MATCH PREVIEW: North Texas SC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 MLS NEXT Pro Conference Quarterfinals | 10/20/24

It has been over 1,800 days since North Texas SC’s last home playoff game. The No. 1 overall seed in MLS NEXT Pro hosts Vancouver Whitecaps FC II at Choctaw Stadium on Sunday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. CT. Here’s everything you need to know before the game need to know.

Electricity: The game will be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com and YouTube.

Radio: For the first time, fans can watch the entire postseason live on the FC Dallas app. Pregame coverage begins at 7:15 p.m. with Ryan Figert and Steve Davis.

Game overview
NTX entry: 16-4-8 (62 points – 1st in the West)
VAN record: 10-11-7 (40 points – 7th in the West)
NTX vs VAN All time: (3-2-1, 5GF, 7GA)

Time to defend the house
North Texas SC finished the season undefeated at home for the second time in club history. The boys, led by Michel Garbini, have averaged 2.4 goals this season at historic Arlington Stadium. The only time North Texas was shut out at home was in the first game of the season against none other than Whitecaps FC 2, this weekend’s opponent. Michel felt the need for a test and chose the Canadian team in the “Pick Your Opponent” competition last Tuesday.

Going into the playoffs with some familiar faces
October 19, 2019 was the last time North Texas SC hosted a playoff game at Toyota Stadium. Five years later, the club gets its first opportunity to host a playoff game at Choctaw Stadium. North Texas has a 2-0-0 record in home games, with one of those wins coming in the 2019 USL League One Final. Some familiar faces from the 2019 squad are still at the club, including interim coach Michel Garbini, assistant coach Alex Aldaz and former goalkeeping coach Kyle Zobeck. Their combined experience will benefit the team as this is their first time seeing playoff action. Only three players from the current roster were on the field for the 2022 playoff game: Tarik Scott, Carl Sainté and Isaiah Parker.

Whitecaps FC 2
The Canadian team took part in the MLS NEXT Pro playoff party and finished seventh in the West with a record of 10-11-7. The team is led by Houston Dynamo FC legend Ricardo Clark. Vancouver suffered a 3-1 away defeat against Houston Dynamo FC 2 on decision day. Three key players who pose threats for North Texas are leading scorer Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau, captain Jay Herdman and goaltender Max Anchor. The three played against North Texas in a 0-0 tie in the season opener at Choctaw Stadium, with Anchor securing the extra point with two penalty saves.