"Herb is the silent assassin."
That’s how former North Texas SC head coach John Gall described the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup MVP Herbert Endeley.
"You know, he's a quiet kid off the field, but on the field, I mean, he's a go-getter," Gall continued. "He's a super competitive kid. He's got amazing athletic ability. He's got great football ability and instincts… super proud of Herb. He's a super kid."
Known for his calm off-field demeanor, Endeley’s on-field energy fueled his side in the MLS NEXT Pro Cup. He delivered a crucial assist in the second half and was a terror on the right side, helping North Texas SC battle back from a 2-0 halftime deficit to secure a 3-2 victory over Philadelphia Union II.
Endeley’s journey to North Texas SC began with his standout collegiate career at Indiana University, where he was an All-Big Ten selection every year he played. His impressive play and work ethic landed him at FC Dallas when he was selected in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
After splitting his time between the FC Dallas first team and North Texas SC in his first two professional seasons, Endeley emerged as a crucial piece in NTSC’s run to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup in 2024. The wingback turned it up a level in the postseason, providing one goal, two assists and creating numerous goal-scoring chances for his teammates.
With his side down 2-0 at the half of the MLS NEXT Pro Cup, interim North Texas SC head coach Michel Garbini knew the potential Endeley had to make an impact. In his halftime talk, Garbini sought to tap into Endeley’s strengths, setting him up to turn the game around.
"You need to make him believe in his strength," Garbini explained. "We put him in a position where he could be isolated one-on-one against the opposition, and then he put in a great assist in the second half. He was very dangerous. We tried to put him in more space in the middle to give him more freedom and give him the ball."
"Go forward. Don’t be afraid." Garbini implored.
Endeley took Garbini’s advice to heart and helped spark the team’s comeback with an assist to Enes Sali in the 67th minute, which equalized the game.
Although not credited for the third goal, Endeley’s run from his own half into enemy territory drew the attention of the Union II defense, opening space for Tomas Pondeca on the right flank.
Pondeca sent a low cross to Pedrinho, who back-heeled NTSC’s third goal in the 91st minute, delivering the game-winner and clinching the first-ever MLS NEXT Pro title for North Texas SC.
For Endeley, however, the MVP award was less about personal recognition and more about the team’s effort. "I’m very happy and humbled to win this award," he said.
"But more importantly, very happy to win. It was a very tough game. They made it very hard for us. We made it a bit harder for ourselves. But in the end, this is what we’ve been working for the whole year."
The comeback win was a fitting conclusion to an undefeated home season, celebrated by over 7,000 fans in attendance at Toyota Stadium. Endeley credited the fans’ energy for giving the team extra motivation to protect their unbeaten record.
"I think we just take a lot of pride in protecting our fortress at home," he shared. "These fans could be doing anything else, but they came to watch us here, so we want to put out for them as well. It’s a bit of motivation to keep us going."
Endeley’s path to MVP reflects his years of dedication to the sport and support from his family, who traveled from New York and Minnesota to see him play in the final.
His father, Isaac Endeley, expressed his pride after seeing his son win MVP honors, saying, "We’re very proud of him. Herbert has been a great lover of soccer from the time he was maybe three or four years old."
When asked what was the key factor that made his son special, Endeley said: "Just training and dedication. He’s always been involved in the sport and practicing, but also in the positive aspect of it, not just winning, but in learning and growing. He recognizes that it’s a team sport, it’s not an individual sport."
“When he was younger, he was the star. He was always the one scoring the goals. But as he has grown, he's moved back, and he's helping the others, so that they can shine." Endeley continued.
"His intention is not to shine individually, but for the team to progress. So we are extremely proud.”
As North Texas SC celebrates their first MLS NEXT Pro championship, Herbert Endeley’s journey stands out as one defined by the dedication to his team. From coaches to family, everyone agrees that he’s more than just a talented player; he’s the teammate who puts others first.
Now, the "Silent Assassin" joins the MLS NEXT Pro history books as the league’s third-ever Cup MVP, a well-earned honor for a true team champion.
