A brace from midfielder Cameron Dunbar helped MNUFC2 triumph North Texas SC in a 2-1 victory at the National Sports Center Stadium on Saturday night, the club’s first-ever win against the Texas team.
The Twos found success with their speed down the touchline, producing two consecutive chances at goal within five minutes. Minnesota gained possession at the top of the half and switched the ball to midfielder Diogo Pacheco on the wing. Pacheco chased down the pass and crossed into the center of the box with midfielder Emmanuel Iwe crashing the net. The 22-year-old connected with the ball but missed just wide of the woodwork.
In the 14th minute, the roles were reversed as Iwe carried the ball towards net and put in a cross for Pacheco to finish, the shot narrowly missing to the right.
Minnesota’s high press created a chance for turnover in Texas’ half. Pacheco intercepted a pass, placing him in front of goal in a 1v1 with goalkeeper Antonio Carrera. The Lisbon native’s touch was too heavy and allowed Carrera to get a hold of the ball.
A minute into the second half, the Twos got themselves on the board. Midfielder Cedrik Gbo played over top the Texas backline to defender Devin Padelford, who centered the ball, allowing midfielder Cameron Dunbar to put it away for the lead.
The Twos went up once again, leading North Texas SC 2-0 with six minutes remaining in the game. Midfielder Juan Mosquera challenged defender Herbert Endeley in a 1v1, charging toward the goal line. Mosquera cut back and opened space to find the feet of Cameron Dunbar. Dunbar fired his one-touch shot from the top of the box, securing his second goal of the evening.
The Texas side earned one back just before the final whistle blew. Tomas Pondeca won a giveaway in Minnesota’s defensive third, dribbling through the center channel and placing his shot out of reach from goalkeeper Fred Emmings. Despite the last-minute tally, the match would end in favor of MNUFC2.
With the win, the Twos sit fifth in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference with an 8-7-5 (W-L-D) record and 31 points.
MNUFC2 will next head to California to take on LAFC2 at Titan Stadium on Wednesday, August 9th at 9:00pm CT. The match will be streamed on MLSNEXTPro.com.
GOALS
1-0 MIN – Cameron Dunbar, assisted by Devin Padelford (47’)
2-0 MIN – Cameron Dunbar, assisted by Juan Mosquera (84’)
1-2 NTX – Tomas Pondeca, unassisted (88’)
DISCIPLINAIRY SUMMARY
Caution, NTX – Jose Mulato (62’)
Caution, NTX – Alejandro Araneda (86’)
Caution, MIN – CC Uche (90’+1’)
Caution, MIN – Rory O’Driscoll (90’+4’)
NOTABLE STATS
1 – The victory tonight marks the first time in club history that MNUFC2 has defeated North Texas SC.
1 – Defender Devin Padelford earned his very first MNUFC2 assist on Cameron Dunbar’s first goal.
2/4 – Cameron Dunbar’s brace was his first with MNUFC2, bringing his total to four goals with the Twos this season.
TEAM LEADERS (Updated through Aug. 5)
Goals – Diogo Pacheco (8)
Assists – Diogo Pacheco (4)
Saves – Fred Emmings (51)
Wins – Fred Emmings (6)
Shutouts – Alec Smir (3)
