The first half of the MLS NEXT Pro season brought historic unbeaten streaks and incredible individual performances leading to increased opportunities.
Players such as Nick Firmino, Patrick Agyemang, and Damian Las have made the most of their opportunities to shine after several weeks of MLS NEXT Pro action. Those players and more are honored in the league’s mid-season awards.
Player: Nick Firmino
Nick Firmino emerged as one of the biggest performers in MLS NEXT Pro this season, leading the league with 10 goals. The Brazilian-American has four two-goal performances, and broke into the Atlanta United first team in dramatic fashion. He scored his first MLS goal in his first-team debut with a stoppage-time header to equalize against New York City FC on June 21.
Goalkeeper: Damian Las
No MLS NEXT Pro team is performing better defensively than Austin FC II, and Damian Las is a major reason why. Las has allowed only 10 goals, significantly out-performing his expected goals allowed mark of 14.6. Las has recorded seven clean sheets in 2023, and has helped Austin FC II stand second in the Western Conference.
Rising Star: Giorgio De Libera
Giorgio De Libera made his mark on a Columbus Crew 2 team that has excelled at the midway mark of the season. The 17-year-old Crew Academy player has logged 880 minutes with Crew 2. He’s scored one goal and assisted another, on top of bringing leadership beyond his years to the midfield. De Libera has captained the side four times this season.
Team: Colorado Rapids 2
Rapids 2 set the standard in MLS NEXT Pro with a 12-game unbeaten streak to start the season, which stands as the longest unbeaten streak in league history. Star striker Yosuke Hanya has nine goals this season, including a seven-game scoring streak. Midfielders Oliver Larraz and Marlon Vargas are among the league leaders in assists with five each.
Rapids 2 leads the league in scoring with 36 goals scored, and a back line that has allowed only 15 goals is among the stingiest in the league.
Coach: Jose Tavares - Crown Legacy FC
The 41-year-old Portuguese coach helped Crown Legacy FC kick off its inaugural season in MLS NEXT Pro, and it has been a memorable one so far. Crown Legacy leads the Eastern Conference with 35 points. The former FC Porto coach has assisted in the development of some young attackers such as Patrick Agyemang, Vinicius Mello, and Iuri Tavares. Agyemang has even broken into the Charlotte FC first team, scoring in MLS and MLS NEXT Pro in the same weekend.
