It has been a minute since we last touched base on FC Dallas’ MLS Next Pro side, North Texas SC. In the last week, they’ve been busy as they begin to prepare for their season opener on Sunday in Los Angeles against LAFC2.
Let’s get into the latest round of moves by the club:
Two International Roster slots added
Last Tuesday, North Texas SC acquired two international roster spots from Earthquakes II for an undisclosed fee. With the acquisition, North Texas SC now has nine international spots for the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Following the conclusion of the season, the two spots will be returned to Earthquakes II.
The two roster moves made this week will likely use these two roster slots.
NTSC adds goalkeeper Webber
Yesterday, North Texas SC signed Michael Webber to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract for the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season with a club option for 2024 season.
Webber will likely fill in as the second or third keeper behind Homegrown keeper Antonio Carrera and academy keeper Julian Eyestone.
Webber played at Bowdoin College from 2019-22 before joining North Texas. The native of Cork, Ireland, made 39 appearances, played 3,569 minutes, registered 157 saves and recorded 16 shutouts throughout his Polar Bears career. Webber held an 86 saves percentage with 157 saves out of 222 shots faced.
NTSC adds midfielder Theo Henrique
On Monday, North Texas SC has signed midfielder Theo Henrique to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract for the 2023 season with a club option for the 2024 season, pending league and U.S. Soccer Federation approval.
Henrique joins North Texas SC after one season with América Futebol Clube MG U-20’s team. He scored one goal and recorded one assist in 2,346 minutes across 39 appearances during the 2022-23 season.
Before joining América, Henrique registered 85 appearances for São Paulo FC’s Academy from 2015-21. He found the back of the net nine times and recorded one assist. During the 2019 season, Henrique won the Paulista Sub-17 championship with São Paulo FC.
Pondeca signed via Open Tryout
For the fourth straight season, North Texas has found a player through their open tryouts. North Texas SC has signed open trialist Tomas Pondeca for the upcoming 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season with club option for the 2024 season.
Most will know of Pondeca from Futsal USMNT. In the 2021 CONCACAF Futsal Championship, Pondeca won the Young Player Award. During the competition, he found the back of the net two times for the USMNT and helped qualify to the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania. Pondeca registered 17 appearances and six goals for Futsal USMNT.
Our friends over at Afterburn Soccer had a great one-on-one interview with Pondeca that is worth the read:
Comments