texas native proved he was ready for the next level and made his debut for FC Dallas during the 2019 season as well. It wasn’t long before he landed with Serie A side, AS Roma.
Current club: KVC Westerlo in Jupiler Pro League (Belgium).
Center Back – Brecc Evans
Brecc Evans was the first to captain North Texas SC. A tower in the backline, Evans enjoyed an aerial challenge and would make the most of them. In the title-winning season, Evans posted a 61.9% aerial duel success rate while also recording a 64.1% duels success rate. The FCD Academy product was solid defender and a dependable piece for Eric Quill’s side in 2019.
Current club: Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in USL League One.
Center Back – Justin Che
Whether it was at center back or at right back, Justin Che always got the job done in the most efficient style possible. The Richardson, Texas native impressed in his first professional year, earning USL League One All-League First Team honors after the 2020 season. Che logged 29 interceptions and 94 recoveries in his rookie season. His performances helped him land a Homegrown deal with FC Dallas during the 2020 season.
Current club: Bröndby IF in Superliga (Denmark). On loan at ADO Den Haag in Keuken Kampioen Divisie (Netherlands).
Left Back – Derek Waldeck
Arguably the best left back the club has seen in its five years, former captain Derek Waldeck comfortably makes it into the best eleven of all-time. The “Santa Clarita Philipp Lahm” ranks third in all-time appearances for the club at 57 in all competitions and scored one goal with six assists to his name. He was a consistent player with a distinguished style of play. A gifted leader on and off the pitch who left his mark on the club during his three-year stay.
Current club: One Knoxville SC in USL League One
Center Midfielder – Tanner Tessmann
Commanding the midfield and helping the club win its first trophy, 17-year-old Birmingham, Alabama native Tanner Tessmann made it look easy. Tessmann stepped up and dominated under head coach Eric Quill during the 2019 season. His first professional goal was named fan’s choice goal of the week for week 7. His performances carried into the first team and ultimately, landing him in Italy’s Venezia within two years.
Current club: Venezia in Serie B (Italy).
Left Center Midfielder – Arturo Rodriguez
A complete midfielder on both sides of the ball and the conductor of the orchestra, Arturo Rodriguez is one of the most gifted midfielders to grace the field for North Texas SC. Rodriguez enjoyed a decorated 2019 season: 2019 USL1 Champion, 2019 USL L1 MVP, USL L1 Young Player of the Year, Assist Champion and All-League First Team selection, Rodriguez enjoyed an incredible 2019 season. He recorded 10 assists during the 2019 campaign, a feat no other player has reached since. He tallied 11 goals and 11 assists during his two years at the club, which also included the game-winning goal of the 2019 USL L1 Final. Rodriguez made an impact in the record books and cemented his name in the North Texas SC hall of fame.
Current club: Charleston Battery in USL Championship.
Right Center Midfielder – Hope Avayevu
A gritty player, Hope Avayevu was a fighter in the midfield who always put in the effort during his three-year stay at the club. He became the club’s all-time assists leader during the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season with 15 assists, dethroning Arturo Rodriguez with 11. Hope balled out during the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season with five goals and nine assist, almost tying Rodriguez’ single season record set in 2019. He was the key piece for that sensational front three during the 2022 season alongside José Mulato and Bernard Kamungo.
Current club: n/a
Left Winger – Ronaldo Damus
A goalscoring machine everywhere he goes, Ronaldo Damus logged 21 goals during his two seasons at the club. The prolific goal scorer won the USL League One Golden Boot with 16 goals, earned multiple Player of the Week honors and USL League One All-League First Team honors after the inaugural 2019 season. He was the leading all-time goal scorer for North Texas SC, until his record was broken during the 2022 season.
Current club: GIF Sundsvall in Superttan (Sweden). On loan at San Diego Loyal (USL Championship).
Right Winger – Bernard Kamungo
North Texas SC’s all-time leading goal scorer is, of course, part of its Best XI. The open tryout king exploded to the top thanks to a formidable 2022 MLS NEXT Pro campaign. Kamungo netted 16 goals, tying Ronaldo Damus’ single-season record that was set in 2016. However, he would overtake Damus in the all-time goal scoring records by reaching 22 goals. He was named into MLS NEXT Pro’s Best XI of the 2022 season. Kamungo’s determination and hard work saw him make the jump to first team in which his story continues to blossom.
Current club: FC Dallas
Striker – Ricardo Pepi
The club’s first-ever signing is also hands down the club’s GOAT. Ricardo Pepi is the true definition of player pathway. Started with NTSC, made the jump to FC Dallas halfway into his first professional year, and reached a new high in 2021 by transferring to FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga. Pepi scored 11 goals and earned USL League One Second Team honors following the conclusion of the 2019 season. Pepi and Ronaldo Damus tormented defenses throughout 2019 creating a memorable partnership.
Current club: PSV Eindhoven in Eredivisie
Substitutes: Carlos Avilez, Caiser Gomes, Collin Smith, Jonathan Gomez, Alfusainey Jatta, Imanol Almaguer, José Mulato.
