John Gall Reflects: "2-0 is the most dangerous score in football."

Afterburn Soccer Show

Leads are tricky things in any sport.

North Texas Soccer Club learned that the hard way on Sunday evening. Houston Dynamo 2 came to town, hungry for a result, and despite a classy finish from Enes Sali in the first half and stellar fast break goal by Diego Garcia in the second, the visiting side scrapped their way back into the match to draw level. Both goals were a combination of sloppy giveaways and lack of concentration, situations that North Texas keeper Michael Collodi would want back.

A bit of a consolation - Collodi saved the final PK in the ensuing penalty shootout for an extra point.

Gall was reflective after the match. “We feel that we dropped the point tonight, but that’s football. You play against opponents who are desperate. We have to be a little bit more mature.”

All in all, while not the perfect performance that North Texas has been working towards, the game was thoroughly dominated by the home side. However, once any team gets a lead, the game state shifts. The Dynamo had nothing to lose by springing for counterattacks and becoming more aggressive. They created the environment to get back into this one, while North Texas had their own lessons to learn.

Diego Garcia noted this after the game on how the team needed to improve, “Keep the ball more. Move the ball more. Be calm with the ball.”

Pedrinho made his first start for the team, and while not his best performance, Gall is confident the youngster is going to make a big difference down the line.

Sali also looks every bit worth the investment, even if he spends most of his year with North Texas as he gains experience and grows into his role. He is dangerous and shows some classy techniques that will give opponents fits.

North Texas will hit the road against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday evening to continue their undefeated campaign.

Get full access to AFTERBURN SOCCER at www.afterburn.soccer/subscribe