Dynamo Dos/North Texas SC; a budding rivalry

They say a rivalry can be defined as worthy opponent against whom a victory brings indescribable satisfaction and respect. If they are both playing for league supremacy even better. The Houston Dynamo 2 and North Texas SC are indeed a budding rivalry separated by just a five hour drive.

In the first season of MLS Next Pro, the two teams have met exactly one time. The Dynamo Dos got the better of it on April 23 posting a 3-2 decision. This battle though is not just for bragging rights but for playoff positioning as the season draws closer to the end.

North Texas SC is no stranger to winning. After becoming the reserve side of the MLS parent club FC Dallas in 2019, the team went out and won the USL Third Division. Winning in the newly created USL 3 was a feat of and to itself bearing in mind that the club was composed mainly of youth club players. They , also qualified for the playoffs in 2020 before missing out last season. Now in the inaugural season of MLS Next Pro, they are deadlocked with Houston at 9-4-2 leaving them third in the table.

Dynamo Dos not only are tied with NTSC but have a plus nine goal differential. After stumbling with a three game losing streak, they righted the ship going unbeaten in their last three outings including Sunday's 4-1 win at home against the Real Monarchs.

Both sides are filled with talented and soon to be first teamers with parent clubs. The first meeting showcased the scoring prowess of both sides as they traded goals four minutes apart inside the first 20minutes of the match. Houston would get the go ahead goal in first half stoppage time before NTSC found the equalizer in the opening ten minutes of the second half. The Dynamo DOs would get the game winner with five minutes left in regulation setting the stage for this week's MLS Next Pro featured Game of the Week.

The Houston Dynamo 2 and North Texas SC may only be playing their second match ever in the MLS Next Pro version of the Texas Derby but already it is as heated as the weather. Kick-off from Choctaw Stadium in Arlington on Friday night July 15th is slated for 8:00pm CT.