A total of four clubs moved up in the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings after Matchday 18 action this past weekend.
Crown Legacy FC leapfrogged Colorado Rapids 2 into the No. 1 spot while New England Revolution II, Orlando City B, and ATL UTD 2 also moved up in the weekly rankings.
Colorado Rapids 2, Tacoma Defiance, New York Red Bulls II, and Whitecaps FC 2 were among the teams to drop down following weekend results. Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings:
Whitecaps FC 2 did not feature in MLS NEXT Pro this past weekend, but dropped one place following results elsewhere in the league.
Ricardo Clark’s side have continued to struggle over recent weeks and could be out of the Top 10 entirely if they do not snap their run this coming weekend. A dynamic attack could be what helps Whitecaps FC 2 out of their recent funk, but the start of a three-match road trip will be tough to overcome.
Last Match: Bye Week
Next Match: at Tacoma Defiance on Sunday, July 30
ATL UTD 2’s losing streak continued on Sunday after falling at home to Huntsville City FC and unless Steve Cooke’s squad can start turning results around, they also are in jeopardy of exiting the Top 10. A 4-2 home loss on Sunday was ATL UTD 2’s third-straight in league play which has seen them fall to 10th in the Eastern Conference. Nicolas Firmino remains one of the top attackers in MLS NEXT Pro, but he will need help if ATL UTD 2 wants to start turning things around by summer’s end.
Last Match: 4-2 loss vs. Huntsville City FC
Next Match: vs. Columbus Crew 2 on Friday, July 28
New York Red Bulls II remains in the Top 10 after snapping their two-match losing run this past weekend. A 2-0 road win over FC Cincinnati 2 was certainly important for Red Bulls II after previous losses to NYCFC II and Philadelphia Union II. Ibrahim Kasule scored yet again for the Eastern Conference club, continuing a strong summer in attack. A home showdown with Orlando City B is next on the cards for Red Bulls II.
Last Match: 2-0 win at FC Cincinnati 2
Next Match: vs. Orlando City B on Monday, July 31
Orlando City B’s comeback victory over Chicago Fire II helped them move back to No. 7 in the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings. Jack Lynn’s brace paired with Juninho’s second-half goal helped Martin Perelman’s squad earn a 3-2 home victory for the second-straight result. Lynn leads the Golden Boot race with 12 goals in 2023, continuing a stellar sophomore season in the league.
Last Match: 3-2 win vs. Chicago Fire II
Next Match: at New York Red Bulls II on Monday, July 31
Columbus Crew’s up-and-down run of form kept them No. 6 in the latest MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings. A 6-2 hammering at the hands of Philadelphia Union II on Monday handed Crew 2 their second loss out of their past three matches. Noah Fuson’s brace was the lone bright spot for the defending league champions, who now face an ATL UTD 2 side that desperately needs a victory of their own.
Last Match: 6-2 loss vs. Philadelphia Union II
Next Match: at ATL UTD 2 on Friday, July 28
5.) Tacoma Defiance
Tacoma Defiance’s unbeaten run came to an end on Matchday 18 in poor fashion against LAFC2. A 2-1 loss for Wade Webber’s squad was their first regulation loss since Junt 5 and one that desperately could’ve been avoided on the road. The Defiance had done well in previous weeks to play strong on both ends of the field, but that did not show against LAFC2. A crucial Matchday 19 match vs. Whitecaps FC 2 is next on the Defiance’s schedule.
Last Match: 2-1 loss at LAFC2
Next Match: vs. Whitecaps FC 2 on Sunday, July 30
Clint Peay’s New England Revolution II squad haven’t played since July 12, but results elsewhere on Matchday 18 helped them move up to No. 4. Back-to-back victories over Inter Miami II and Crown Legacy FC have allowed Revs II to stay right behind the expansion side for top spot in the East. Another winnable contest is on the horizon this weekend with Jordan Adebayo-Smith leading the attack with eight goals so far.
Last Match: Bye Week
Next Match: at Chicago Fire II on Sunday, July 30
Austin FC II remains in the Top Three of the Power Rankings despite coughing up two points on the road against West-leading Colorado Rapids 2. Brett Uttley’s squad led 3-0 on the road, but conceded three second-half goals and ultimately fell 6-5 in a shootout. Rapids 2 have continued to have Austin FC II’s number this season, which is why Rapids 2 lead them by eight points in the league table. Several players have contributed goals for Austin FC II this season, but someone needs to take charge if they want to grab top spot in the conference.
Last Match: 3-3, SOL at Colorado Rapids 2
Next Match: vs LA Galaxy II on Sunday, July 30
Although Colorado Rapids 2 fought back to earn two points at home against Austin FC II, they fell to No. 2 after Crown Legacy FC’s regulation victory this past weekend. Rapids 2 still showed tremendous fight to earn two points in a dramatic home comeback win. Oliver Larraz and Marlon Vargas continued positive seasons with goals of their own in the performance. A tricky test awaits on Sunday with Sporting KC II opposing Rapids 2 at Rock Chalk Park.
Last Match: 3-3, SOW vs Austin FC II
Next Match: at Sporting KC II on Sunday, July 30
It wasn’t easy for Crown Legacy FC on Sunday, but Jose Tavares’ men earned a needed bounce-back victory on home soil. Patrick Agyemang scored twice in a 4-3 triumph over NYCFC II, giving Crown Legacy FC the No. 1 spot in this week’s Power Rankings. A deadly attacking unit continued to thrive with four more goals this season, bringing Crown Legacy FC’s total to 42 goals in total. A two-match road trip now comes for the East leaders, but Crown Legacy FC will surely be favored in both.
Last Match: 4-3 win vs. NYCFC II
Next Match: at FC Cincinnati 2 on Saturday, July 29
