Matchweek 29 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season featured Chattanooga FC's dominant road win in Canada, Emi Ochoa's goalkeeping heroics for The Town FC, and William Mackay's impactful night for Real Monarchs.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 29:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 29: Chattanooga FC
MLS NEXT Pro newboys Chattanooga FC are on the verge of sealing a playoff berth in their first league season.
Sunday's 5-1 road win over TFC II put CFC in a decent position to make the postseason. Jesus Ibarra opened the scoring in the first half for CFC before the visitors added four additional tallies after halftime.
Milo Garvanian and Alex McGrath also found the back of the net while Taylor Gray added a brace in a 14-minute span.
The result was CFC's largest margin of victory away from home and featured their most goals scored since April 13 (6-2 win vs. Inter Miami II).
CFC will return home for a Decision Day showdown with New York Red Bulls II on October 6.
Of course sealing a playoff berth in front of their home supporters will be on their minds, but overall it's been a solid first year in MLS NEXT Pro for Chris Nugent's squad.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 29: Emi Ochoa (The Town FC)
Three-consecutive clean sheets for 19-year-old Emi Ochoa have kept confidence high in The Town FC.
Sunday's 2-0 home victory over LAFC2 saw Ochoa deliver his latest gem in between the posts for the current third place side. Ochoa earned MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 29 honors after making five saves to extend The Town FC's current winning streak.
Nicklaus Sullivan was denied in the 13th minute by Ochoa before Cruz Medina propelled the hosts in front 1-0 not long after.
Luis Muller and Sullivan were also repelled as the first half pushed forward, with Ochoa registering four saves in the opening 45 minutes alone.
Riley Lynch sealed three points for the hosts as The Town FC walked away with a third-straight shutout victory.
For good measure, Ochoa denied Muller a third time with only four minutes to play, keeping the home clean sheet intact.
Ochoa now has six clean sheets on the year for The Town FC in only 10 matches played (seven goals conceded).
He will remain important for the club as the postseason begins in two weeks time.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 29: William Mackay (Real Monarchs)
Back-to-back clean sheets for William Mackay have helped Real Monarchs put themselves in a good position to find the playoffs.
Mackay made two saves on Sunday night as Real Monarchs defeated Timbers2 by a 2-0 scoreline at America First Field. The 16-year-old has enjoyed a busy first full MLS NEXT Pro campaign, making 13 appearances to date and registering three clean sheets in the process.
Sunday's win extended Monarchs' current regulation unbeaten streak to five matches, putting them in eighth place heading into Decision Day.
An October 6 showdown with Ventura County won't be easy, but Mackay will do everything he can to help the club get over the line in their regular season finale.
