Matchweek 30 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season was headlined by Gerardo Valenzuela's hat trick for FC Cincinnati 2, North Texas SC's dominant home victory, and Javier Hernandez's Man of the Match showing for LAFC2.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 30:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 30: North Texas SC
North Texas SC cruised their way into the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs after a dominant showing on Decision Day.
An 8-2 home win over MNUFC2 saw seven players find the back of the net. The result marked the largest margin of victory for NTSC this season, capping off what has been a great year for the Western Conference club.
Herbert Endeley and Pedrinho got things going in the opening 16 minutes before Tarik Scott, Enes Sali, Tomas Pondeca (twice), Malik Henry-Scott, and Diego Garcia all kept the fun going with goals of their own.
NTSC went unbeaten at home all season long in route to earning the home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, sending a strong message to all comers.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 30: Gerardo Valenzuela (FC Cincinnati 2)
A second MLS NEXT Pro hat trick for Gerardo "Dado" Valenzuela helped FC Cincinnati 2 capture the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Valenzuela scored all three goals for Tyrone Marshall's squad on Sunday in a 3-1 victory over Orlando City B. The performance earned Valenzuela MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 30 honors.
The 20-year-old needed only two minutes to open the scoring from TQL Stadium, finishing off Stefan Chirila's pass into the bottom right corner.
Valenzuela extended FCC2's lead to 2-0 in the 11th minute, sending home a left-footed laser.
Despite Alex Freeman cutting OCB's deficit to 2-1, Valenzuela capped off his strong day and FCC2's win by slotting home Kenji Mbona Dem's pass after the hour mark.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 30: Javier Hernandez (LAFC2)
18-year-old Javier Hernandez delivered his best performance yet as an LAFC2 player.
Hernandez registered a hat trick on Sunday in LAFC2's 4-3 road loss to Sporting KC II. The young forward doubled his production by scoring three times at Rock Chalk Park in the regular season finale.
Hernandez tied the match at 1-1 in the 11th minute after finishing off an LAFC2 attack. Nathan Ordaz connected with his attacking teammate, watching as Hernandez did the rest.
LAFC2 quickly grabbed a 2-1 lead in the 30th minute with Ordaz and Hernandez connecting yet again. This time though, LAFC2 sprung a fast break and Hernandez made no mistake with his right-footed finish.
Hernandez capped off his hat trick in the 50th minute, this time roofing a shot into the top-right corner.
Although SKC II would rally to steal all three points at home, Hernandez's stellar performance will certainly give him a confidence boost heading into the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs.
