Doubleheader Saturday: FC Dallas and North Texas SC Face Big Tests
FC Dallas is in Los Angeles taking on red hot LAFC, while North Texas SC opens up their first home match of the season against Rapids 2. Let's talk predictions.
It’s game day, folks!
We’ve got a doubleheader on tap, enough soccer to bring joy to even the most callous and weary human in this war-ridden and chaotic time. Remember, it’s okay to do something to bring you happiness, like kicking back and enjoying our local squads show what they can do. It’s early in the season, so our hopes haven’t been dashed just yet.
North Texas SC Home Opener
Our day starts with North Texas at home for the first time in 2026 at Choctaw Stadium, welcoming Colorado Rapids 2 for an intriguing match and a chance for this young, dynamic squad to build on a pretty solid debut. We saw some pretty exciting play from rookie Nicholas Simmonds, as well as Natty James, Slade Starnes, and Edouard Nys. Look for Jaidyn Contreras to keep building confidence, too. Overall, North Texas impressed in their opening draw against Real Monarchs.
The Rapids 2 lost their opener to Dynamo 2 and come into town under pressure to get something going.
North Texas kicks off at 5:30 PM PST/7:30 PM CST.
All MLS Next Pro matches can be streamed on MLS Next Pro, YouTube, or OneFootball.
Bottom Line
North Texas SC looked so dangerous and aggressive in their first match. If they can keep that up, clean up a few mistakes, and grow in familiarity as a team, they may be one of the toughest opponents in the league. Look for Gall and company to grab a big win this evening to make a statement.
Prediction? 3-0.
FC Dallas at Los Angeles FC
Later, you can flip over to AppleTV and watch FC Dallas in a big match against one of the league’s best in Los Angeles FC. Is there a hotter team in the league right now than LAFC? Son Heung-Min hasn’t scored yet, but he is so dangerous. Bouanga is doing Bouanga things. They are going to love the opportunity to run at FC Dallas’ three-man back-line, which hasn’t been significantly improved from last year.
The big question mark is whether Eric Quill thinks this is an opportunity to try something different in the lineup. Does he give rookie Ricky Louis a debut at left wing-back? Does Valiente get a first start? Knowing this is a tough one, it might make sense to use it as a chance to run out a couple of guys who have potential to unlock LAFC’s defense.
But you can also argue that if FC Dallas can put together a strong defensive performance like they did last weekend against Nashville, there are points to be had on the road. Maybe you don’t tinker too much and keep hoping Petar Musa and Logan Farrington can terrorize LAFC. Can Herman Johansson give us his best game so far on the right?
Bottom Line
Our predictions on the pod this week were split. A couple of us predicted draws, which is that nice early-season positivity that we love. The other two predicted losses, which stinks, but honesty is good. It’s tough on the road in Major League Soccer.
Prediction: 2-1 loss.
I’m still sticking with a performance that is going to be positive and make LAFC nervous, but in the end, Los Angeles FC will take advantage of some mistakes and a midfield that has not found its optimized partnerships just yet.
The game kicks off at 7:30 PM PST/9:30 PM CST. I’ll be there live to cover the match and bring any insights I have.
Dallas Til We Die!