MATCH NOTES
- José Mulato scored his team-leading 11th goal of the year
- Herbert Endeley scored his fourth goal and Hope Avayevu scored his sixth goal of the season
- MLS NEXT Pro Box Score
Arlington, Texas (September 25, 2023) – North Texas SC (8-11-8, 33 points) defeats Austin FC II (12-7-9, 49 points) 3-1 on Decision Day after a seven-hour inclement weather delay on Sunday night at Choctaw Stadium.
EL GOLEADOR SENSACIÓN
Colombian forward José Mulato netted his 11th goal of the season in the 46th minute of the match. Mulato ends the 2023 season as the club’s top scorer this season. The 11 goals scored is also a new season-high for Mulato. Tonight’s goal is also Mulato’s fourth consecutive match with a goal.
SHARING THE LOVE
North Texas SC had 15 different goal scorers this season. José Mulato led the pack with 11 goals scored out of the 43 total goals scored this season by North Texas.
2023 RECORD
North Texas SC finished the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season with a 9-11-8 record. The club posted a 5-5-4 record at Choctaw Stadium and posted a 4-6-4 record on the road during the 2023 campaign. Interim head coach John Gall posted a 4-3-2 since taking over the helm on July 17.
DON’T MESS WITH NORTH TEXAS
North Texas SC defeated both Texas rivals in the final two matches of the regular season. North Texas defeated Houston Dynamo 2 on the road 3-1, while defeating Austin FC II 3-1 on Decision Day 2023.
Lineups
North Texas SC — Antonio Carrera; Malachi Molina, Amet Korça (Alejandro Araneda – 46’), Henri Santos, André Costa; Carl Sainté, Tomas Pondeca, Nolan Norris (Diego García – 45’); Herbert Endeley (Lautaro Taboada – 65’), José Mulato, Hope Avayevu.
Substitutes not used — Nico Montoya, Yeicar Perlaza, Dylan Lacy, Theo Ferreira, Anthony Ramirez, Diego Pepi.
Austin FC II — Spencer Sanderson; Anthony De Anda (Steeve Louis Jean – 45’), Salvatore Mazzaferro, Joe Hafferty, Cheick Touré; Bobosi Byaruhanga (Charlie Asensio – 76’), Alonso Ramírez, Valentin Noël; Emmanuel Johnson (Jonathan Santilla – 69’), Alfonso Ocampo-Chávez (Sebastien Pineau – 45’), David Rodríguez (Leo Torres – 69’).
Substitutes not used — Greg Monroe, Nicolas Arstizabal, Christopher Pinkham, Christo Vela.
Scoring Summary:
NTX: Herbert Endeley (Carl Sainté) – 22’
NTX: Hope Avayevu – 38’
NTX: José Mulato (Hope Avayevu) – 46’
ATX: Sebastien Pineau (Cheick Touré) – 69’
Misconduct Summary:
NTX: Amet Korça (caution) — 37’
NTX: Diego García (caution) — 47’
NTX: André Costa (caution) — 76’
ATX: Valentin Noël (caution) — 80’
NTX: Carl Sainté (caution) — 90’
Weather: Mostly Sunny, 99°F
Attendance: 1,031
Post Game Quotes
Interim Head Coach John Gall
General thoughts on the match…
“I think the boys held their standards and expectations throughout the weather delay.We worked really hard throughout the last six-eight weeks to make sure the players know what is expected from them. We knew it was going to be difficult because we were anticipating a delay with the weather as well. At the end of the night we got the goals, and we deserved the win. We wanted to finish the season on a strong note. The team definitely grew more during the second half of the season.”
On Hope Avayevu’s performance…
“Hope is one of those players that I am really proud of this season. I asked him to do a lot of things on and off the ball, I told him to do it and it will all be rewarded. He has gotten great goals and assists which makes him a vital player for us. I am proud of how he ended the season.”
Forward Hope Avayevu
On getting the win after a seven-weather hour delay…
“It’s something we talked about all week anticipating the weather delay. The delay should not affect us and how we play. From the beginning of the season, we always said we want to end the season on a good note. I am proud of the team for their performance tonight and we stuck with each other. I am happy we got the win.”
On sweeping Houston and Austin in the final two matches…
“These last two games were important for us and for the club. We work for each other, and we work as a family. These last few games were important for everyone here and I am glad that we won both games.”
