A total of four clubs moved up in the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings after Matchday 19 action this past weekend with a new face entering the Top 10.
Philadelphia Union II jumped into the No. 10 spot after recent international involvement last weekend. Marlon LeBlanc’s squad edged ATL UTD 2 to the final spot as their surge continued up the standings.
Austin FC II, Tacoma Defiance, and Sporting KC II also moved up this week after Matchday 19 victories. Colorado Rapids 2’s recent dip in form cost them to fall to No. 3 while Crown Legacy FC remained top of the list.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings:
Philadelphia Union II did not feature in league play this past weekend, but did enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience on home soil.
Union II played out a 1-1 draw with English fourth-tier side Wrexham AFC on Friday, using a screamer from Jeremy Rafanello to tie the newly-promoted club. In addition to their positive weekend result, Union II are also unbeaten in five-straight league matches, which have them six points out of fourth place in the East.
Last Match: 1-1 tie vs. Wrexham AFC
Next Match: vs. NYCFC II on Friday, August 4
Orlando City B remains in the hunt for a playoff spot this fall, but for now dropped in the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings after a Matchday 19 defeat.
OCB lost 2-1 on the road at New York Red Bulls II, a team they are desperately chasing in the playoff race. Martin Perelman’s squad have failed to win their last two road matches and will next travel to in-state rivals Inter Miami II. Jack Lynn and Moises Tablante remain key attackers for OCB and will be poised to lead their side to three points against the East strugglers this weekend.
Last Match: 2-1 loss at New York Red Bulls II
Next Match: at Inter Miami II on Saturday, August 5
New York Red Bulls II remained in the No. 8 spot after picking up a second-straight victory in league play. Wikelman Carmona and Ibrahim Kasule both scored in a 2-1 home triumph over Orlando City B on Monday, keeping Red Bulls II in fourth place. Kasule has scored in seven-consecutive matches, continuing his positive campaign for the Eastern Conference club. A tricky test against New England Revolution II approaches on Sunday.
Last Match: 2-1 win vs. Orlando City B
Next Match: at New England Revolution II on Sunday, August 6
Columbus Crew 2 returned to winning ways on Friday, but results elsewhere dropped the defending MLS NEXT Pro Champions down to No. 7. A 2-0 road victory over ATL UTD 2 kept Crew 2 in the top-four of the Eastern Conference, which was a needed bounce-back result after the 6-2 hammering they received by Union II the week prior. With all nine of their remaining matches coming against teams below them in the standings, Crew 2 should be expected to get over the red line come September.
Last Match: 2-0 win at ATL UTD 2
Next Match: vs. TFC II on Thursday, August 3
Sporting KC II’s lopsided victory over West-leading Colorado Rapids 2 helped boost them up to No.6 in the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings. Three-consecutive wins have also propelled Benny Feilhaber’s men above the red line in the West, continuing a positive run of form for the club. Sebastian Cruz has scored in each of SKC II’s recent victories, helping take the load off of Pau Vidal.
Last Match: 4-0 win vs. Colorado Rapids 2
Next Match: at Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, August 6
New England Revolution’s regulation unbeaten run was extended to five matches on Sunday, but two points dropped cost them one place in the Power Rankings pecking order. A 5-3 shootout loss to Chicago Fire II dropped Revs II eight points back of East-leading Crown Legacy FC. With only six points separating Revs II from fifth-place Orlando City B, turning draws into victories is crucially important over the next two months.
Last Match: 1-1, SOL at Chicago Fire II
Next Match: vs. New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, August 6
Tacoma Defiance’s bounce-back victory on Matchday 19 helped them leapfrog Revs II back into the No. 4 spot. Wade Webber’s squad remained one of the more dominant teams at home this season after defeating Whitecaps FC 2 by a 2-1 scoreline. Raul Miglietti played the hero with a second-half goal, giving the Defiance their sixth home victory out of nine matches played so far. The result moved the Defiance six points clear in the fight for a playoff spot and a trip to Timbers2 should have them favorites heading in.
Last Match: 2-1 win vs. Whitecaps FC 2
Next Match: at Timbers2 on Friday, August 4
Back-to-back winless results in regulation forced Colorado Rapids 2 to take a dip to No. 3 in the Power Rankings. A 4-0 loss to Sporting KC II was the first time since April that Rapids 2 failed to find the back of the net. It was also the club’s largest margin of defeat since September 2022. Rapids 2 still lead the West by five points over Austin FC II, but will hope for an immediate bounce-back to avoid any further worries during the second half of the season.
Last Match: 4-0 loss at Sporting KC II
Next Match: vs Whitecaps FC 2 on Saturday, August 5
Austin FC II looked back to their old selves on Matchday 19 after putting four goals past LA Galaxy II in a 4-0 victory. It marked the second win out of the past three matches for Brett Uttley’s squad, who sit five points back of the top spot in the West. Four different players scored in the shutout victory, showing the depth of ATX II’s attack once again.
Last Match: 4-0 win vs. LA Galaxy II
Next Match: at LAFC II on Sunday, August 6
Crown Legacy FC remained No. 1 in the Power Rankings after grinding out a 1-0 road win over FC Cincinnati 2 last weekend. David Poreba’s lone goal was all Jose Tavares’ squad needed to move to 47 points this season and remain in firm grip of the top spot in the East. Crown Legacy FC have won five of their last six matches and are showing zero signs of slowing down with only eight matches left on their regular season schedule.
Last Match: 1-0 win at FC Cincinnati 2
Next Match: Bye Week
