The Twos are running it back this week, hosting North Texas SC for the second time in as many weeks. Now, I did consider just copying and pasting the previous preview article, but I thought you deserved a fresh one. You’re welcome!
Last time out, the young Loons did in fact beat North Texas, snagging a win in their home opener at Allianz Field in April behind a 74th-minute goal from captain Dominik Fitz and a stoppage-time PK save by Kristers Bite. Since then, the Twos have beaten high-flying St. Louis CITY2, with goalkeeper Kristers Bite locking down his second consecutive clean sheet. Bite was critical in the squad’s most recent shootout, saving a St. Louis shot that helped Minnesota take the extra point. Marcus Caldeira, Anderson Farris, Sam Vigilante, and Darius Randell all converted from the spot to secure the 4-2 shootout victory, cashing in on Bite’s goalkeeping heroics.
North Texas still has yet to log a clean sheet this year, and most recently lost in a shutout to Austin FC II at home. Their recent run of form has seen them win one match outright and take an extra point via PK shootout twice, before losing their last two, while the Twos have taken eight of a possible nine points over their last three. The squad is rising to the occasion time and time again, and it seems this weekend will be an uphill battle for the visitors as they fight to regain even ground.
This weekend marks the third home game of the season for the Twos, but it’s the first to be played at National Sports Center Stadium in Blaine. It’s a return to their roots and a rematch with a North Texas side that has dropped down to ninth in the Western Conference, while Minnesota has jumped from 10th to third over their last two matchups. It’s a quick turnaround, likely featuring a lot of the same players on both sides, including first-team contributions like Randell and Caldeira. The difference is that now these sides have a good read on each other, and while Minnesota looks to double down, Texas will be looking to turn the tide.
Get your tickets here for an exciting night at National Sports Center Stadium, or stream the action live via MLSNEXTPro.com or OneFootball.
