North Texas SC won their first MLS NEXT Pro title on Saturday in a thrilling 3-2 come from behind win over the Philadelphia Union II.

North Texas got second half goals from Logan Farrington, Enes Sali and a game-winner by Pedrinho to complete the comeback after going down by two goals in the first half.

Philadelphia struck first in the ninth minute as they poured on the pressure against the North Texas defense. Gavin Wetzel collected the ball late in the top of the penalty area after a poor clearance from North Texas. He then found a wide-open Markus Anderson in the middle of the penalty box. Anderson took one touch before hitting a low shot past Michael Collodi.

Eight minutes later, Philadelphia doubled their lead as Edward Davis collected the ball near the outside of the penalty area after a poor touch from Nico Gordon. Davis quickly moved into the penalty area and hammered home a shot past Collodi.

North Texas pulled one back seven minutes into the second half on a free kick by Farrington. After being fouled outside the penalty box, Farrington stepped up to take the free kick and curled it around the Philadelphia wall and into the back of the net. The goal was Farrington’s second with North Texas this season.

In the 67th minute, North Texas tied the game up thanks to a curling ball from Herbert Endeley to the back post. Sali was wide open and was able to easily put home the second NTSC goal.

The Union II were reduced to ten men in the 76th minute as Olwethu Makhanya brought down Farrington on a clear breakaway that he would have been free on goal.

North Texas gained the lead in the first minute of stoppage time in the second half. North Texas pushed the ball forward on the wing to Tomas Pondeca who played the ball back into the penalty area where Pedrinho was there to give a cheeky touch on the ball into the back of the net.

Instant Reaction: I won‘t really dive into the first half. It was a bit of a train wreck. But, whatever Michel said at halftime absolutely worked and changed the dynamics of the game. North Texas pushed Philadelphia around in the second half as Farrington caused issues for their defense, Endeley added two assists of his own.

About the subs: In the 60th minute, Carl Sainte and Tyshawn Rose came off for Anthony Ramirez and Abdoul Zanne. Shortly after the second goal from NTSC, Tomas Pondeca came on for Diego Garcia. In the final moments of the game, Turner Humphrey and Malik Henry-Scott came on for Sali and Farrington.

Man of the Match: You could go with Farrington or Endeley. Either are good options.

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