Matchweek 22 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season featured a Man of the Match showing from Philadelphia Union II's Leandro Soria, a second goalscoring performance of the season from Real Monarchs' Owen Anderson, and a crucial rivalry victory for LAFC2.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 22:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 22: LAFC2
A crucial rivalry victory for LAFC2 has moved them level with their biggest rivals in MLS NEXT Pro.
LAFC2 used a 2-1 road win over Ventura County FC to draw level on 36 points apiece with their in-state foes. Christian Diaz and Luis Muller both scored goals for the visitors Mexican international David Ochoa made six saves in the LAFC2 net.
Right wing Adrian Wibowo and left back Luca Bombino were also influential in the match, with both players each registering one assist apiece.
The result marked the second-straight win for LAFC2, who are up to third place in the Western Conference. In three head-to-head meetings this year, LAFC2 have earned seven out of nine points available.
With back-to-back wins in their pockets, LAFC2 will be confident heading into their final eight matches of the regular season.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 22: Leandro Soria (Philadelphia Union II)
Philadelphia Union II rebounded in a big way on Saturday with Leandro Soria shining bright in Marlon LeBlanc's attack.
Soria scored twice in Union II's 3-2 home victory over Chicago Fire II on Saturday, helping snap a three-match losing streak. The 19-year-old earned MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 22 honors for his individual heroics at Subaru Park.
Soria's left-footed strike in the 42nd minute helped Union II tie the match before halftime, finishing off David Vazquez's pass for a 1-1 equalizer. After tying the match in the first half, Soria propelled Union II in front only 10 minutes into the second half.
His close-range header off of Cavan Sullivan's cross in the 55th minute would boost the hosts in front for a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
Vazquez added an insurance goal in second-half stoppage time before David Poreba pulled a consolation goal back for Fire II.
Soria now has four goals and one assist in 14 appearances for Union II, helping them remain in the Eastern Conference's No. 1-seed race.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 22: Owen Anderson (Real Monarchs)
For the first time in close to two months, Real Monarchs celebrated a regulation victory.
17-year-old Owen Anderson led the way for Monarchs by scoring his second league goal of the season in a 2-1 home triumph vs. Tacoma Defiance. Anderson earned MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 22 honors for his impactful performance.
His left-footed strike after only six minutes boosted the hosts ahead 1-0 and set the tone early for Monarchs.
Despite Chris Aquino's first-half equalizer, Monarchs would claim all three points thanks to Matthew Bell's second-half goal.
Anderson created the most chances of any player in the match (3) while also winning eight duels and drawing two fouls. The young forward has been a key bright spot this summer as Monarchs aim to get themselves into the playoff picture.
