The 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season is well past its midway point and the fight for points has become even more crucial this summer.
St. Louis CITY2 and North Texas SC are leading the chase in the Western Conference while Philadelphia Union II remains the face of the East. FC Cincinnati 2, Whitecaps FC 2, among others are in the mix to catch the top spot in their respective conference by regular season's end this October.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings following Matchweek 17:
10.) Tacoma Defiance
Make it three wins on the spin for Tacoma Defiance!
A 4-3 comeback victory over Sporting KC II on Sunday featured goals from Dylan Teves and Faysal Bettache, as well as a brace from Osaze De Rosario. The result gave Tacoma its longest winning streak of the 2024 campaign, which is good news heading into Matchweek 18's trip to rivals Whitecaps FC 2.
Last Match: 4-3 win vs. Sporting KC II.
Next Match: at Whitecaps FC 2 on Sunday, July 14.
9.) LAFC II
After earning consecutive victories for the first time since early May, LAFC2 suffered a tough loss at West-leading St. Louis CITY2.
Javier Hernandez, Christopher Jaime, and Tamir Ratoviz all scored goals for Junior Gonzalez's men, but LAFC2 fell 4-3 on the road. Defensively, it marked the third time in the past five matches in which LAFC2 have conceded four goals.
They will certainly need to tighten up defensively if they want to get back into the top-four picture.
Last Match: 4-3 loss at St. Louis CITY2.
Next Match: vs. Ventura County FC on Sunday, July 14.
8.) Chattanooga FC
A first two match losing streak for Chattanooga FC has the club sitting in a tough spot in the East.
CFC have been pretty impressive so far in their debut MLS NEXT Pro campaign, but losses to Carolina Core FC and Crown Legacy FC have them falling in the East standings. The road doesn't get easier with a midweek trip to East-leading Philadelphia Union II on Thursday, but a bounce-back win could be crucial confidence-wise.
Last Match: 2-1 loss vs. Crown Legacy FC.
Next Match: at Philadelphia Union II on Thursday, July 11.
7.) Chicago Fire II
Chicago Fire II rebounded from a Matchweek 16 hammering by taking two points against Inter Miami II.
A 6-5 shootout victory over Inter Miami II saw Harold Osorio and David Poreba both find the back of the net once again. Osorio and Poreba have been a strong duo for Fire II this season, combining for 20 goals so far, which has led to both of them being in the Golden Boot race.
Fire II will hope the scoring continues for both players to help spark their climb up the East standings.
Last Match: 2-2, SOW vs. Inter Miami II.
Next Match: vs. TFC II on Wednesday, July 10.
6.) Ventura County FC
Ventura County FC continues to be dominant from shootouts this season, moving to 6-0 in that category on Friday.
A 3-2 shootout win over Houston Dynamo 2 helped VCFC earn two points on home soil, reaching 30 points on the year. Goalkeeper Brady Scott made four key saves for VCFC while 17-year-old midfielder Gabriel Arnold registered his first MLS NEXT Pro goal.
A trip to rivals LAFC2 is next on VCFC's schedule this weekend.
Last Match: 1-1, SOW vs. Houston Dynamo 2.
Next Match: at LAFC 2 on Sunday, July 14.
5.) FC Cincinnati 2
FC Cincinnati 2's winning streak may have ended on Sunday, but their regulation unbeaten run continued.
A 4-3 home shootout loss to NYCFC II saw Tyrone Marshall's men earn one point at Northern Kentucky University. Guilherme registered his second goal in his last three matches while goalkeeper Evan Louro was solid between the posts.
Back-to-back road matches at TFC II and Columbus Crew 2 should provide good opportunities for FCC2 to rebound.
Last Match: 1-1, SOL vs. NYCFC II
Next Match: at TFC II on Sunday, July 14.
4.) Whitecaps FC 2
Whitecaps FC 2 are the hottest team in MLS NEXT Pro right now.
The Canadian club extended their winning streak to seven matches on Saturday after blanking Cascadia Cup rivals Timbers2 by a 2-0 scoreline. Canadian youth national team players Jay Herdman and Jeevan Badwal both found the back of the net while the team also registered their third clean sheet in the past seven matches.
St. Louis CITY2 and North Texas SC might be leading the West, but watch out for Whitecaps FC 2 as the summer schedule moves forward.
Last Match: 2-0 win at Timbers2.
Next Match: vs. Tacoma Defiance on Sunday, July 14.
3.) North Texas SC
North Texas SC is riding a seven-match regulation unbeaten streak heading into Matchweek 18 action.
After a 4-0 win over MNUFC2, NTX enjoyed a well-needed break over the weekend. Tarik Scott, Enes Sali, and Pedrinho have been a key trio for NTX this season, combining for 18 goals and seven assists this year.
They will need to continue being impactful if NTX wants to edge St. Louis CITY2 and others to the top spot by season's end.
Last Match: Bye Week
Next Match: at Colorado Rapids 2 on Sunday, July 14.
2.) St. Louis CITY2
The never-say-die attitude of St. Louis CITY2 continued in Matchweek 17.
A 4-3 home win for Bobby Murphy's men helped them rebound from a slip up against Whitecaps FC 2 last week. Mykhi Joyner registered his first MLS NEXT Pro brace while Matteo Kidd and Brendan McSorley also found the back of the net.
With six victories earned out of their past seven matches, CITY2 are sitting pretty atop the West.
Last Match: 4-3 win vs. LAFC2
Next Match: at Sporting KC II on Sunday, July 21.
1.) Philadelphia Union II
The kids continue to be alright for Philadelphia Union II.
A 2-1 road win over New England Revolution II featured a first professional goal for 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan. Sullivan, a highly-touted prospect in the Union academy, will be a major addition to Marlon LeBlanc's plans as the second-half rolls on.
Last Match: 2-1 win at New England Revolution II
Next Match: vs. Chattanooga FC on Thursday, July 11.
