Belgian Striker Edouard Nys Lights Up MLS Next Pro With North Texas SC

Edouard Nys is making his mark in American soccer. The 21-year-old Belgian striker has scored 6 goals in 7 games for North Texas SC, adding one assist to reach seven direct goal contributions this season. His explosive start has made him one of MLS Next Pro's standout performers and put him on the radar for a potential FC Dallas call-up.

But Nys's path to Texas tells a different story than most European prospects. Rather than grinding through traditional academy systems, he chose the American college route—a decision that's paying dividends.

European Roots, American Opportunity

Born in Mouscron, Belgium, Nys began his development at KV Kortrijk before getting a taste of elite European football with Manchester City. "I was playing in Kortrijk's youth team when we had a friendly match against Manchester City," Nys recalls. "After that, I had the opportunity to train with them a few times. I didn't sign, but it helped me a lot, mainly to get to know a different culture and style of play."

When an agency approached him about moving to the United States, Nys didn't hesitate. "For me, it was like a second chance," he explains. "In Belgium, it's very difficult to balance study and football at a high level."

College Soccer Success

The transition wasn't easy off the field. "The hardest thing at the beginning was being away from home, family, and friends," Nys admits. But on the pitch, he was unstoppable.

At Northeast Community College, Nys posted remarkable numbers: 31 goals and 27 assists in 25 games while helping his team win the national title. His performance earned individual recognition and established him as one of the season's top players.

A stint with Asheville City SC in USL League Two provided another stepping stone. Nys helped the team win the conference title and earned a spot on the season's all-star team, proving his impact in increasingly competitive environments.

UIC: The Breakthrough

The defining moment came at UIC Flames, where Nys scored 16 goals and added 5 assists while wearing the captain's armband in his first year. "Going to a smaller program can be scary, but the coaches trusted me a lot from the start," he says. "I was named captain right in my first year, and it shows how much they believed in me."

While other college stars like Junior Diouf moved directly to European clubs, Nys chose a different approach. "I heard about his move, and I think it was good for him. But, in my case, I believe the best is to prove myself here first, at the highest level, before thinking about Europe."

MLS Next Pro Impact

Selected by FC Dallas, Nys has quickly become North Texas SC's primary offensive threat. His influence extends beyond the scoresheet—his movement, intensity, and tactical awareness make him a constant danger even when he's not directly involved in goals.

Despite his hot start, Nys remains focused on improvement. "It's a decent start, but we can obviously do much more and find more rhythm. The level is very good, technically very strong."

With his current form, a call-up to FC Dallas's first team seems inevitable. "If it has to happen, it will happen," Nys says. "The important thing is to continue being patient and working hard, but that's the goal."