TUCSON, Ariz. – North Texas SC snapped FC Tucson’s undefeated streak as goals in either half by Kalil ElMedkhar and Jorge Almaguer sent the visitors to a 2-0 victory at Kino North Stadium, lifting North Texas into the playoff positions in the League One standings at the end of the night.

North Texas threatened as early as the 10th minute when a clever flicked pass by Nicky Hernandez set up Kazu for a clear shot from the left side of the box that was saved by Tucson’s Wallis Lapsley. The hosts also had a good opportunity 11 minutes later when Deri Corfe created space to shoot from the left and forced a good save from NTSC’s Richard Sanchez, but in the 33rd minute ElMedkhar gave the visitors the lead as they took advantage of a giveaway in the Tucson half and quickly worked the ball forward for Kazu to play his right winger into the penalty area for a shot to the left corner.

The visitors threatened twice more in the second half as Lapsley needed to make good saves to keep out shots by Gibran Rayo and Lucão, but in the 77th minute North Texas notched its second when they broke out on a counterattack and Hernandez fed Almaguer as he broke in behind the back line. Lapsley came off his line to try and narrow the angle, but Almaguer lifted his finish into the left corner of the net.

Tucson was reduced to 10 men with four minutes to go as Maxi Schenfeld was shown a red card for violent conduct, but the hosts were unable to consistently threaten the North Texas goal overall, finishing with only two efforts on target as the visitors took a big victory for their postseason hopes.

Both teams have home matches up next, with North Texas hosting the Richmond Kickers next Sunday and North Carolina FC visiting Tucson on Wednesday, Oct. 13.

USLLeagueOne.com Player of the Match

Kalil ElMedkhar, North Texas SC – ElMedkhar scored the opening goal of the night and had two shots and two key passes overall to help North Texas to a second consecutive win.

Goal Summary

NTX (33’) – ElMedkhar, assisted by Kazu
NTX (77’) – Almaguer, assisted by Hernandez