Quick Primer: North Texas Soccer Club 2026 Edition
North Texas SC opens their 2026 MLS Next Pro season away at Real Monarchs this afternoon. Who is available? What can we expect in a big year for the team?
Yes, it’s game day, soccer nerds.
Your North Texas Soccer Club embarks on a big 2026 season that will introduce us to new potential stars, academy kids ready to make a statement, and, most importantly, the newest soccer specific stadium in Mansfield, Texas.
The season kicks off as North Texas SC have traveled to visit Real Monarchs, a strong side that finished 4th last season. It will be an early challenge as North Texas have mostly reshaped their roster but will see a mix of guys, including a few first team players, get an opportunity to shine and develop.
Curious about who might feature for North Texas?
The club did a nice overview of the guys available, noting that a few first team players will have opportunities based on how the season unfolds.
Of those first team guys, I’ll note a few:
Geovane de Jesus, injured for about two years now, should begin his season getting minutes and rehabbing after a significant time away from the game. He can play wing back but seems to fit better as the right center back in a 3-5-2 that the team will employ. He needs to get fit, gain confidence, and showcase how he can help the senior team. I doubt he will be the North Texas the whole season.
Augusto Alvaro is another first team defender who will likely serve as an anchor, as long as he is not needed with the first team. He was solid last year with North Texas, especially down the stretch.
Caleb Swann signed a first team deal, but he was stellar for North Texas SC last season and should get a bunch of minutes as a key motor in the midfield. I really think he is ready to mature and make a case with the senior team in 2027.
Nicholas Simmonds signed a first team deal, but since he won’t break into the senior team anytime soon, why not give him experience as an attacker with North Texas? Let’s watch him develop. He has unreal physical tools and could be the breakout star of MLS Next Pro this year.
Diego García - Yes, he’s a homegrown with FC Dallas, and it feels like he’s been around forever. He’s still only 18 but has most the appearances in North Texas history. That’s something. We all want him to put the pieces together, keep maturing, and threaten senior team spots.
Who are we watching to emerge?
Senior team players will be nice to mix in, but we are really looking for the new stories, like last year’s Sam Sarver, to use this opportunity to get to the next level. There are quite a few guys we are excited to see get an extended run of minutes.
Jaidyn Contreras - We just did an interview with Jaidyn, look for that piece to drop this week, but the phenom is ready. He can provide tactical flexibility, but we can confirm that he will start at right wing back. His play has been good enough to get him on the radar of the youth programs for both the US National Team and Honduran National Team.
Sam Sedeh - This kid could be an attacking phenom, continuing in a tradition and system that has produced guys like Ricardo Pepi. With Simmonds getting minutes, he may be given more opportunities off the bench, but keep an eye on his development.
Marlon Luccin - Yes, the son of former interim FC Dallas head coach Peter Luccin is making a name for himself as he matures and gains experience. FC Dallas needs to develop more attacking options in the middle of the park, so this could be a great season for Marlon to lock down a steady role.
There are a couple of draft picks in here that are needed for depth but will be a testament to FC Dallas’ excellent scouting department. While Pela is sidelined with injury to start the year, Edu Nys can play an attacking midfield role. His college experience will help balance out some of the youngsters in the squad.
A Hidden-ish Gem?
While already has experience in USL League One, Natty James is intriguing. He has international soccer experience with Trinidad and Tobago. He’s only 21. I think North Texas is perfect to take flyers on guys like those who are still young but may have an extra gear to unlock.
Another interesting name, from a pure physical standpoint, is former Austin FC II goalkeeper Thomas Burchfield. The kid stands at 6’7” and should be an imposing presence in goal. However, at the age of 16, he has plenty of time to acclimate to the level and fight for some minutes.
Picking Off From Last Year’s Playoff Appearance
North Texas SC pushed late for a playoff spot after a very up-and-down year. Every player and coach I speak with at North Texas acknowledges that 2025 should have been better, especially with Sam Sarver’s electric form that quickly moved him to the first team. Simply put, the performances were inconsistent. The team would look dominant in one game and then rudderless in the next.
Can this squad, mostly rebuilt, find a way to grind out matches and preserve wins? Can they find consistency, especially at home?
Battles to Watch
The back line was not good enough last year. Inconsistency was part of it, hence there being a ton of turnover in that phase of the game going into 2026. I imagine we may see a rough start to the year as the team starts to find their groove, but I like having an experienced college guy like Slade Starnes to bring some stability.
I’m less worried about who will emerge at goalkeeper, as the team has three guys with various bits of experience. Will they rotate? Will one guy lock down the starting spot? We’ll see.
Stadium Debut
The biggest piece to prepare for? North Texas SC will open up their new stadium in Mansfield on July 4. It’s going to be a special day and a marker of the growth of this team and MLS Next Pro. Major League Soccer will be on break, so expect a good solid crowd in the midst of the World Cup.
Big Picture
North Texas SC want to win hardware. With a MLS Next Pro title and USL League One title in their history, the desire to bring trophy and glory to their fans and the FC Dallas community is there. Head coach John Gall remains a really good fit with his ability to exhibit tough love and ask a lot from these young guys.
How cool would it be to win a trophy while debuting your new stadium?
Is this the right mix of guys to do it?
For me, I do expect North Texas SC to qualify for the playoffs much earlier this year. I think Nicholas Simmonds will be in the golden boot race, and a revamped and more mature back line and midfield is going to keep this team in contention against other strong sides in Next Pro. The key will be how they deal with expected shakeups with roster movement as players get an opportunity with the first team. I predict a 5th place finish in the Western Conference.
Of course, there is a lot of soccer to be played and much uncertainty. Who will emerge? Who will stake a claim for more minutes? Who will come down from the first team? Part of this is the challenge that Gall and company must deal with on a week-by-week basis as they seek that consistency. But I like this squad.
FYI - Here’s the opening lineup:
