The 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season is already through April's schedule and change has been the only constant in our weekly Power Rankings following the results of Matchweek 7.
Ventura County FC remained top of the rankings following a shootout win on Friday while LAFC2 jumped back into the No. 2 spot. Chattanooga FC's positive spring continued with Roy Underwood's squad moved to No. 3 for the first time this season.
Chicago Fire II and Sporting KC II were also on the move this week following weekend results.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings following Matchweek 7:
10.) St. Louis CITY2
St. Louis CITY2 enjoyed a bye week on Matchweek 7 but gets back to action this Friday at MNUFC2. Bobby Murphy's squad are unbeaten in regulation over their past five matches, most recently defeating Austin FC II and Real Monarchs in back-to-back weeks.
Last Match: Off
Next Match: at MNUFC2 on Friday, May 3.
9.) North Texas SC
North Texas SC has continued to be one of the toughest sides to beat over 90 minutes.
John Gall's squad extended their regulation unbeaten streak to six matches this year, defeating Houston Dynamo 2 5-4 in a shootout last weekend. Enes Sali and Diego Garcia both found the back of the net before NTX went a perfect 5-for-5 from the penalty spot.
A Matchweek 8 trip to Sporting KC II this Friday will be another tough test for NTX.
Last Match: 2-2, SOW vs. Houston Dynamo 2
Next Match: at Sporting KC II on Sunday, May 5
8.) Sporting KC II
Unbeaten in their last four matches in regulation, Sporting KC II is riding a good run of form this spring.
A 4-1 romp over MNUFC2 was led by Kamron Habibullah's hat trick last Sunday. Habibullah's seven goals lead the team so far this season, putting him in the early conversation for Golden Boot honors later this year.
SKC II's 18 goals scored are the most in MLS NEXT Pro so far.
Last Match: 4-1 win vs. MNUFC2
Next Match: vs. North Texas SC on Sunday, May 5
7.) Tacoma Defiance
Herve Diese's Tacoma Defiance squad earned a crucial three points last Thursday on home soil.
A 3-2 triumph over The Town FC was led by goals from Faysal Bettache, Travian Sousa, and Osaze De Rosario. After struggling to find the back of the net over the prior two weeks, the Defiance registered three goals or more for the first time since Matchweek 2.
Last Match: 3-2 win vs. The Town FC
Next Match: at Timbers2 on Friday, May 10
6.) New York Red Bulls II
A first home loss of 2024 saw New York Red Bulls II fall in this week's Power Rankings.
Ibrahim Sekagya's squad failed to find the back of the net for the first time this season. Back-to-back road matches against Inter Miami II and Orlando City B offer good opportunities for Red Bulls II to bounce back though.
Last Match: 2-0 loss vs. Columbus Crew 2
Next Match: at Inter Miami II on Friday, May 3
5.) Chicago Fire II
The points keep on coming for Chicago Fire II.
A 2-0 home victory over ATL UTD 2 saw Fire II move up in this week's Power Rankings and also move up in the Eastern Conference. Harold Osorio and Omari Glasgow both celebrated goalscoring performances while goalkeeper Patrick Los wasn't troubled at all.
Fire II has yet to lose in regulation this season.
Last Match: 2-0 win vs. ATL UTD 2
Next Match: at New England Revolution II on Saturday, May 4
4.) Philadelphia Union II
A first regulation loss of 2024 dropped Philadelphia Union II to No. 4 this week.
Marlon LeBlanc's squad struggled against FC Cincinnati 2, falling 3-1 away from home. Kyle Tucker's second-half goal was a lone consolation in the match for Union II, who returns home this weekend against Huntsville City FC.
Subaru Park has been a fortress so far for Union II so the odds might be in their favor this Sunday.
Last Match: 3-1 loss at FC Cincinnati 2
Next Match: vs. Huntsville City FC on Sunday, May 5
3.) Chattanooga FC
Chattanooga FC rebounded nicely in Matchweek 7, jumping up to No. 3 in our Power Rankings.
A 2-0 win over Carolina Core saw Jesus Ibarra and Milo Garvanian find the back of the net in the victory. The result also marked the third defensive clean sheet for the MLS NEXT Pro newboys, showing that they can deliver on both ends of the field.
Last Match: 2-0 vs. Carolina Core FC
Next Match: at Orlando City B on Saturday, May 4
2.) LAFC2
Back-to-back wins for LAFC2 bumped them up to No. 2 in the Power Rankings.
A 2-0 victory over Timbers2 was led by goals in each half by Tomas Angel and Adrian Wibowo. Wibowo has been one of the key bright spots this season, scoring two goals and adding one assist to date.
He is joined by Luis Muller, Nathan Ordaz, Leo Flores, and Angel as the five goalscorers for LAFC2 this season.
Last Match: 2-0 win vs. Timbers2
Next Match: at Real Monarchs on Sunday, May 5
1.) Ventura County FC
Ventura County FC stayed perfect in shootouts on Friday, defeating the defending MLS NEXT Pro Champions.
Aaron Bibout and Erik Hernandez scored in the second half to help force a shootout at Parmer Field before VCFC went 5-for-5 from the penalty spot. Back-to-back shootout victories have helped keep VCFC atop the Western Conference, making them a tough opponent for everyone in the league.
Last Match: 2-2, SOW at Austin FC II
Next Match: at MNUFC2 on Sunday, May 12
