Matchweek 25 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season featured a pair of victories for Carolina Core FC and four goals scored from midielder Facundo Canete, as well as a heroic performance from Real Monarchs goalkeeper William Mackay.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 25:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 25: Carolina Core FC
Carolina Core FC's winning run continued during Matchweek 25's schedule as the Eastern Conference club earned two important home victories over a four-day span.
A 4-1 midweek triumph over ATL UTD 2 was followed up by a 4-2 win over New York Red Bulls II on Sunday. The expansion side has now won their last four MLS NEXT Pro matches, which is their longest winning run of the 2024 campaign.
Facundo Canete scored twice against ATL UTD 2 while David Polanco and Jacob Evans also found the back of the net.
CCFC rallied in Sunday's match against Red Bulls II, with all three players once again stealing the show. Evans cut the deficit in the 47th minute before Polanco tied the match 11 minutes later.
Canete's 82nd minute penalty kick propelled CCFC in front 3-2 before the in-form midfielder added an insurance goal in second-half stoppage time.
CCFC's strong summer run could help them reach the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, if they can continue winning over their final stretch.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 25: Facundo Canete (Carolina Core FC)
Carolina Core FC relied heavily on Facundo Canete's goalscoring abilities over the past week.
Canete scored four goals in the club's last two victories, earning MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 25 honors. The 24-year-old also added two assists against New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, extending his contribution streak to three-consecutive matches.
Canete now has nine goals and six assists in league play this season, logging over 1,600 minutes of playing time to date.
With Carolina Core FC still in the playoff race, Canete will be expected to continue producing over the club's final five matches of the regular season.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 25: William Mackay (Real Monarchs)
18-year-old Real Monarchs goalkeeper William Mackay delivered one of the top performances of the MLS NEXT Pro season on Saturday.
Mackay made 11 saves in Monarchs 4-3 shootout loss to MNUFC2. The two teams played out a 2-2 scoreline over 90+ minutes, before Monarchs walked away with one point.
Mackay made his league debut for Monarchs during the 2023 season and has earned a larger role in 2024. He's made 10 starts for the Western Conference club to date, making 24 saves including 11 in Saturday's performance.
Despite Monarchs failing to walk away with multiple points, Mackay did everything he could to give Mark Lowry's squad a real shot at it.
Mackay has five additional opportunities to play this season for Monarchs, who will seek a strong end to the year.
