In an exciting Sunday night showdown at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas, North Texas SC claimed a 2-1 victory over Tacoma Defiance. This win marked North Texas SC's first victory of the season and maintained their undefeated status in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season. Notably, the team has now gone six games without a loss, a streak that dates back to September 17, 2023.
The match was particularly notable for featuring brothers Malik Henry-Scott and Tarik Scott starting in the front line together for the first time this season—a rare occurrence since the days of the Rodríguez brothers in 2019. Tarik Scott seized the moment by scoring the opening goal early in the game, marking his second of the season, which ties his career-best tally.
The game was also a milestone for midfielder Leonardo Orejarena and FC Dallas Academy defender Adrian Anguiano, who both made their professional debuts, demonstrating North Texas SC’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Midfield dynamo Enes Sali added to the excitement by netting his first goal in the United States, which proved crucial in securing the win for North Texas SC. Sali's performance highlighted his seamless integration into the team after being part of the matchday squad for several recent FC Dallas games.
The next challenge for North Texas SC is an away game against Colorado Rapids 2 at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium, promising another thrilling encounter in the MLS NEXT Pro series.
The game unfolded with intense action from the start, with Tarik Scott's early goal setting the pace. Enes Sali’s goal just before the halftime whistle provided a comfortable lead, although Tacoma Defiance managed to pull one back in the dying moments of the match, adding some late drama to the proceedings.
Coach John Gall praised the team's robust performance, particularly lauding the defensive efforts against a late surge from Tacoma. Midfielder Enes Sali also reflected positively on the match and his ongoing adaptation to the team dynamics, expressing enthusiasm about his future contributions.
With sunny skies and a vibrant crowd of 936 fans, the evening was not just a win on the score sheet but a celebration of promising talent and team spirit at North Texas SC.
