Matchweek 5 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season featured a Man of the Match performance from New York Red Bulls II's Roald Mitchel, a dominant showing from Chattanooga FC, and a pair of strong performances from Philadelphia Union II left back Francis Westfield.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and rising star of Matchweek 5.
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 5: Chattanoga FC
Chattanooga FC's impressive start to its time in MLS NEXT Pro continued on Matchwek 5 with a dominant home victory over Inter Miami II.
Jalen James registered a hat trick while Alex McGrath scored twice and Ethan Koren also added one goal in a 6-2 romp on Saturday. The impressive performance from the MLS NEXT Pro newboys earned them Team of the Week honors.
Chattanooga FC remain unbeaten in regulation heading into Matchweek 6, sitting third place in the Eastern Conference with nine points earned.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 5: Roald Mitchell (New York Red Bulls II)
New York Red Bulls II sit top of the Eastern Conference thanks to Roald Mitchell's stellar Matchweek 5 performance at MSU Soccer Park.
Mitchell registered four goals in a 4-3 shootout win over Chicago Fire II on Sunday after the teams played out a 5-5 scoreline through 90 minutes. The 21-year-old capped off his hat trick after only 18 minutes on the field before ading his fourth and final goal of the night before halftime.
Mitchell's eight goals in total this year have him leading the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot race so far.
Head coach Ibrahim Sekagya will hope that Mitchell's early exit from Sunday's match won't keep him out of action long-term.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 5: Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union II)
Frankie Westfield is slowly growing into a key player once again for Philadelphia Union II this season.
Westfield made back-to-back starts in a five-day period for Marlon LeBlanc's squad. After registering one assist in a 7-6 shootout win over Orlando City B last Thursday, the 18-year-old left back logged his latest 90 minutes on Monday in a 5-0 romp over ATL UTD 2.
Westfield entered the 2024 campaign with 46 MLS NEXT Pro appearances already under his belt, as well a Rising Star of the Matchweek honor on Matchday 20 of the 2023 season. Now has he one goal and one assist to his name already this year as Union II sit second in the East.
