North Texas SC completes the comeback in penalties to secure two points on the road against cross-state rival Austin FC II.
With the addition of Sam Sarver back into the lineup, North Texas came out in a 4-4-2 for the first time this season. Alongside the captain, Antonio Carrera got his second start of the season, after an impressive performance against Portland Timbers 2.
Isaiah Kaakoush started in place of the injured Mohammed Cisset, who picked up a knock in the week prior. Leading goalscorer Malachi Molina also started at right back, in place of Enzo Newman. The rest of the North Texas SC lineup remained relatively unchanged.
Verde Dos came out in a 4-3-3 formation, one that they’ve utilized all season. Daniel Cieśla was inserted back into the lineup, alongside their core group of defenders, who have seen the majority of action so far this season.
Mohammed Badawiya got his first start of the season, in place of the newly-promoted Ervin Torres, who signed a Short-Term agreement for Austin FC earlier today. Jimmy Farkarlun, the team’s leading goal-scorer, started up top alongside Peter Grogan and Diego Abarca.
As expected, both teams came out raring to go. Thankfully, the North Texas backline looked sharp and held their own for much of the first half.
The first real chance of the game wouldn’t come until the 22nd minute for Austin FC II. Farkarlun made a run down the left side of the field and played a low cross into the box. The ball was deflected off two colliding players and rolled out to Abarca, who caught Carrera off his line. Abarca made one move to get around the keeper, but had his shot cleared away by the lone defender left in goal, Gavin Gall.
Austin eventually struck first in the 28th minute, when Rubén Bonachera sent in a cross to the middle of the field. Jorge Alastuey was able to get just enough of a touch on the ball to send it towards a leaping Grogan, who headed the ball past Carrera to give “Ver-dos” the lead, 1-0.
In the second half, Coach John Gall brought on a trio of subs in the 62nd minute. Michael Cortellessa, Jaidyn Contreras, and Chris Salazar came on for Molina, Anthony Ramirez, and Tarik Scott, and it seemed to be just the spark the team needed to get their offense going.
The momentum finally broke through for North Texas in the 79th minute. After having their cross punched out by Alstrup, Joshua Torquato threaded a pass to Ian Charles, who scored his first goal of the season, to tie the game 1-1, in thrilling fashion.
It was an incredible showing from the reserves for North Texas tonight, who continued to put pressure on Austin late in the game. Despite only having three shots on target to show for it, the second half was all North Texas.
After 90 minutes of soccer, the game headed to a shootout. In which North Texas continued to ride their momentum from the second half and secured a hard-earned two points.
Penalty Kick Results:
NTX – 🟢🔴🟢🟢🟢
ATX – 🟢🟢🔴🔴X
For the second week in a row, this team showed what they were made of, by not giving up. The man leading that charge was undeniably Ian Charles, our Man of the Match. With his lone goal, Charles also managed to play very well in the backline for North Texas, which only conceded one goal tonight.
Up next, North Texas SC returns home to take on Colorado Rapids 2 on Sunday, April 20th at 7:30 pm CT. The Rapids 2 are currently 1-1-1 on the season.