In an entertaining MLS Next Pro clash on July 26, 2026, North Texas SC and Los Angeles FC II played out a 2-2 draw at Toyota Stadium. The match featured two early goals, a red card, and a late equalizer that split the points in a game that had all the drama of a playoff battle.

Match Overview

North Texas SC started brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute when forward Alex Ramirez finished off a counter-attack with a composed strike past LAFC II goalkeeper Abraham Romero. However, the lead lasted only seven minutes as LAFC II hit back through Nathan Ordaz, who curled a shot from the edge of the box into the top corner. The game then took a turn in the 35th minute when North Texas midfielder Álvaro Zendejas received a second yellow card for a reckless tackle, reducing the home side to ten men for the remainder of the match.

Despite being a man down, North Texas regained the lead in the 63rd minute through a stunning free kick from Andrés Gómez, who bent the ball over the wall and into the net. LAFC II pushed for an equalizer and finally found it in the 87th minute when substitute Christian Torres headed in from a cross, ensuring a share of the spoils.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Alex Ramirez opens the scoring for North Texas SC.
• 19th minute: Nathan Ordaz equalizes with a brilliant individual effort.
• 35th minute: Red card to Álvaro Zendejas – a key turning point.
• 63rd minute: Andrés Gómez's free kick restores North Texas's lead.
• 87th minute: Christian Torres heads home late equalizer for LAFC II.

Player Performances

• Andrés Gómez (North Texas SC) – 8/10: Scored a brilliant free kick and was a constant threat despite his team being a man down.
• Nathan Ordaz (LAFC II) – 7.5/10: A constant menace on the wing, his goal and assist for Torres were crucial.
• Abraham Romero (LAFC II) – 7/10: Made several important saves to keep his team in the game.
• Álvaro Zendejas (North Texas SC) – 5/10: His red card changed the game's complexion entirely.

Standings Context

North Texas SC remained in 5th place in the Western Conference of MLS Next Pro with 28 points from 18 matches, missing a chance to break into the top three. LAFC II stayed 7th, but the draw extended their unbeaten run to four matches. Both teams will see this as a point gained or two lost depending on perspective.

Post-Match Reaction

North Texas head coach John Gall praised his team's resilience despite the red card: "To hold out for so long with ten men and still create chances shows the character of this group. We're disappointed not to win, but a point against a quality side like LAFC II is still valuable." LAFC II coach Enrique Dueñas highlighted his team's never-give-up attitude: "We kept pushing and got our reward. The character shown to come back twice is commendable."

North Texas SC travel to St. Louis City 2 next, while LAFC II host Tacoma Defiance in the next round of MLS Next Pro action.