MLS Next Pro Playoffs: North Texas Plays Better Soccer than FC Dallas
North Texas advances over Tacoma Defiance 4-1. But here’s my argument - North Texas play more entertaining soccer than FC Dallas. I rest my case.
On Saturday, North Texas continued their 2024 campaign deeper into the MLS Next Pro Playoffs with a 4-1 home victory over Tacoma Defiance. And really, they did it with style, looking more dangerous and joyful than we’ve seen from their senior team.
Let’s frame the win a bit.
Tacoma had won their first round game 4-0. North Texas came from behind 3-2 over the Whitecaps 2 in their opening entry into the postseason. If anything, as interim head coach Michel said, that first round win for his side was a wake up call. Fans could rightfully be nervous about their team’s prospects. Right? Right?
When North Texas went down a goal off of a deflection early against Tacoma, a typical FC Dallas fan would rightfully be in a doom and gloom mood… but not someone who follows North Texas. The Frisco-based side, playing in Arlington (throwing this in just for fun and to confuse folks unfamiliar with Dallas/Ft. Worth), didn’t skip a beat, responding with four consecutive goals to take over the match.
Credit to Logan Farrington for his first goal of these playoffs.
Take over might be an understatement. Dominate is a better word.
Here is my thesis. North Texas Soccer Club plays better football than FC Dallas at the moment.
I’m not saying that FC Dallas has less talent. Of course that would be a ridiculous statement. MLS Next Pro is far below the Major League Soccer level. Imagine Alan Velasco or Petar Musa playing in MLS Next Pro. It would be adults playing against little kids.
But right now, North Texas plays with more identity, more passion, more joy than FC Dallas did as the two sides closed out 2024. Maybe the bar is a bit lower to play with that joy in the lower leagues, but it’s a startling comparison. At times this year, FC Dallas struggled to create opportunities and look dangerous. But for North Texas, with openness and imagination, they pushed time and time again for victories and found a way. It’s never a dull watch, even when the scoreline isn’t high.
The result of this creative play is due the hard work of two coaches, John Gall and Michel Garbini. Both should be open to conversations about leading FC Dallas, in my opinion, if they can guarantee the kind of play filtering its way up to the senior level.
“We had a wakeup call after last weekend’s second half versus Vancouver. That was the half we didn't want to play,” Michel said to Afterburn Soccer after the match. “But today the standard was excellent, we showed the players film and some things we could correct. We did it during the week and the results showed today against Tacoma.”
One of the curiosities was whether the wide open style of play was in the plan for North Texas going forward. Certainly, while Tacoma quickly sank in this one, they did have opportunities to get the ball down on counter attacks and try to make things interesting. Is this really what Michel wants to see from the team? Wouldn’t he mind a little more control as the stakes get higher with the Western Final looming?
In essence, no. This is how Michel wants the team to play.
Show Note: We postponed the show this week since I am out in the desert in Phoenix but look for some video clips and additional coverage as more news about FC Dallas’ coaching search, MLS Next Pro Playoffs, and roster decisions make their way out. Also, I have thoughts about Nico Estevez going to Austin. Stay tuned.