The 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season is down to its final two weeks.
For several of the league's clubs, the dream of winning the MLS NEXT Pro Cup remains alive while for others, the preparations for 2025 have already begun.
North Texas SC clinched the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference following a derby win over Austin FC II while FC Cincinnati 2 moved one step closer to obtaining the No. 1 seeds in the East. St. Louis CITY2 suffered a setback on the road at The Town FC while Philadelphia Union II edged NYCYC II.
Chicago Fire II and Houston Dynamo 2 are currently hanging onto the final playoff places in each conference.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings following Matchweek 28:
10.) Tacoma Defiance
A five-match regulation unbeaten streak ended for Tacoma Defiance on Saturday.
Herve Diese's men fell 3-1 at Whitecaps FC 2 which marked their first regulation loss since August 11. Despite a late consolation goal from Synder Brunell, the Defiance ultimately were second-best on the night, which cost them a higher seed come playoff time.
Last Match: 3-1 loss at Whitecaps FC 2.
Next Match: vs. Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, September 29.
9.) Inter Miami II
Inter Miami II continues to find ways to get things done.
Federico Higuain's squad extended their winning streak to three matches on Tuesday thanks to a 1-0 road triumph over ATL UTD 2. Ryan Carmichael's first-half goal paired with Cole Jensen's five-save clean sheet helped the Young Herons continue moving their way up the East standings.
Back-to-back matches against Crown Legacy FC and Carolina Core FC are certainly winnable over the next two weeks.
Last Match: 1-0 win at ATL UTD 2.
Next Match: vs. Crown Legacy FC on Sunday, September 29.
8.) Orlando City B
Four wins on the spin for Orlando City B has them sitting nicely heading into their final match of the regular season.
Monday's 3-0 home victory over Chicago Fire II saw Jack Lynn, Yutaro Tsukada, and Favian Loyola all find the back of the net. Alex Freeman added two assists in the result, helping OCB move to third place in the Eastern Conference.
Although they cannot finish top of the East, OCB are one of the in-form teams heading into the postseason.
Last Match: 3-0 win vs. Chicago Fire II.
Next Match: at FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, October 6.
7.) LAFC2
LAFC2 suffered a setback on Monday night in their home match with Real Monarchs.
A 2-0 home loss marked the second out of the past four matches for LAFC2, who conceded goals to Zavier Gozo and Griffin Dillon in the second half. The hosts quest to capture the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference are all but over following the defeat, which means they cannot afford to endure another setback against The Town FC or Sporting KC II over the final two weeks.
Last Match: 2-0 loss vs. Real Monarchs.
Next Match: at The Town FC on Sunday, September 29.
6.) NYCFC II
Back-to-back losses for NYCFC II have them in a worrying situation.
Matt Pilkington's squad have not earned a regulation win since August 28, which has dropped them to fifth in the East. Monday's 4-3 road loss at Philadelphia Union II saw a 3-1 halftime lead slip away for NYCFC II, continuing an inconsistent spell over the last few weeks.
Things don't get easier with a home match vs. FC Cincinnati 2 this weekend.
Last Match: 4-3 loss at Philadelphia Union II.
Next Match: vs. FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, September 29.
5.) Columbus Crew 2
Inconsistency has also struck for Columbus Crew 2.
Sunday's 2-0 home loss to Carolina Core FC extended Crew 2's regulation winless run to five matches. Three-straight defeats have them sitting sixth in the East, but floundering for a playoff spot with two matches to go.
Chase Adams, Jayden Da, and others will be forced to step up big time.
Last Match: 2-0 loss vs. Carolina Core FC.
Next Match: vs. Chicago Fire II on Sunday, September 29.
4.) Philadelphia Union II
Philadelphia Union II's Matchweek 28 win over NYCFC II has kept them right on the heels of FC Cincinnati 2.
Four different players found the back of the net on Monday including Eddy Davis and Francis Westfield. Cavan Sullivan was lively in his 90-minute outing, assisting once in the match and showing another glimpse of why he is a top prospect.
Union II are two points back of FC Cincinnati 2 heading into their final two matches.
Last Match: 4-3 win vs. NYCFC II.
Next Match: vs. ATL UTD 2 on Sunday, September 29.
3.) FC Cincinnati 2
FC Cincinnati 2 are in control of their own destiny in the race for the East's No. 1 seed.
A 2-0 road triumph over Huntsville City FC saw goals from Brian Schaefer and Yair Ramos give FCC2 back-to-back regulation wins for the first time since late July-early August. FCC2's 8-2-3 record away from home is the best in the East this season, which has made them one of the consistent teams in MLS NEXT Pro.
Last Match: 2-0 win at Huntsville City FC.
Next Match: at NYCFC II on Sunday, September 29.
2.) North Texas SC
North Texas SC will be the top dog in the Western Conference heading into the playoffs.
A late 2-1 win over Austin FC II saw NTX use a 97th minute winner from Diego Garcia to snatch all three points at home. NTX have now won their last three matches and overall are unbeaten in regulation over their last four.
Pedrinho continues to be one of the top signings for the club after scoring once and assisting once last weekend.
Last Match: 2-1 win vs. Austin FC II.
Next Match: at Sporting KC II on Sunday, September 29.
1.) St. Louis CITY2
The snapping of St. Louis CITY2's regulation unbeaten streak cost CITY2 the chance of earning the No. 1 seed in the West.
A 2-0 road loss at The Town FC saw goals from Julian Donnery and Cruz Medina condemn CITY2 to their first loss since August 2. CITY2 have two matches remaining on their schedule, but could even slip from the No. 2 seed if they fail to win either of those fixtures.
Last Match: 2-0 loss at The Town FC.
Next Match: at Ventura County FC on Sunday, September 29.
