FRISCO, Texas – North Texas SC travels to Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, July 16 at 6PM CT at SaberCats Stadium. Here is everything you need to know before the game.
How to Watch
Sunday’s game will kick off at 6PM CT on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Eric Duick will be calling the Texas Derby on Sunday.
Match Overview
NTX Record: 5-7-6 (22 points – 9th in West)
HOU record: 6-8-2 (22 points – 10th in West)
NTX vs. HOU all-time: 0-2-2 (8 GF, 11 GA)
STORY LINES
Last Match
North Texas SC enters the match on the back of a tough 3-0 loss on the road to Tacoma Defiance. This loss marks the team’s first since June 10, in a match they lost 1-0 to San Jose Earthquakes II. In between that time, North Texas drew twice against Sporting KC II and LAFC2. The team has gone through a tough stretch the past month, dealing with injuries and first-team call ups but have still remained competitive, fighting for every point. The team looks to bounce back from the difficult match on the road with an upcoming rivalry match against Houston Dynamo 2.
Playoff Push
With the season well past the halfway point and just 10 games left, North Texas looks to make a strong push up the conference standings to fight for a playoff spot. Under the new playoff format, seven teams from each conference make the playoffs with the two division champions in the conference and the five clubs with the next highest point totals. North Texas is currently tied for ninth position in the Western Conference with intrastate rivals Houston Dynamo FC with an upcoming game at the weekend. As North Texas continues to push for a playoff spot, the squad will rely on its depth and principles instilled from games throughout the season.
Intrastate Rivals
Intrastate rival Houston Dynamo 2 enter the match on the back of a 3-0 loss against another in-state rival Austin FC II. Dynamo 2 have been in somewhat of a slump the past month, having lost the past four consecutive games. Led by head coach Kenny Bundy, the team currently sits in ninth position in the Western Conference with 22 points through sixteen matches. The club can attribute the good run of form to the performances of midfielder Diego Gonzalez who’s scored a team-high six goals. The upcoming match against North Texas will prove to be a battle with major playoff implications for both squads, as the ninth versus tenth seed jockey for position.
