FRISCO, Texas (April 15, 2022) – North Texas SC will take on Earthquakes II for the first time this season on Sunday, April 17 at 7PM at PayPal Park. Here's everything you need to know before the game.
How to Watch
Stream: The match will be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com starting at 7PM.
Match Overview
NTX Record: 2-0-1 (8 points – 2nd in West)
SJ record: 1-1-0 (3 points – 6th in West)
NTX vs. SJ all-time: First ever meeting
STORY LINES
Early Success
North Texas SC has earned eight out of nine points possible in its first three matches of the season. The team currently sits in second place of the Western Conference, only one-point splits them from division leaders Houston Dynamo FC 2. Currently unbeaten in the league, North Texas SC will look to maintain its perfect run as they go on the road to take on Earthquakes II who have yet to play at home.
Pa-Modou Kah: "There’s no medal or trophies given for the first three games. We are just three games in, and the players know we haven’t hit full stride yet. We are never satisfied because we want to keep improving and keep getting better. Obviously, we want to take the points because we want to set the tone and the standard of who we are and who we want to become."
Momentum ChangersIn the last two games North Texas SC has had to fight their way back after conceding first in the match. It appears opponents struggle to maintain their lead and keep the momentum in their favor going. The resilience from each player on the team has helped lift the team up in moments of struggle. Being able to get two points on the road after being down a goal for the majority of the game and followed by a comeback win at home shows the strong mentality Pa has adapted on the players.
Pa-Modou Kah: "We watch the game back and we do analysis. The coaching staff asked them to give us clips from each unit on the field from the goalie to the striker. They took it in and analyzed their own game and collective as well. Now they are starting to see why momentum in football is cruel and how it could be a good thing.”
Defensive Chemistry
The NTSC defense is ranked one of the best in the league at the moment. Out of the 15 shots Antonio Carrera has faced only three goals have been conceded in the three games played so far. The team is second in the league duels won with a 54.6% rate, and in interceptions at 55. There has been three different backlines in each game and all players have stepped up when called upon.
Chase Niece: “We are still looking for our first shutout and it is something we all really want. We are getting a lot better every day, learning from each other and getting more comfortable. Defending is a team effort; the backline takes a lot of pride in it. We are continuing to instill into our character and into our blood as just having pride in defending and not giving up goals.”
The Celebration of RamadanFrom April 1 to May 1, North Texas SC head coach Pa-Modou Kah celebrates Ramadan. During the month-long celebration, Pa fasts during that time from dawn to sunset. MLS NEXT Pro spoke to Pa on how he celebrates Ramadan and how a day in the office is like during this period. You can read more about it here.
The Opponents
Earthquakes II have a 1-1-0 record with both games being played on the road. In their last match, they fell short to conference rivals Houston Dynamo 2 with a 1-0 loss. The team led by head coach Alex Covelo has an 86% accurate pass percentage making them the best in the league. Midfielders Nathan Scott and Eduardo Blancas are the team’s top scorer with one goal each. Coming from a bye week, Earthquakes II will finally play in their home stadium on Sunday night as they host North Texas SC.
