MLS NEXT Pro is back and gearing up for its fourth campaign with several new players and coaches joining the league.
The Western Conference had no shortage of drama last year, with the playoff race coming down to tiebreakers on Decision Day en route to North Texas SC's thrilling MLS NEXT Pro Cup victory.
As always, a new year means new shakeups and much to catch up on as we count down the minutes to kickoff on March 7.
Let's look at how each team in the Western Conference is shaping up ahead of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Frontier Division:
Head Coach: Brett Uttley
Venue: Parmer Field
2024 Record: 7-10-11, 36 points - 12th in Western Conference
Notable offseason news: International duo headlines ATXFC II newcomers
The 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Champions could not defend their title after missing the playoffs in 2024. Brett Uttley and his staff have turned to international signings to strengthen the squad, adding La Masia product Jorge Alastuey and Romanian youth international Vlad Dǎnciuțiu.
They'll look to lead the charge as ATXFC II aims to jump back into title contention in 2025.
Head Coach: Erik Bushey
Venue: University of Denver, DICK’S Sporting Goods Park
2024 Record: 6-18-4, 23 points - 14th in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: Antony Garcia Returns, Rapids 2 load up on collegiate talent
Rapids 2 aims to rebound after missing the playoffs in 2024 by bolstering its ranks with fresh collegiate talent to compete in the West. Honduran goal scorer Antony Garcia extended his loan from Costa Rican side FC Moravia after a promising 2024 campaign, and the team has signed attacking standout Rogelio Garcia to an MLS Next Pro contract. In addition, 17-year-old goalkeeper Zachary Campagnolo looks ready to step in as the Rapids 2's full-time goalkeeper this season.
Bushey’s squad should also benefit from talent added at the MLS SuperDraft, where the Rapids selected nine players. Their 2025 first-round draft pick, Generation Adidas forward Alex Harris, has already earned a few game-day selections, while Brazilian defender Anderson Rosa, a 2024 MLS SuperDraft pick, was called up for the Rapids' first MLS game of the season. Fellow 2025 draftees Josh Copeland, Sydney Wathuta, and Matthew Senanou have signed MLS Next Pro contracts and look to lead Rapids 2 back to the playoffs.
Head Coach: Marcelo Santos
Venue: SaberCats Stadium
2024 Record: 10-11-7, 39 points - 8th in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: Marcelo Santos named Dynamo Dos head coach
Houston Dynamo 2 enters the 2025 season with a new leader in Marcelo Santos. With over a decade of coaching experience, Santos has helped 34 players make professional debuts, with 15 earning first-team promotions and six receiving senior national team call-ups. His track record of player development aligns perfectly with Dynamo 2’s commitment to developing the next generation.
That philosophy was evident in 2024, as Dynamo Academy products logged a league-high 6,828 minutes in MLS NEXT Pro. Isaac Mwakutuya and Mattheo Dimareli emerged as key contributors, while captain Diego Gonzalez, who returns for 2025, built on his breakout year by co-leading the league with 10 assists and 78 key passes. With Santos’ expertise in developing future stars, Dynamo 2 remains a key pipeline to Houston’s first team while continuing to be a competitive force in MLS NEXT Pro.
Head Coach: Jeremy Hall
Venue: National Sports Center
2024 Record: 8-16-4, 32 points - 13th in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: MNUFC2 signs stalwart defender Britton Fischer to new contract
MNUFC2 is looking for its first MLS NEXT Pro postseason appearance, and the squad is filled with promising talent. Kage Romanshyn Jr. will anchor the midfield for a youthful group, while 16-year-old forward Darius Randell is set to lead the attack. Britton Fisher, who signed a one-year contract in January, will provide stability at the back.
These players and several academy prospects look to make an impact in the Western Conference as MNUFC2 aims to take a step forward in 2025.
Head Coach: John Gall
Venue: Choctaw Stadium
2024 Record: 16-4-8, 62 points - 1st in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: John Gall returns to head coaching role
North Texas SC enjoyed a magical 2024 season, culminating in the club’s first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup. Several key players from the championship run have since signed MLS contracts, including Michael Collodi, Pedrinho, Diego García, Daniel Baran, Malachi Molina, Diego Pepi, and Anthony Ramirez.
It remains to be seen how many stars from the 2024 championship side will feature for NTSC in 2025, and there's a fresh crop of newcomers ready to balance the squad.
A player to watch this year is Argentine-Italian forward Gianluca Cangiano, who signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract in January. Cangiano spent 2024 with Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro, recording six goals in 15 matches for their reserve squad. The Buenos Aires native began his career in Club Atlético Independiente’s Academy in 2017 and remained with the club until 2023.
After serving as an assistant in the FC Dallas first-team setup, John Gall returns to lead North Texas SC in their title defense, with the club positioned as a strong contender to repeat as MLS NEXT Pro champions.
Head Coach: Istvan Urbanyi
Venue: Rock Chalk Park
2024 Record: 10-12-6, 38 points - 10th in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: Sporting KC II enters a new era under Istvan Urbanyi
Sporting KC II begins a new chapter with head coach Istvan Urbanyi taking over a squad that narrowly missed the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs in 2024. Returning players Medgy Alexandre, Nati Clarke, Maouloune Goumballe, and Homegrown midfielder Cielo Tschantret will provide leadership this season.
A player to watch is recent Homegrown signing Jacob Bartlett, who returns after a year at Notre Dame. Bartlett recently made back-to-back first-team starts in a Concacaf Champions League match against Inter Miami and Sporting KC's MLS season opener against Austin FC but could suit up for SKC II later this season.
Head Coach: David Critchley
Venue: CITYPARK
2024 Record: 17-7-4, 56 points - 2nd in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: CITY2 name David Critchley head coach
CITY2 have reached the playoffs in all three of their MLS NEXT Pro seasons and bring back much of the core that helped them reach the Western Conference Final last year. Key players returning include Dida Armstrong, Ryan Becher, Larsen Hackworth, Matteo Kidd, and Gabriel Mikina. Homegrown standouts Caden Glover, Mykhi Joyner, and Tyson Pearce will also aim to build on their strong 2024 performances.
David Critchley steps in as head coach after playing a key role in the club’s academy since 2021. He coached CITY's U-16 and U-17 teams to MLS NEXT Flex tournament wins and has overseen the development of 14 academy players who debuted for CITY2. With deep ties to the organization and experience working with its rising talent, Critchley is well-prepared to lead CITY2 in the next phase of their MLS NEXT Pro journey.
Pacific Division:
Head Coach: Othoniel Gonzalez Junior
Venue: Titan Stadium
2024 Record: 12-10-6, 45 points - 5th in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: Jude Terry signs Homegron contract
LAFC2 head coach, Junior Gonzalez, will look to revitalize the squad after losing some key performers from last season. New additions such as Alex Hughes, Cabral Carter, and Adam Saldana will be expected to make an immediate impact as LAFC2 aims to remain a top contender in the West.
One of the most exciting prospects to watch is 16-year-old Jude Terry, who became LAFC’s eighth Homegrown signing over the offseason. The highly talented midfielder is set to play a key role for LAFC2 in 2025.
With fresh talent stepping in and a commitment to developing young players, LAFC2 will be a team to watch as they push for another playoff run.
Head Coach: Mark Lowry
Venue: Zions Bank Stadium
2024 Record: 9-12-7, 39 points - 9th in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: Real Monarchs return talented core in 2025
Real Monarchs came close to securing a playoff spot in 2024 but narrowly missed out. In 2025, they aim to break through with a strong returning core under head coach Mark Lowry.
The squad will feature key returning players, including Zavier Gozo, Izahi Amparo, Aiden Hezarkhani, Omar Marquez, Will Mackay, and Juan Gio Villa. Their experience and development will be crucial as the Monarchs push for a postseason berth.
A standout player to watch is homegrown Owen Anderson, who shared the team’s leading scorer title with Gozo last season. Anderson has earned praise from the coaching staff for his ability to create chances and finish in front of goal.
With a mix of proven talent and emerging stars, Real Monarchs look poised to make a serious push for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs.
Head Coach: Hervé Diese
Venue: Starfire Sports Complex
2024 Record: 13-10-5, 46 points - 4th in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: Tacoma Defiance promotes academy stars
Tacoma Defiance established a high-powered attack in 2024, scoring 57 goals and finishing fourth in the Western Conference. Several key players from last season return, along with some newcomers in 2025, aiming to build on that success and push for a deeper postseason run.
During the offseason, Tacoma signed two academy standouts to professional contracts. Mohammed Shour became the first goalkeeper in the Sounders pathway to sign a pro deal with the club, while Omar Hassan became one of the youngest players to turn professional in Sounders history at 15 years old.
Head Coach: Dan DeGeer
Venue: Saint Mary’s Stadium
2024 Record: 13-7-8, 51 points - 3rd in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: The Town FC strengthens its squad with Spivey Brothers ahead of the 2025 Season
The Town FC were among the league leaders in points last season and look to replicate that success in 2025. Their strong performances were backed by the support of their fans at their new home at Saint Mary’s Stadium in Moraga, California, and this year, the squad is ready to continue the quest for MLS NEXT Pro glory.
Head coach Dan DeGeer will have two exciting new additions after the San Jose Earthquakes announced the signings of brothers Kaedren and Jermaine Spivey to professional contracts. Midfielder Kaedren Spivey was signed as a Homegrown Player, while his brother, forward Jermaine Spivey, has signed a contract with The Town FC through 2026.
Kaedren Spivey, the U-15 MLS NEXT 2023-24 MVP, had a standout season as an attacking midfielder for the San Jose Earthquakes U15s, one of the highest-scoring teams in its age group. He scored 11 goals in 21 games and added three more at the 2024 Generation adidas Cup, where the team reached the quarterfinals.
Kaedren will one to watch this season as he commands the midfield with a blend of size, technical skill, and great offensive instincts in the final third.
Head Coach: Serge Dinkota
Venue: Providence Park
2024 Record: 8-10-10, 38 points - 11th in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: Daniel Nuñez breaking through on international stage
Timbers2 fell just one point short of the final spot in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, and in 2025, they look to secure their first-ever postseason appearance.
This season, the team will rely on its young prospects including Sawyer Jura, Adolfo Enriquez, Alex Moreno, and Noah Santos, who are expected to play significant minutes as they continue their development.
A player to watch for Timbers2 is midfielder Daniel Nuñez, who was recently called up to Mexico’s U-17 squad for the 2025 Concacaf U-17 World Cup Qualifiers. Nuñez played a key role in helping Mexico win their group and will be eligible to compete in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Head Coach: Matt Taylor
Venue: William Rolland Stadium
2024 Record: 28 - 8 -9, 43 points - 6th in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: Paving pathway for newest homegrowns
Ventura County FC’s inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season was a success, culminating in a playoff appearance for Matt Taylor’s squad.
Playing at William Rolland Stadium, backed by the passionate support of Los 12, VCFC secured six home victories, establishing a strong presence in front of their fans.
In 2025, Ventura County FC will aim to build on last season’s success and push further in the playoffs. With key returning players such as Aaron Bibout, Ascel Essengue, Harbor Miller, and a talented group of academy prospects, VCFC is set for another strong campaign.
The club also strengthened its roster with the recent signings of LA Galaxy Academy goalkeeper Owen Pratt, defenders Riley Dalgado and Jose "Pepe" Magaña, and midfielder Vicente Garcia to Homegrown contracts.
Head Coach: Ricardo Clark
Venue: Swangard Stadium
2024 Record: 10-11-7, 40 points - 7th in Western Conference
Notable Offseason News: WFC2 return key players
WFC2 enters the 2025 season looking to build on last year’s MLS NEXT Pro playoff appearance with a mix of returning talent and emerging prospects. The club exercised Finn Linder’s 2025 contract option and secured Liam Mackenzie through 2026, while also re-signing Antoine Coupland, Mihail Gherasimencov, Cyprian Kachwele, and Dembo Saidykhan to new deals. On the development front, Jeevan Badwal and Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau recently earned first-team promotions.
Although now on an MLS contract, Badwal could still play key minutes for WFC2 in 2025. The homegrown midfielder has impressed with his composure and playmaking ability, playing a pivotal role in the team’s playoff run last season. As he continues his development, he will be a key player to watch, balancing contributions at both the MLS NEXT Pro and MLS levels.
