After defeating Cancún FC to win the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Invitational last Saturday, Austin FC II returns its focus to league play with a matchup against Western Conference leaders North Texas SC this Friday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 pm CT at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center and the match is also available to watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Austin FC II Outlook
Austin FC II picked up its third piece of silverware in the last 10 months with its win over defending Liga de Expansión MX champions Cancún, winning the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Invitational. Micah Burton and Alonso Ramírez put their names on the scoresheet. CJ Fodrey assisted both goals in the 2-1 victory.
The Verde & Black now shift their attention back to the final 11 matches of the MLSNP regular season. ATXFC II is eight points off the playoff line and will look to start a charge up the standings by earning a statement win over first-place NTSC.
In their last league home game on July 5, Fodrey and Ramírez spurred the team to a 2-0 win over Real Monarchs. Three of the team’s five games in August are at Parmer Field, providing a key opportunity to collect points.
North Texas SC Outlook
NTSC holds a narrow three-point lead over St. Louis at the top of the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference, having beat St. Louis 2-1 at Choctaw Stadium on July 27. Defense has been the team’s calling card. Its 19 goals conceded are tied for the fewest in the league.
Though North Texas fell 3-0 when they faced ATXFC II at Parmer Field last season, their road record this year (17 points from nine games) is the best in the Western Conference. However, NTSC were defeated and failed to score in each of their last two away games.
Pedrinho has been a top offensive contributor with five goals and three assists while Tarik Scott and Enes Sali (seven goals each) are the team’s joint top-scorers.
