FC Dallas Defenders Leandro Gonçalves and Chris Salazar Make First Starts in 2026 Match Notes

North Texas SC suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to MNUFC2 on Sunday evening in a tightly contested MLS Next Pro match at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. The loss dropped North Texas SC to a 2-3-3 record (11 points) for the 2026 season, while MNUFC2 improved to 4-3-0 (12 points).

First Starts for Key Players

The match marked the first starts of the season for defender Leandro Gonçalves and FC Dallas Academy product Chris Salazar. Gonçalves, who made his club debut earlier this month in a match against Sporting Kansas City II on April 4, 2026, replaced Joshua Torquato in the starting lineup. Salazar, who has accumulated 22 appearances and one goal for North Texas SC since 2025, took over the lone striker role, allowing Diego Garcia to shift back to his customary central midfield position.

Season Debut for Zach Molomo

Defender Zach Molomo made his season debut, entering the match in the 86th minute. The U.S. Youth international appeared in six matches for North Texas SC last season and returned to the field after a period of absence this year.

Tactical Adjustments and Match Dynamics

North Texas SC maintained a 3-4-3 formation, a setup the team has frequently employed this season. However, the match proved challenging as MNUFC2 dominated possession and outshot North Texas SC 20-8, despite the visiting side holding 50% of the ball. Goalkeeper Eryk Dymora, making his seventh start of the season, was called into action repeatedly but could not prevent the late concession that decided the game.

MNUFC2, playing their first home match of the season, utilized a 4-3-3 formation. The team’s midfield rotated dynamically, with Dominik Fitz often dropping deeper to act as an additional central midfielder alongside Luciano Pechota and Sam Vigilante. Marcus Caldeira, MNUFC2’s leading scorer, started as the lone striker, while 16-year-old Jadan Bernad made his MLS Next Pro debut at left back.

Series History and Implications

The result extended North Texas SC’s winless streak against MNUFC2, bringing their all-time record in the series to 10-2-0 in favor of the Minnesota side. Despite the loss, North Texas SC remains in contention in the MLS Next Pro standings, though the defeat highlights ongoing challenges in securing results against top-tier opposition.

Looking Ahead

North Texas SC will return to action on May 2, 2026, when they host in-state rivals Austin FC II at Choctaw Stadium. The match, scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m., will be broadcast on MLSNEXTPRO.com and OneFootball.com. The game presents an opportunity for North Texas SC to rebound from the loss and reassert their position in the league.