Not enjoying FC Dallas soccer? Try North Texas, the Lone Undefeated Team in MLS Next Pro

FC Dallas struggled on the road, but North Texas SC dominated Sporting Kansas City 2 with confidence and style.

Yes, this past weekend was tough for FC Dallas fans, who hoped for at least a confidence-boosting performance for their team but were treated to a snooze fest that never looked very competitive on the road at Toronto.

Meanwhile, North Texas also hit the road to play in Kansas against SKC II and couldn’t look more different, taking all three points in a 2-0 win. Whereas Dallas struggled to build out attacks, North Texas pushed forward out of the gate and made Kansas City sweat. The fluidity and joy from these youngsters is a stark contrast to the plodding build-up from their senior team.

For example, let’s look at the opening goal for North Texas in this match, a sequence that certainly can be seen as fortuitous and a result of bad defending but also takes a certain amount of guts and sheer desire to create.

Nolan Norris makes a risky pass to the Enes Sali who does enough to shield the ball from the SKC defender and make a good turn. Running at defenders often doesn’t lead to outright success, like this did, but Sali’s move does open the door to an opponent making a mistake. And yeah, SKC II defense were taking a nap or lacked leadership to step up and either foul Sali or win the ball.

Notice, too, how many North Texas players have gone forward. Those second balls or rebounds are a juicy chance for goals. How often have we seen FC Dallas put their attackers on an island, expecting their lone striker to pull off a move against three or more defenders? Or seen no one making a far post run?

North Texas are clearly well-motivated and playing with a sense of identity. Their emphasis on attack, pushing their opponents, makes for entertaining soccer and puts so much pressure on defenders. For a young team, there will be games ahead where it doesn’t work, when the other team figures them out. That will happen. But North Texas’ tactics are all about running and fighting together as a team.

Have we seen that kind of motivation yet from FC Dallas?

Give credit to John Gall who has made clear that motivation is very important to getting the most out of this young side. It’s working with guys like Enes Sali and Tarik Scott, who are going to get a look in the senior team sooner rather than later if things don’t improve.

But here’s the key - if you can’t stand FC Dallas’ approach right now, watch some North Texas action. It may re-inspire you until the senior team gets it figured out.