Settling for Draw, North Texas Soccer Club Look Hungry
Yesterday's 2-2 draw at Real Monarch left North Texas head coach John Gall with "mixed emotions", but the makings of something special was there.
For a moment, Nicholas Simmonds had the game winner for North Texas Soccer Club on a chilly afternoon in Utah.
The sequence was stunning. North Texas won the ball in the midfield, passed it quickly to an overlapping Diego Garcia (marking his 60th appearance in a NTSC kit), who crossed to an onrushing Nicholas Simmonds in his debut for his new team. The goal was a long time coming, as Simmonds and teammates probed time and time again for a go ahead opportunity.
The celebration felt like the spark of a new beginning for a team that has been dominant in MLS Next Pro but struggled last year despite golden boot winner Sam Sarver cruising to a 19 goal season.
And then, heartbreak. A very late header ricocheted off the cross bar, and a Real Monarch player in the right place to slot it home for the equalizer.
The ensuing shootout would not go North Texas’ way with Daniel Baran’s opening shot easily saved.
Head coach John Gall told media that he had “mixed emotions” about the performance.
“Really proud of our team to come here and score 2 goals. In all honesty, I think, should have scored 3 or 4. Some clear chances on another day we would put away,” Gall said. “To come here and score two goals and create the chances that we created. Just really happy with the group. A really positive performance that is ultimately disappointing for the way you go into penalty kicks and lose a point… is frustrating and difficult.”
But his excitement for this group of guys is palpable, not just to him but to fans, especially us soccer sickos, who love to follow North Texas in hopes of seeing the next great star emerge from a premiere academy system.
I highlighted yesterday that consistency was a huge issue for last year’s North Texas side. The team simply could not find the ability to string together a series of matches at a high level. They often had to rely on individual brilliance.
Yesterday, we saw something new. This was a team. They fought hard for each other. The individual talent from newcomers Natty James, Edouard Nys, and Nicholas Simmonds sparkles. Slade Starnes looks like the back line leader the team has lacked for a couple of years. The style of play fit the quality on the field - it was physical, aggressive, focused on getting forward and making life difficult for your opponent.
Against a very good Real Monarchs, they nearly grabbed a huge away win which would have been a statement.
Still, they made a statement for those who have followed the North Texas project - they have potential to do special things this year.
Yes, looking at yesterday’s result, there is a lot of work to do. This team needs to be sharper. They need to clean up the mistakes, especially on set pieces. The ten minutes after the half were not good — their focus must improve. The camaraderie will strengthen. If they can do those things, watch out. 2026 could welcome silverware to a new stadium in Mansfield.
Like Coach Gall I have mixed emotions after that match.
But just the same, I’m ready to see more of this team in action.
That comes Saturday as they welcome Houston Dynamo 2 to town. I can’t wait.