Matchweek 26 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season was headlined by an important home win for Chattanooga FC, a Man of the Match performance from Orlando City B's Alex Freeman, and a first MLS NEXT Pro goal for LAFC2's Matias Wanchope.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 26:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 26: Chattanooga FC
Chattanooga FC snapped their five-match winless run on Sunday, boosting them right back into the playoff conversation in the Eastern Conference.
A 2-1 home triumph over Columbus Crew 2 marked CFC's first regulation victory since July 27, which also snapped Crew 2's 12-match regulation unbeaten run. Jesus Ibarra and Milo Garvanian both scored for Rod Underwood's squad while goalkeeper Jean Antoine didn't need to make a single save to preserve the result.
Ibarra's fast break finish in the 41st minute boosted CFC in front 1-0 as Andres Jimenez got credited with the assist. It marked Ibarra's first involvement since June 13 after being out 10 weeks through injury.
Garvanian's left-footed strike after the hour mark would double CFC's lead to 2-0 and give them some needed breathing room on home soil. Despite a consolation goal from Crew 2's Owen Presthus, CFC would hang on for a statement victory against one of MLS NEXT Pro's consistent squads.
Now sitting ninth in the East table, CFC will need a strong conclusion to the season in order to make the playoffs.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 26: Alex Freeman (Orlando City B)
Alex Freeman's stellar 2024 continued Sunday with the U.S. youth national team player earning MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 26 honors.
Freeman scored two goals and added one assist in Orlando City B's 4-1 road win over Crown Legacy FC. It marked his first multi-goal performance of the season and his fourth-straight match with at least one goal contribution.
The 20-year-old stole the show in the first half, scoring both of his goals to give OCB a commanding lead. Freeman's first tally came in the 18th minute off of a pass from Jeorgio Kocevski before he doubled his impact before halftime.
Luca Petrasso's pass was slotted home by Freeman into the bottom-right corner, giving OCB a 2-0 lead.
Freeman played distributor on OCB's third goal of the match, setting up 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot winner Jack Lynn for a 3-0 OCB advantage.
OCB would eventually close out their second-straight win with a 4-1 road result, their most goals scored away from home since August 23.
Freeman, who has made 23 appearances this season, now has six goals and seven assists for the playoff-chasing Lions.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 26: Matias Wanchope (LAFC2)
LAFC2 kept their quest for a high playoff seed alive on Sunday thanks to a first-ever MLS NEXT Pro goal for Matias Wanchope.
Wanchope scored his first goal in LAFC2's 2-1 home win over Sporting KC II. The young midfielder had made nine league appearances to date this year and his 10th proved to be an impactful one.
After conceding in the first half, LAFC2 needed to rally to earn three points at Titans Stadium. Wanchope got things started by stroking home from long-range for a 1-1 equalizer.
Nicklaus Sullivan headed LAFC2 into the lead nine minutes later, giving them an eventual 2-1 victory.
Wanchope, who played 55 minutes in the match, completed six passes, drew two fouls, and registered two shots in total. The 17-year-old will be one to watch as LAFC2's playoff fight continues over the next few weeks.
