North Texas SC wins 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup with stunning comeback over Philadelphia
Frisco, Texas – No. 1 North Texas SC captured the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup on Saturday, defeating No. 2 Philadelphia Union II, 3-2 at Toyota Stadium. The Western Conference Champions completed a heroic three-goal second-half comeback to claim their first League title after trailing 2-0 at halftime.
After finishing the regular season with best record in the League (62 points,16-4-8), North Texas became the third champion in the three-year history of MLS NEXT Pro, as well as becoming the first team in League history to go unbeaten at home in the regular season and playoffs. MLS NEXT Pro Cup was the first time North Texas and Philadelphia have ever faced each other and was both Club’s first appearance in the championship match.
Philadelphia Union II’s young mavericks were the first to strike on Saturday, stunning the North Texas SC defense early as Markus Anderson continued his sterling run of form with a goal in the 9th minute (Watch Here). An incisive pass from Union II captain Frankie Westfield found an advancing Cavan Sullivan , whose cross ended up at the feet of Anderson, who got two bites at the apple before burying his second attempt past 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year, North Texas SC’s Michael Collodi. The goal marked Anderson’s third of the postseason.
Shortly thereafter in the 18th minute, Philadelphia Union II’s leading scorer Eddy Davis added to his season tally as he picked up a loose ball and held off three North Texas defenders to fire a powerful shot toward the far post to double the visitors’ lead (Watch Here). The goal brings Davis’ haul this season to 13 goals.
Down 2-0, North Texas SC regrouped at halftime and started to find its rhythm early in the second stanza of the match. After winning a free kick just outside the Philadelphia penalty area, Logan Farrington stepped up to deliver a clinical shot in the 51st minute to beat Union II goalkeeper Andrew Rick at his near post to bring the score to 2-1 (Watch Here).
The hosts kept the pressure on and proved why they’ve been a dominant force at home this season, as Enes Sali took full advantage of a golden chance to level the match in the 67th minute and brought parity to the scoreline at 2-2 (Watch Here). Sali has been a constant contributor for North Texas in 2024, notching 13 goal contributions (8 goals) throughout the season.
With the title on the line and the score tied at 2-2 as the end of regulation approached, MLS NEXT Pro Cup MVP Herbert Endeley surged forward from the North Texas SC half and combined forces with Tomas Pondeca to find Pedrinho in front of goal; the 21-year-old Brazilian sealed a 3-2 victory for the hosts with an incredible back-heeled flick in the 91st minute to score his 10th goal of the 2024 campaign (Watch Here).
Endeley notched two assists en route to being named MLS NEXT Pro Cup MVP; the 23-year-old defender finished the 2024 campaign with nine goal contributions (six assists).
Previous MLS NEXT Pro Cup Results:
2023: Austin FC II defeated Columbus Crew 2, 3-1
2022: Columbus Crew 2 defeated St Louis CITY2, 4-1
