The first MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings of September has arrived and several clubs retained their spots in the weekly breakdown.
Another victory for Crown Legacy FC helped them stay top of the weekly honors, while New England Revolution II stayed up in the No. 2 spot after extending their regulation unbeaten run to 12 matches.
St. Louis CITY 2 jumped into the Top 10 following their latest unbeaten result in the Western Conference. Quakes II held onto the final rankings spot despite coughing up two points at home to MNUFC2.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings:
Earthquakes II did drop two points in Sunday’s shootout loss to MNUFC2, but remained in the Top 10 Power Rankings for another week. Roberto Hategan and Eduardo Blancas both scored in the opening 10 minutes at PayPal Park, but the visitors would fight back to claim a 9-8 shootout result. Quakes II are above the red line in the Western Conference playoff race, but can’t afford any slip-ups if they want to be in the postseason.
Last Match: 3-1 loss at St. Louis CITY2
Next Match: vs. MNUFC2 on Sunday, September 3
St. Louis CITY2 are riding high in recent weeks, which helped them jump into the Matchday 25 Power Rankings. A third-straight win on Sunday extended CITY2’s unbeaten run to seven matches in league play. Faysal Bettache stole the show by becoming the first player in club history to register a hat trick in league play. Bettache joins John Klein as in-form goalscorers for CITY2.
Last Match: 3-1 win at Houston Dynamo 2
Next Match: at Whitecaps FC 2 on Saturday, September 9
Columbus Crew 2 rebounded nicely on Matchday 25 by putting five goals past Inter Miami II on Sunday. Gibran Rayo’s first hat trick for the club paired with goals from Mataeo Bunbury and Noah Fusion capped off a 5-0 beatdown in Fort Lauderdale. Crew 2 have scored four goals or more in each of their last three regulation victories, keeping them in fourth place in the East. With three matches left to play, Crew 2 will try and finetune things before their title defense truly begins.
Last Match: 5-0 win at Inter Miami II
Next Match: vs. NYCFC II on Friday, September 8
Sporting KC II extended their winning run to four matches this past weekend after claiming a 5-1 victory against LA Galaxy II. Ethan Bryant scored twice for Benny Feilhaber’s men while three additional players got on the scoresheet. SKC II have outscored their opponents 14-3 over that span and have three winnable matches left on their schedule this summer.
Last Match: 5-1 win at LA Galaxy II
Next Match: vs. Chicago Fire II on Sunday, September 10
Move over Austin FC II, there is a new team in the No. 2 spot of the Western Conference. Tacoma Defiance’s 4-0 victory over Timbers2 on Monday moved them to 49 points this season and right behind Colorado Rapids 2 in the Western Conference. Wade Webber’s squad have won three of their last five matches in regulation, with several players finding the back of the net. Braudilio Rodrigues, Josh Atencio, and Paul Rothrock carried the load at Starfire Sports Complex this past week.
Last Match: 4-0 win vs. Timbers2
Next Match: vs. Earthquakes II on Sunday, September 10
Also make it four-consecutive victories for New York Red Bulls II, who have been one of the in-form sides in recent weeks. A 3-0 road triumph over TFC II continued the winning streak for Ibrahim Sekagya’s squad, who received a brace from O’Vonte Mullings and a lone goal from Mohammed Sofo. A Matchday 26 trip to Crown Legacy FC will be a good measuring stick match for Red Bulls II despite not having Ibrahim Kasule or Frank Ssebufu due to international duty.
Last Match: 3-0 win at TFC II
Next Match: at Crown Legacy FC on Sunday, September 10
Austin FC II stayed in the Top 5 of the Power Rankings despite dropping one point in a 5-4 shootout win over LAFC II. Brett Uttley’s squad have only lost one of their last nine matches in regulation, but have also left a lot of points on the table too. Austin FC II have been involved in five shootouts over that span, winning three of those five. With three matches left to play, pressure will be on them to end the regular season on a high note.
Last Match: 1-1, SOW vs. LAFC II
Next Match: at MNUFC2 on Sunday, September 10
Colorado Rapids 2 returned to winning ways on Matchday 25 which helped them remain in the Top Three of the Power Rankings. Erik Bushey’s squad used second-half goals from Darren Yapi and Yosuke Hanya to seal a 3-2 comeback win over North Texas SC. Rapids 2 have been up-and-down in recent weeks, but still remain one of the best overall units in MLS NEXT Pro this season.
Last Match: 3-2 win at North Texas SC
Next Match: vs Real Monarchs on Saturday, September 9
New England Revolution II’s unbeaten run extended to 12 matches on Friday after a 14th league victory of the season. Clint Peay watched as his Revs II squad blanked Huntsville City FC 3-0, moving to 54 points on the season and four points back of first place Crown Legacy FC. Revs II haven’t lost in regulation since June 18 and aren’t showing zero signs of slowing down with three matches to play.
Last Match: 3-0 win vs. Huntsville City FC
Next Match: vs. Orlando City B on Thursday, September 7
Crown Legacy FC look destined to finish the regular season in the No. 1 spot in the Power Rankings after a third regulation victory in their past four matches. A 6-3 road triumph over Orlando City B kept Jose Tavares’ squad four points clear atop the Eastern Conference. Crown Legacy FC have continued to fly high this summer and will be favored to win out their remaining league matches.
Last Match: 6-3 win at Orlando City B
Next Match: vs New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, September 10
