North Texas Wins It All, 3-2 Over Philadelphia Union II

In a come from behind victory, North Texas claims their first MLS Next Pro championship with a winning goal from Pedrinho.

On a cool Saturday evening in Frisco, North Texas Soccer Club lifted their first ever MLS Next Pro championship.

In the first half, North Texas nearly saw their season long goal of grasping the MLS Next Pro championship slip away. Two goals from Philadelphia Union II, both due to defensive miscues and counter-attack opportunities, flipped the script on the home side, who didn’t lose a home game all season. As the first half whistle blew, interim head coach Michel Garbini would have to make some choices - and have a heart to heart with the team who struggled to get their feet into the game.

Michel told media after the match, “We were fighting for our lives.”

Whatever was said in the locker room, whether it was an outpouring of tough love or brutal tongue lashing, worked. North Texas roared back with a dominant second half. It was the kind of game that exemplified just who this squad has been all season long - fierce, brave, relentless, and never out of the picture.

“So proud of those players and this organization. The players were amazing in the second half, especially the mentality, it was incredible,” Michel said. “The players played like champions in the second half. In the first half down 2-0, we made some adjustments in the locker room and in the second half we looked like a different team. We looked like North Texas.”

In fact, that is the exact character of the team that Michel, Gall, and company witnessed all season long.

When asked if he doubted this team, Michel was emphatic - “No.”

He always believed, always knew what this group of players were capable of.

When I think back at this squad, I recall that away win over the Los Angeles FC 2 back in June. North Texas had a player sent off but never turned off the gas, ripping 4 goals past the home side to dominate at Titans Stadium in Fullerton, California. It was the kind of performance that showed this team could overcome all manner of obstacles with a talented and deep roster to turn to throughout.

Tonight, they wrote the ending to an amazing and dominant season, bringing another piece of hardware to the growing trophy case for FC Dallas.

Of course, in the big picture, this raises expectations for Michel’s longer term with the squad. Yes, he is still listed as the interim head coach for North Texas. While it’s not impossible for another team to come inquiring about his services, that “interim” tag looks to be dropped sooner rather than later. Michel made clear to Afterburn soccer that he loves this team and organization and would be honored to continue in the role.

His plan was to celebrate this evening and then begin to think about 2025 in the morning and how this team can do it all over again.

Yes, some players will use their strong seasons to make the next jump to the next level. Michel emphasized that he and his staff will remain ready to help them reach their goals, reminding them that the purpose of North Texas is to help these young players make the jump. New faces will be ready to step in.

A few names that come to mind? Look for Nolan Norris to compete for a starting or rotational spot in 2025. Herbert Endelay too can easily slot in to replace Ema Twumasi as a backup - or heck, after earning Championship MVP for his incredible crosses, make a case to start too. Pedrinho is clearly a talent on the wing, and he has to be in the mix as a talented, young reinforcement for FC Dallas. Enes Sali too appears ready to start making the jump alongside Tarik Scott who scintillated after a devastating injury last year. Finally, I think you can make a case that Michael Collodi fits the bill as a backup goalkeeper.

But that’s just the start.

How can FC Dallas a whole build around this incredible season?

Should it give fans optimism for the future?

Yes.