ARLINGTON, Texas - A brace from Ronaldo Damus spurred North Texas SC to a 3-0 home win over Fort Lauderdale CF on Saturday night at Globe Life Park.

Both teams brought a proclivity for scoring goals into the match, but neither was able to find the net during the first 45 minutes. The best chance fell to defending League One Golden Boot winner Damus, who saw his shot parried wide by Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper Dylan Castanheira.

Sami Guediri nearly fired Fort Lauderdale in front just two minutes into the second half. North Texas goalkeeper Carlos Avilez stopped the close-range strike, and it was then cleared away as it squirmed toward the goal line.

Damus gave the home side the lead before the hour mark. A long ball into the box found the Haitian striker in acres of space, and he made no mistake in smashing it beyond Castanheira.

The reigning League One MVP Arturo Rodriguez then doubled North Texas' advantage with his first tally since returning to the club, slotting home a first-time finish from a clever pullback by Damus.

Damus bagged another in the game's dying moments, and North Texas took the three points in comfortable fashion.

The result moves the two clubs level on 14 points, though North Texas has played two fewer matches. Both teams hit the road for their next fixtures, with North Texas facing Chattanooga Red Wolves SC and Fort Lauderdale taking on a red-hot New England Revolution II.

SCORING SUMMARY 

• NTX (57'): Damus (fourth), assisted by Waldeck
• NTX (80'): Rodriguez (first), assisted by Damus
• NTX (89'): Damus (fifth), assisted by Bruce

NEXT MATCHES

North Texas SC: October 7 v. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (A)
Fort Lauderdale CF: October 9 v. New England Revolution II (A)