Los Angeles FC II vs North Texas - Match Recap (October 5, 2025)

In a stunning reversal of fortune at Titan Stadium, North Texas SC orchestrated one of the most dramatic comebacks of the MLS Next Pro season, overturning a two-goal halftime deficit to defeat Los Angeles FC II 4-2 on Saturday evening. The victory served as sweet revenge for North Texas, which had suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to this same LAFC II squad just six weeks prior.

Early Dominance Turns to Disaster

For 45 minutes, it appeared Los Angeles FC II would extend their psychological dominance over North Texas. M. Evans, the dynamic forward who has emerged as LAFC II's most reliable attacking threat, provided the early fireworks that had the visiting supporters dreaming of another comprehensive victory.

Evans opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a clinical finish that showcased the technical quality that has made him indispensable to LAFC II's attack. His movement in the box created space where none seemed to exist, and his composed finish gave North Texas goalkeeper little chance. The goal was a continuation of Evans' recent hot streak, having also found the net in the team's previous draw against St. Louis City II.

Just as the first half appeared to be winding down, Evans struck again in first-half stoppage time. His 45th-minute strike was a thing of beauty – a perfectly timed run followed by an equally perfect finish that sent LAFC II into the break with what seemed like a commanding 2-0 advantage.

The halftime statistics told the story of complete Los Angeles dominance. LAFC II had controlled possession, created the better chances, and appeared to be cruising toward a result that would have provided crucial breathing room in their battle to avoid the bottom of the MLS Next Pro table.

The North Texas Renaissance

Whatever North Texas head coach said during the halftime break worked to perfection. The second half belonged entirely to the home side, as they transformed from passive observers into relentless attackers who refused to accept defeat.

The comeback began in earnest in the 69th minute when Diego García pulled one back for North Texas. The goal injected life into Titan Stadium and seemed to unlock something within the North Texas players that had been dormant for most of the season.

Three minutes later, Sam Sarver announced himself as the evening's unlikely hero. His 72nd-minute equalizer leveled the match and shifted all momentum toward the home side. But Sarver was far from finished with his masterpiece.

The 81st minute brought Sarver's second goal of the evening, a strike that completed North Texas's remarkable turnaround and gave them their first lead of the match. The stadium erupted as fans witnessed one of the most improbable comebacks in recent memory.

Sarver saved his best for last, however. His 86th-minute effort – his third goal in just 14 minutes – sealed the victory and completed one of the most extraordinary individual performances in MLS Next Pro this season. The hat trick hero had single-handedly transformed what looked like certain defeat into glorious victory.

Standings Implications and Context

The result carries significant implications for both teams' positioning in the increasingly competitive MLS Next Pro landscape. For North Texas, sitting in eighth place with 40 points from 27 matches, this victory represents more than just three points – it's a statement of resilience and character that could define their late-season push.

LAFC II, meanwhile, finds themselves in a precarious position. Currently occupying 13th place with 33 points from 27 matches, they can ill afford to surrender leads of this magnitude. Their recent form – just two wins in their last five matches – suggests a team struggling for consistency at the worst possible time.

The psychological impact cannot be understated. Having dominated North Texas 4-0 in August, LAFC II likely entered Saturday's match with supreme confidence. That they surrendered such a commanding position will raise questions about their mental fortitude during crucial moments.

Looking Forward

For North Texas, this victory provides the perfect platform to build momentum heading into the season's final stretch. Sam Sarver's hat trick heroics have given the team a genuine match-winner, while the comeback itself demonstrates a character that could prove invaluable in tight contests ahead.

LAFC II, conversely, must quickly regroup and address the defensive vulnerabilities that allowed four second-half goals. With their playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, there is little margin for error in their remaining fixtures.

Saturday's thriller at Titan Stadium will be remembered as the night Sam Sarver announced himself on the MLS Next Pro stage, but more importantly, it may prove to be the turning point in North Texas's season.