Frisco, Texas (July 8, 2022) – North Texas SC hosts Earthquakes II for the first time in the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season at Choctaw Stadium on Sunday, July 10. Here's everything you need to know before the game.
How to Watch
Stream: The match will be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com starting 7:30PM.
Match Overview
NTX Record: 9-3-2 (30 points – 1st in West)
SJ record: 6-5-3 (22 points – 7th in West)
NTX vs. SJ all-time: (1-0-0, 1 GF, 0 GA)
LAST TIME OUT
North Texas SC defeated Earthquakes II 1-0 in the first meeting between both clubs in MLS NEXT Pro play. Forward Bernard Kamungo scored the game-winning goal in the 80th minute to secure the first win on the road for North Texas SC in MLS NEXT Pro. Goalkeeper Antonio Carrera registered four saves to maintain a clean sheet.
LEADING THE NUMBERS
Forward Bernard Kamungo is the stat leader for North Texas SC. The 20-year-old leads in goals (9), shots on target (24), key passes (16), duels (160) and penalty kick goals (2). Kamungo is tied for second in the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot race with nine goals and is two goals away from first. The striker has contributed with five goals and two assists in his last six appearances for the club.
Pa-Modou Kah: “Individually, Bernard will tell you that last weekend was not his best performance in quite some time. Although he did get on the score sheet, he knows he did not play to his full potential. He came to me and the rest of the coaching staff and told us he recognized that he had scored, but he felt like he didn’t have as much of an impact in the game as he would have liked to. He’s been working during the week and it’s good to see because that shows the growth of him as a professional and an individual."
CENTER BACKS APPRECIATION
Throughout 14 games this season, North Texas SC has used six different center back pairings. There are two sets of partnerships that have been used the most this season. The sets are Paul Amedume with Chase Nice and Amedume with Alejandro Araneda. The NTSC defense has conceded 16 goals in 14 matches, making them tied for second best in least goals allowed in the Western Conference. Defender Paul Amedume leads the team with 660 accurate passes and has contributed with one goal this season.
Paul Amedume: “Since the start of the year, we have had different combinations of center back partnerships in training. Once we learned each other’s play style, we have had success as a unit even though there have been a few defeats. It’s about learning certain details about each other that has made it really easy to play with. The growth is good, we push each other every day and we always aim to get better. We are always prepared for when we are required to step into the lineup.”
THE OPPONENTS
Earthquakes II are currently seventh in the Western Conference with 22 points and a 6-5-3 record. The Quakes II have scored 24 goals and have conceded 20 goals. Forward Rodolfo Castro leads the team with five goals scored in 10 matches played. Maximilian Arfsten leads the team with four assists who is also tied for second in the league with most assists. Goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa has registered 23 saves with a 74.2 saves percentage in eight matches. Earthquakes II is coming off a 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo 2 at home and only managed to earn one point after losing 4-3 in the shootout.
Pa-Modou Kah: “The message is the same as always. We forget about the last game and focus on the new one because both teams have grown differently. We have to show at home why we are the best team in the Western Conference. Every team is going to come in and try to beat us. We have to be ready and we can’t go down in the scoreline first to create a response. The team has had a great response after last week’s defeat and we aim to carry that over into the game.”
PARKING INFORMATION
There are two options for parking at Choctaw Stadium: parking lots E and L. The cost for parking is $10 and the only payment method accepted is by card. Parking lots open 90 minutes prior to kick off. More information about Choctaw Stadium is located here.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets can be purchased through the AXS app or in person at Choctaw Stadium. Fans can also purchase tickets online. Fans have multiple options to have their tickets scanned: through the AXS app, printing the tickets at home and presenting them at the gate or opening the tickets from the confirmation email. Fans may purchase either general admission tickets for $15 or field level seats for $40.
