Just like that, we’ve come to the end of the third MLS NEXT Pro season. MNUFC2 will be wrapping up their 2024 campaign on the road this year, with a match against North Texas SC offering the lads their last chance to play before the league returns in 2025. The league-leading hosts present a big test for the in-form Twos, making this final match one to watch for any Minnesota soccer fan.
MNUFC2 haven’t lost since late-August, picking up 13 points in their last five matches. That run of form has seen them earn three outright wins and two shootout victories, putting them among the best teams in the league during that span. Some fantastic play from first-teamers, Twos regulars, and academy players alike has powered this team to this strong finish, and a victory in Texas would be the perfect icing on the cake at this point.
These squads have met twice already this season, with both matches falling the way of North Texas. A 3-0 loss on June 9 was followed by a 4-0 loss on July 3, proving to the Twos that it’s no fluke that these Texans are at the top of the table. With nothing to play for in terms of playoff positioning this time around, though, it will be interesting to see how both teams line up and what the game plan will be. NTSC has secured first spot, with six points separating them from second place. Likewise, the Loons will be playing for pride after being eliminated from playoff contention, albeit by slim margins.
This weekend’s hosts are likewise unbeaten in their last five matches, earning four wins and one shootout win in that time. They’ve been held scoreless just five times this season, meaning that a fast start and a quick goal for the Loons might be the only way to really put off their hosts. But that’s not the most daunting stat: in 13 matches at Choctaw Stadium, North Texas has not lost a single time, going 8-0-5 at home this season. Nothing happens until it happens, and we should never say never, but this is certainly going to be a tough nut to crack for Jeremy Hall and the boys.
It’s been a growing year for MNUFC2, and after some growing pains saw the young Loons learn some valuable lessons, it’s been fantastic to see them put those lessons into practice during the home stretch. Despite missing out on the playoffs, the team has done exactly what the club hoped it would this year: provide a platform for development and high-level soccer to bring along the next generation of MNUFC stars. A heavy reliance on academy talent in the early stages will pay long-term dividends, and it seems we’re already beginning to see that come to fruition.
Sunday’s match is set to kick off at 3:00 p.m. CT, with streaming available via MLS Season Pass. Tune in to see your Twos take the field for the last time this season to see if David can take down Goliath in this season-capping matchup.
