Matchweek 7 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season was headlined by Crown Legacy FC's first regulation victory of 2024, a stellar performance from Sporting KC II forward Kamron Habibullah, and a clutch equalizing goal from Ventura County FC's Erik Hernandez.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and rising star of Matchweek 7.
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 7: Crown Legacy FC
Crown Legacy FC have been off the pace compared to last season, but Jose Tavares' men finally got to savor their first regulation victory of 2024 on Sunday night.
Goals from Willian Sangoquiza, Dylan Sing, and James Nyandjo helped Crown Legacy FC earn a 3-1 road result over NYCFC II, earning MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 7 honors. Winning on the road is tough in any sport, but Crown Legacy FC made it look easy on Sunday night. After racing out to a 3-0 advantage, the visitors held on for a crucial three points this spring.
18-year-old Aron John also impressed in the performance, registering two assists and making four interceptions defensively.
Crown Legacy FC will hope Sunday's performance serves as a springboard up the Eastern Conference standings.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 7: Kamron Habibullah (Sporting KC II)
The dynamic Sporting KC II attacking front was at it again on Sunday night with Kamron Habibullah earning Man of the Match honors against MNUFC2.
Habibullah earned MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek honors for the second time in 2024 after registering a hat trick in Sunday's 4-1 home triumph. The Canadian forward scored twice in the opening 20 minutes at Rock Chalk Park before capping off his hat trick with 14 minutes to play. He also assisted on SKC's fourth goal of the match, showing head coach Benny Feilhaber that he can do it all in the final third.
Habibullah, 20, joined SKC II this winter from Whitecaps FC 2 and now has seven goals and one assist under his belt this spring. SKC II are certainly reaping the rewards, sitting fourth in the Western Conference and leading the league in goals scored with 18.
A three-match homestand continues for SKC II in Matchweek 8 with North Texas SC coming to town.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 7: Erik Hernandez (Ventura County FC)
Matchweek 7 also marked a memorable day for Ventura County FC's Erik Hernandez.
Hernandez scored a 91st minute equalizer for VCFC on Friday night, helping the visitors eventually defeat Austin FC II 5-4 in a shootout. Despite Sebastian Pineau's first-half brace for ATX II, Aaron Bibout cut the deficit in half after 55 minutes before Hernandez came off the bench and drilled a long-range shot to force a shootout.
The 20-year-old attacker joined VCFC this winter and now has earned some needed confidence after netting his first goal of 2024.
VCFC meanwhile stayed top of the Western Conference on 16 points.
