Matchweek 11 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season was headlined by Yutaro Tsukada's impactful performance for Orlando City B, Philadelphia Union II's dominant win over New York Red Bulls II, and Maddox Findlay's pair of impressive outings for Houston Dynamo 2.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 11:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 11: Philadelphia Union II
The good times continued for Philadelphia Union II on Sunday in the form of a lopsided rivalry win over New York Red Bulls II.
Union II earned a 5-1 road victory over Red Bulls II to leapfrog into first place in the Eastern Conference. Both David Vazquez and Markus Anderson registered braces at MSU Soccer Park while Eddy Davis also found the back of the net.
The result helped Union II earn MLS NEXT Pro's Team of the Matchweek honors.
Davis and Vazquez propelled Union II into a 2-0 first half lead before Red Bulls II cut the deficit in half after the hour mark. However, Marlon LeBlanc's squad would keep their foot on the gas, with Anderson scoring twice in an 11-minute span, and Vazquez's second goal being sandwiched in between.
Union II have now won their last three matches, outscoring their opposition 10-2 over that span.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 11: Yutaro Tsukada (Orlando City B)
A bounce-back win for Orlando City B featured a Man of the Match performance from Yutaro Tsukada.
Tsukada scored once and registered one assist as OCB rolled past visiting Huntsville City FC 5-0. The 22-year-old Japanese winger created two offensive chances, won nine individual duels, and drew three fouls in the performance.
Tsukada helped open the scoring for OCB, setting up Jhon Solis for the first of five goals for the hosts. Solis tucked away his effort inb the 12th minute, propelling OCB into the lead.
Tsukada doubled OCB's lead in the 48th minute, delivering a sensational free kick into the top-left corner. It marked his fourth goal of the 2024 campaign.
Tsukada watched as Shak Mohammed added to OCB's lead before Yeiler Valencia registered a brace in the final 10 minutes of the match.
OCB jumped up to sixth place with the home triumph, giving them 16 points on the season so far.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 11: Maddox Findlay (Houston Dynamo 2)
It was an up-and-down week for Houston Dynamo 2, but a positive one overall for Maddox Findlay.
Findlay scored in back-to-back matches for Dynamo Dos, giving the 17-year-old his first two MLS NEXT Pro goals. He earned MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Matchweek honors for his impactful performances.
Findlay's sensational finish against St. Louis CITY2 on Wednesday, helped Dynamo Dos hold on for a 2-0 result. The goal came just one minute after Findlay entered the match as a second-half substitute.
Findlay was the impact sub once again for Dynamo Dos on Sunday, coming off the bench at halftime against Tacoma Defiance, before scoring 18 minutes later. Although his goal at the time boosted Houston in front 2-1, the hosts eventually watched their lead slip away on home soil.
With two goals in his last two appearances, Findlay will certainly be a young talent to watch this summer.
