Matchweek 10 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season featured a statement win for Crown Legacy FC, a brace from Philadelphia Union II forward Chris Donovan, and the continuation of Stefan Chirila's goalscoring run for FC Cincinnati 2.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 10:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 10: Crown Legacy FC
Back-to-back wins for Crown Legacy FC have started their surge up the Eastern Conference standings.
A 2-1 midweek victory over New England Revolution II was followed up by a 4-1 hammering of Chattanooga FC. Jose Tavares' men scored three goals in the opening 22 minutes against CFC before Ben Bender capped off his brace before halftime.
Despite conceding a consolation goal late in the second half, Crown Legacy FC showed a glimpse of why they were one of the best teams in MLS NEXT Pro last season.
Now sitting at 3-3-3 on the season, Crown Legacy FC are seventh in the East and start a two-match roadtrip on Friday at ATL UTD 2.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 10: Chris Donovan (Philadelphia Union II)
Chris Donovan stole the show for Philadelphia Union II on Sunday in an important road victory in Foxborough.
Donovan scored twice as Marlon LeBlanc's men defeated New England Revolution II by a 3-1 scoreline. Donovan, who has been in and out of the Union first team squad, netted his first goals for Union II since registering a brace against ATL UTD 2 on April 15.
Donovan broke the deadlock in the 47th minute for Union II, finishing off an assist from Edward Davis into the bottom-right corner.
After Revs II tied the match 16 minutes later, Donovan propelled Union II ahead for good by heading home C.J. Olney's cross for his second goal of the match.
The 23-year-old won 12 duels, drew one foul, and also hit the crossbar once, coming close to registering a hat trick.
After back-to-back wins, Union II are top of the Eastern Conference on 20 points.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 10: Stefan Chirila (FC Cincinnati 2)
Stefan Chirila's goalscoring run for FC Cincinnati 2 continued Sunday in the club's lopsided victory over New York Red Bulls II.
Chirila scored twice in FCC2's 4-1 win at MSU Soccer Park, helping the Eastern Conference club extend their winning run to five matches. The 17-year-old has now scored in three-straight matches as FCC2 push themselves closer to the East summit.
Chirila's wonderfully taken free kick finish in the 28th minute extended FCC2's lead to 2-0 in New Jersey before the young attacker added his name to the scoresheet for the second time.
Six minutes after Red Bulls II cut the deficit in half, Chirila's close-range finish helped FCC2 reclaim their two-goal advantage. Amir Daley's pass was slotted home by Chirila for a 3-1 advantage.
Chirila would then set up Moises Tablante for FCC2's fourth and final goal of the evening, capping off his Man of the Match performance.
With four goals and one assist in his last three appearances, Chirila is flying high and so is FCC2.
