MATCH NOTES
- Forward Lautaro Taboada made his North Texas SC debut
- Tomas Pondeca has scored in back-to-back games
- MLS NEXT Pro Box Score
Blaine, Minnesota (August 5, 2023) – North Texas SC’ (6-10-6, 25 points) comeback attempt falls short in tonight's 2-1 defeat to MNUFC2 (8-7-5, 31 points) at National Sports Center Stadium on Saturday night.
GOING BACK-TO-BACK
Midfielder Tomas Pondeca scored his second goal of the season in the 84th minute of the match. The Tucson, Arizona native has now scored in back-to-back games with his first goal coming last Saturday in the 4-0 win over Timbers2.
LAUTI DEBUT
Forward Lautaro Taboada made his North Texas SC debut by coming on in the 64th minute of the match. The Argentinian striker signed for North Texas on July 26 after making five appearances for Club Atlético All Boys during the 2023 season in Primera B Nacional.
RECORD VERSUS MNUFC2
North Texas SC suffers its first defeat to MNUFC2 since starting play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2023. The club holds a 4-1-0 record against the Twosies in league play. In five matches played, North Texas has scored 12 goals and conceded five.
UP NEXT
North Texas SC visits Real Monarchs on Saturday, August 12 at Zions Bank Stadium. The match kicks off at 9:30PM CT on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Lineups
North Texas SC — Antonio Carrera; Yeicar Perlaza (Lautaro Taboada – 64’), Henri Santos, Manuel Caicedo (Alejandro Araneda – 85), André Costa; Carl Sainté, Diego García (Diego Pepi – 85’), Theo Ferreira (Tomas Pondeca – 64’); Herbert Endeley, José Mulato, Hope Avayevu (Nayrobi Vargas – 75’).
Substitutes not used — Michael Webber, Mason Grimm.
MNUFC2 — Fred Emmings; Devin Padelford, Geremy Rodas, Britton Fischer, Nick Richardson (CC Uche – 76’), Cedrik Gbo (Rory O'Driscoll – 68’), Zaydan Bello, Emmanuel Iwe (Juan Mosquera – 76’), Cameron Dunbar, Diogo Pacheco, Kameron Lacey
Substitutes not used — Alec Smir, Jason Ramos, Kage Romanshyn Jr., Alisa Randell, Molik Khan.
Scoring Summary:
MIN: Cameron Dunbar (Devin Padelford) – 47’
MIN: Cameron Dunbar (Juan Mosquera) – 84’
NTX: Tomas Pondeca – 88’
Misconduct Summary:
NTX: José Mulato (caution) — 62’
NTX: Alejandro Araneda (caution) — 86’
MIN: CC Uche (caution) — 90’+1’
MIN: Rory O'Driscol (caution) — 90’+4’
Weather: Clear, 76°F
Post Game Quotes
Interim Head Coach John Gall
On the adjustments in the second half…
“It took us a while to get used to the pitch here in Minnesota than to what we are normally used to. It took the players a while to realize how aggressive we needed to be with our passing. We gave the ball away a few times due to the turf being thicker. We took some time and we got into the game. I feel like we took it to them, and we could’ve done more to make the result match the energy.”
On the subs and tactical changes made in the match…
“The score line always dictates in a game when you need to make changes and adjustments. Despite going down early in the second half, we kept our composure and control of the match. The second goal was the run of play, and it was unfortunate to concede. At that time we made more attacking changes and like I tell the group, that this isn't just about 11 players. We are a squad, and the expectations for the players that come in is that they need to help elevate the level of the team. Tomas did that tonight with his goal, and the subs brought more energy and were close to getting the equalizer.”
On Lautaro’s debut…
“Our impressions from Lautaro have been great throughout the week. He is a confident kid with quality and brings experience to the group. We were excited that he joined us this week and he has adapted well to the team. I am sure he feels home already. He came in tonight and wanted to make a difference. He is one for the future and he is one we are excited for.”
Midfielder Tomas Pondeca
On his mentality coming off the bench…
“Coming off the bench, I always ask myself how I can help the team and what can I do for the team. I wanted to help the team push forward and help get a positive result. I tend to play my role and contribute as much as I can.”
On his goal tonight…
“I don’t remember exactly what happened to be honest. I remember picking the ball up and keeping the ball away from the opponents near the edge of the box. I saw the goal and took the shot, and I am happy it went past the keeper."
