North Texas SC suffered a tough 4-1 loss to Colorado Rapids 2 this Saturday at Choctaw Stadium. The game slipped with Antony Garcia opening the score with a penalty in the 26th minute, followed by a brace from Mamadou Billo Diop only two minutes after the first goal. The pressure only increased when an unfortunate own goal by Aaron Essel in the 34th minute made it 3-0, further complicating the game before the end of the first half.
Despite the deficit, Sam Sarver, the team Captain, pulled one back at the start of the second half, cutting the lead 3-1, but it wasn't enough. Colorado's Diop went in for one more goal making it 4-1 at the 66th minute, and also his second goal of the night.
Statistically, Colorado controlled much of the match; outshooting and capitalizing on nearly every opportunity. NTSC struggled to maintain possession and therefore the chance to pose any danger was not present that night at Choctaw Stadium. With this loss, NTSC drops to sixth place in the standings, tightening the battle for postseason spots as Colorado Rapids 2 continues to climb.
The defeat stings, making this one of North Texas' toughest home loss of the season.
North Texas must quickly regroup as they head to Parmer Field for a match against Austin FC 2. The green and black are coming off a 3-1 win and they currently sit above NTSC in the standings, making this a tug-of-war playoff race. For North Texas, Sarver continues to be the key weapon; currently the league's top scorer with 15 goals. The defense will have to contain Austin's key players Jorge Alastuey and Vlad Dǎnciuțiu.
Who will come out on top for this Friday's match?
