The final MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings of August is here with some plenty of shocks on both ends of the list.
Crown Legacy FC remained top of the weekly honors, but New England Revolution II moved up to the No. 2 spot after extending their regulation unbeaten run to 10 matches. Orlando City B and Sporting KC II were among the clubs to move up this week while Colorado Rapids 2 suffered a drop into the No. 3 spot.
New York Red Bulls II and Tacoma Defiance remained in the Top-Six after Matchday 24 victories.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings:
It’s been up-and-down for Earthquakes II, who suffered their second loss out of their past three matches on Matchday 24. A 3-1 road loss to fellow playoff chasers St. Louis CITY2 added extra pressure on Quakes II ahead of a tough string of matches to conclude the regular season. Eduardo Blancas and his eight goals could be what helps Quakes II get over the finish line, but inconsistent form could also be what costs them.
Last Match: 3-1 loss at St. Louis CITY2
Next Match: vs. MNUFC2 on Sunday, September 3
Back-to-back impressive wins helped Orlando City B move to No. 9 in the latest Power Rankings. A 4-1 beat down of defending MLS NEXT Pro Champions Columbus Crew 2 moved OCB into fifth place in the Eastern Conference and one step closer to clinching their playoff berth. An in-form attacking duo of Jack Lynn and Shak Mohammed (20 combined goals in 2023) will need to be important if OCB wants to pull a major upset on Matchday 25 against East-leading Crown Legacy FC.
Last Match: 4-1 win vs. Columbus Crew 2
Next Match: vs. Crown Legacy FC on Sunday, September 3
A 4-1 road loss at Orlando City B dropped Columbus Crew 2 down to No. 8 this week in the Matchday 24 Power Rankings. Recent hammerings against New York Red Bulls II and OCB have certainly hurt the confidence in the Crew 2 squad as they now try to enter the playoffs on a winning note. A trip to already-eliminated Inter Miami II might be a good chance for Crew 2 to rebound and gain some momentum back.
Last Match: 4-1 loss at Orlando City B
Next Match: at Inter Miami II on Sunday, September 3
Three-consecutive victories paired with an impressive result at Parmer Field helped Sporting KC II move up one place to No. 7 this week. A 2-1 triumph over Austin FC II continued a positive run of form for Benny Feilhaber’s squad. Lucas Rosa and Macielo Tschantret both celebrated goals of their own for SKC II, who are eight points clear in the playoff race. A victory over LA Galaxy II on Matchday 25 should get SKC II over the line with three matches to spare.
Last Match: 2-1 win at Austin FC II
Next Match: at LA Galaxy II on Sunday, September 3
Tacoma Defiance are on the verge of clinching their playoff berth heading into Matchday 25. Wade Webber’s squad defeated MNUFC2 by a 4-2 scoreline, helping them move to No. 6 in the latest Power Rankings. Braudilio Rodrigues and Raul Miglietti both found the back of the net, continuing positive individual seasons for the attacking duo. Four winnable matches are coming up next for the Defiance, with three coming at Starfire Sports Complex.
Last Match: 4-2 win at MNUFC2
Next Match: vs. Timbers2 on Monday, September 4
Make it three-straight victories for New York Red Bulls II, who remained in the Top 5 of this week’s Power Rankings. A 5-4 triumph over Chicago Fire II gave Red Bulls II 14 goals scored over their last 270 minutes of play. Ibrahim Kasule now has 15 goals of his own in 2023, which has tied him for second place in the Golden Boot race. The loss of goalkeeper A.J. Marcucci through injury has hurt, but Red Bulls II have continued to fly high.
Last Match: 5-4 win vs. Chicago Fire II
Next Match: at TFC II on Friday, September 1
Austin FC II’s slip down the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings continued after suffering their first home regulation loss of 2023. Brett Uttley’s squad lost 2-1 against Sporting KC II, which snapped a seven-match unbeaten run in league play. After scoring at will earlier in the season, ATX II have only totaled four goals in their last 360 minutes of play. Valentin Noel and Sebastien Pineau have 12 combined goals and will be among the leaders to watch down the stretch.
Last Match: 2-1 loss vs. Sporting KC II
Next Match: vs. LAFC II on Friday, September 1
A second shocking loss in the past three weeks for Colorado Rapids 2 have led to their fall to No. 3 in the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings. Rapids 2 still lead the Western Conference on 54 points, but have found it tough to string together consistent results of late. Yosuke Hanya and Remi Cabral are one of the top attacking duos in MLS NEXT Pro (24 combined goals), but an up-and-down backline has hurt them in recent weeks.
Last Match: 2-0 loss at Timbers2
Next Match: at North Texas SC on Sunday, September 3
New England Revolution II are becoming a force to be reckoned with in the East heading towards the playoffs. Clint Peay’s squad are unbeaten in 10-straight league matches, which has helped them remain on Crown Legacy FC’s tail in the East. A dynamic attack paired with a stingy defense will be tough for many teams to beat come playoff time.
Last Match: 3-0 win at Philadelphia Union II
Next Match: vs. Huntsville City FC on Friday, September 1
Crown Legacy FC’s third-straight unbeaten result helped them remain top of the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings. A 3-1 shootout win over TFC II helped Jose Tavares’ men continue their hot summer, which now has them on 55 points in 2023. Even though three of their last four matches are against teams right below them in the East standings, Crown Legacy FC will be favored to win out this regular season.
Last Match: 1-1, SOW vs. TFC II
Next Match: at Orlando City B on Sunday, September 3
