The MLSNEXTPro.com editorial team, several league personnel, announcers, and clubs voted on the top performers across the league during month of July to declare a Team, Coach, Goalkeeper, Rising Star and Player of the Month.
The voting process entailed performances taken from MLS NEXT Pro league matches from July 9 - July 31.
Here are the winners:
Co-Players of the Month: Patrick Agyemang and Ibrahim Kasule
Crown Legacy FC’s Patrick Agyemang and New York Red Bulls II’s Ibrahim Kasule have been voted Co-Players of the Month for July.
Agyemang earned Player of Matchday 16 after scoring a brace against Atlanta United 2 on July 9. He followed up that performance with another brace and an assist against NYCFC II on July 23.
His outstanding form in MLS NEXT Pro caught the attention of Charlotte FC, leading to a call-up for their Leagues Cup matchups. The 22-year-old made an instant impact by scoring a goal against Club Necaxa, securing his team's advancement to the knockout round.
Red Bulls II midfielder Ibrahim Kasule also had an impressive run during July, scoring in all four games for his side.
During Red Bulls II's Matchday 19 encounter against Orlando City B, Ibrahim Kasule continued his scoring spree by converting a game-winning penalty kick. The penalty goal extended his scoring streak to four consecutive games in July and an impressive seven games overall.
New York Red Bulls II Head Coach Ibrahim Sekagya had this to say about Ibrahim Kasule's run of form:
“When you talk about Kasule, having ten goals and four assists in eleven matches, that’s unbelievable. It’s because it is what he wants, he wants it. The more you want it, the more you work, it’s not a surprise because in training he is doing it and you can see the results.”
Team of the Month: Sporting KC II
Sporting KC II has earned the Team of the Month award for July after closing the month with three consecutive victories. Led by Benny Feilhaber, the squad has showcased a great run of form during the month, securing 9 points with a 3-1-0 record and an impressive +6 goal difference.
Despite starting the month with a loss against Timbers2, SKC II bounced back with an impressive three-game winning streak. Notably, they shut out the Western Conference leaders, Colorado Rapids 2, a team that had not been held scoreless for close to 100 days, in a convincing 4-0 victory.
Their performance against the Western Conference leaders led to SKC II earning Team of Matchday 19 honors.
Their outstanding gameplay during July has propelled SKC II six points above the playoff line in the highly competitive Western Conference, positioning them in a great spot to secure a playoff spot with less than ten matches remaining.
Goalkeeper of the Month: Adam Beaudry - Colorado Rapids 2
Colorado Rapids 2 goalkeeper Adam Beaudry has been named the Goalkeeper of the Month for July, marking his second time winning the accolade in 2023.
The young goalkeeper has become a regular starter for Colorado Rapids 2, demonstrating the trust placed in him by Head Coach Eric Bushey.
"We are happy for Adam to receive such recognition. He has a wealth of potential. I'm most pleased with the fact that I see him work hard daily in his efforts to reach that potential." Bushey said of Beaudry.
During July, Beaudry's performances led Rapids 2 to two shootout victories, helping the team maintain their position atop the Western Conference standings. As the playoffs approach, his role will be crucial if his side is to make a deep postseason run.
Coach of the Month: Benny Feilhaber – Sporting KC II
SKC II Head Coach Benny Feilhaber has once again earned the MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Month award, this time for the month of July. Under his guidance, Sporting KC II secured three victories propelling them to fourth place in the Western Conference standings.
This marks the second time that Feilhaber has been recognized as the Coach of the Month, having previously received the accolade in June.
Feilhaber shared his thoughts on his team's performance during July:
"I’m excited about the direction the team and individual players are heading in. We have a good group that is really coming together and fully understanding the way we want to play at this club. Hopefully, we can continue improving and finish the season off strong.”
Rising Star of the Month: Luciano Sanchez – Philadelphia Union II
Philadelphia Union II forward Luciano Sanchez's impressive run of form from June has carried over into July, earning him the Rising Star award for the second consecutive month.
July was an exceptional month for the young forward, netting two goals, including a game-winning goal against New York Red Bulls II on July 16. Even more impressive is that Sanchez achieved this feat in under 90 minutes of play across the three league games he played in July.
Sanchez had this to say about his second consecutive Rising Star of the Month award:
“It’s a great honor to be able to win the Rising Star of the Month award for the second time this season. Day in and day out this team and I have put in so much effort on and off the field and our success is now being shown. It’s truly been special being a part of this amazing team and league.”
Sanchez also gained valuable experience during Union II's impressive 1-1 tie against Wrexham A.F.C, playing 27 minutes in the second half of the game.
Having recently graduated from YSC Academy, the 18-year-old has set his sights on playing for Rutgers University in the fall of 2023.
