The final full month of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season could have a crucial say on who makes the playoffs and who doesn't.
That schedule got underway this past weekend with St. Louis CITY2, North Texas SC, Columbus Crew 2, and NYCFC II all claiming points via shootout results. Crown Legacy FC and Tacoma Defiance were part of the few playoff contenders to claim a full three points while Philadelphia Union II and Ventura County FC enjoyed a bye week.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings following Matchweek 25:
10.) Tacoma Defiance
Tacoma Defiance's point streak was extended to three matches on Friday.
A 2-1 road victory over LAFC2 was led by Chris Aquino's brace and Jacob Castro's six-save performance. The Defiance had gone six weeks without a road victory, but ended that drought in Matchweek 25, setting the stage for a two-match homestand against Timbers2 and Real Monarchs.
Last Match: 2-1 win at LAFC2.
Next Match: vs. Timbers2 on Sunday, September 8.
9.) Crown Legacy FC
Back-to-back victories have boosted kept Crown Legacy FC in the mix for top spot in the Eastern Conference.
A 4-1 win over New York Red Bulls II was followed up by a 4-0 victory over Inter Miami II. Idan Gurno, Nimfasha Berchimas, and Dylan Sing each found the back of the net in both results while Aron John and Julian Bravo has also celebrated goals of their own.
Unbeaten in regulation over their last five matches, Crown Legacy FC are riding high heading into their final five matches.
Last Match: 4-0 win vs. Inter Miami II.
Next Match: vs. Orlando City B on Sunday, September 8.
8.) Ventura County FC
A strong end to the regular season could get Ventura County FC as high as the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference.
VCFC enjoyed a bye week this past weekend and now prepares for their final five matches. Home matches against North Texas SC and St. Louis CITY2 could truly determine who tops the West heading into playoff time, while three winnable road matches against Houston Dynamo 2, Timbers2, and Real Monarchs will likely be matches that VCFC are favored in.
Even with the loss of Aaron Bibout through loan, VCFC have still performed at a high level.
Last Match: Bye Week.
Next Match: at Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, September 8.
7.) LAFC2
LAFC2's regulation unbeaten streak ended on Friday at four matches.
Adrian Wibowo pulled one goal back for LAFC2, but Tacoma Defiance left Titan Stadium with all three points in a 2-1 victory. LAFC2's race for the No. 1 seed in the West might be all but over, but they could very well sneak into the top-four by season's end.
Last Match: 2-1 loss vs. Tacoma Defiance.
Next Match: vs. Sporting KC II on Sunday, September 8.
6.) Philadelphia Union II
A bye week should help Philadelphia Union II get well rested for the final push of the MLS NEXT Pro regular season.
Marlon LeBlanc's squad have lost four of their last six matches, which has cost them to slip a bit in the East's No.1 seed race. Still, the bountless amount of young talent makes Union II a dangerous team for many others in the conference.
Their final five matches come against teams behind them in the league table.
Last Match: Bye Week.
Next Match: at Carolina Core FC on Wednesday, September 11.
5.) NYCFC II
NYCFC II picked up one point from its trip to Columbus this weekend, but overall will feel extra points were there for the taking.
Taylor Calheira's brace helped NYCFC II force a shootout against Crew 2, but NYCFC II missed two of their spot kick opportunities. With only one regulation victory earned out of their last six matches, Matt Pilkington will hope that his squad can end the season on a high note.
Three of their final five matches come against teams below them in the East table.
Last Match: 2-2, SOL at Columbus Crew 2.
Next Match: vs. ATL UTD 2 on Friday, September 6.
4.) FC Cincinnati 2
Back-to-back losses for FC Cincinnati 2 continues to keep the door open for others in the Eastern Conference.
A 2-0 home loss to TFC II extended FCC2's goalless drought to 329 minutes. The pair of consecutive losses are also the first for Tyrone Marshall's squad since late-March.
With Philadelphia Union II, Columbus Crew 2, among others right behind them, pressure is growing on FCC2 to rebound fast.
Last Match: 2-0 loss vs. TFC II.
Next Match: at Chicago Fire II on Sunday, September 8.
3.) Columbus Crew 2
Columbus Crew 2's regulation unbeaten streak was extended to 12 matches on Sunday.
Goals from Jacob Greene and Taha Habroune paired with a strong performance from goalkeeper Stanislav Lapkes helped Crew 2 to a 4-2 shootout with over NYCFC II. Despite being pegged back twice by NYCFC II, Crew 2 remains one of the toughest teams to defeat over 90 minutes.
Crew 2 remains well in the hunt for top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Last Match: 2-2, SOW vs. NYCFC II.
Next Match: at Chattanooga FC on Sunday, September 8.
2.) North Texas SC
Sunday might not have been a full three points for North Texas SC, but fighting back to earn two is a step in the right direction.
NTX used a pair of late goals to force a shootout against Colorado Rapids 2 before edging the visitors 5-4 in spot kicks. Tomas Pondeca and Anthony Ramirez scored seven minutes apart to get NTX back into the match.
NTX remains top of the Western Conference with five matches left to play.
Last Match: 2-2, SOW vs. Colorado Rapids 2.
Next Match: at Whitecaps FC 2 on Sunday, September 8.
1.) St. Louis CITY2
A late comeback home victory for St. Louis CITY2 kept them in touching distance of the top spot in the Western Conference.
Mykhi Joyner scored twice before Brendan McSorley delivered the winning goal in a 3-2 result over Austin FC II. It marked CITY2's third-straight victory, giving them 10 goals scored over that span.
Bobby Murphy's squad are riding a good run of form at the perfect time of the season.
Last Match: 3-2 win vs. Austin FC II.
Next Match: at Colorado Rapids 2 on Sunday, September 8.
