The MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference playoff contestants are set in stone, but seeding is still up for grabs as the top four sides head into the final week of the regular season. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference has yet to be decided, with spots 3-4 yet to be clinched with the No. 1 seed in the East belonging to Columbus Crew 2. Two new faces have returned in the Power Rankings and the Golden Boot has yet to be settled as Decision Day looms.
Here’s a look at the Week 25 MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings
RNY FC is back into the Power Rankings in Week 25 following a narrow, yet impressive, 1-0 victory over TFC II. Jesus Batiz’s 17th-minute strike secured all three points and saw them climb above their opponents in the Eastern Conference standings at the end of the weekend.
Heading into Decision Day, RNY FC sits second place in the Eastern Conference and holds a one-point lead over TFC II.
RNY FC has yet to clinch a playoff spot, but three points against NYCFC II in their final match of the season would ensure their ticket to the postseason.
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Next Match: vs NYCFC II, September 18
Dynamo Dos dropped one spot in the Week 25 Power Rankings following a 1-0 loss to Colorado Rapids 2; their first match without former head coach Kenny Bundy, who was called upon to interim coach Dynamo's first team for the remainder of the MLS campaign.
Prior to Bundy's call-up, the team had already clinched a spot in the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs and has one of the strongest resumes the West has to offer.
Now, Dynamo Dos sits fourth in the Western Conference heading into Decision Day, level on points with North Texas SC, who occupy the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference. The two sides will go head-to-head in the final match of the season to determine the seeding come the postseason as well as the overall regular season standings.
Previous Ranking: 3
Next Match: vs North Texas SC, September 18
Pa-Modou Kah’s side clinched a spot in the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs in Week 25. They put on an impressive attacking display, knocking off CITY2 3-1 on their home ground, courtesy of a Bernard Kamungo brace.
North Texas SC sit third in the Western Conference heading into Decision Day and are riding a six-match unbeaten streak heading into the final regular season week.
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Next Match: vs Houston Dynamo 2, September 18
Defiance maintained their No. 2 spot in this week’s Power Rankings following a 1-0 win over Whitecaps FC 2. Adolfo Ovalle’s 81st-minute winner sealed all three points and sent Defiance to the top of the Western Conference to end the week.
Heading into Week 26 of the regular season, Defiance holds a 1-point lead over second place CITY2, meaning that three points on Decision Day see Wade Webber’s side clinch the top overall seed in the Western Conference.
Previous Ranking: 2
Next Match: vs Timbers2, September 18
Crew 2 remain atop the MLS NEXT Pro power rankings for the third straight week, and it comes following a Week 25 performance where they claimed two points against an in-form Inter Miami II side. Following a 1-1 draw across 90 minutes played, Crew 2 claimed an additional point in kicks from the spot with the final tally settling at 6-5.
Crew 2 have secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference as we head into the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, but Week 26 presents an opportunity to end the regular season atop the overall standings across the league.
Forward Jacen Russell-Rowe leads MLS NEXT Pro in scoring with 17 goals and can clinch the Golden Boot on the final day if no changes are made in the race.
Previous Ranking: 1
Next Match vs FC Cincinnati 2, September 18
