There's no rest for the weary in the sprint to MLS NEXT Pro Decision Day 2025.
A short eight-match slate for Matchweek 15 packed in plenty of drama and showcased some performances to remember.
Down go the champs! Whitecaps FC 2 earned this round's Team of the Matchweek honor for digging deep in a 4-3 win over reigning MLS NEXT Pro Cup holders North Texas SC.
In Huntsville, Alan Carleton notched a brace and an assist to carry Huntsville City FC in their 3-3 result against Crown Legacy FC to earn his first Player of the Matchweek honor.
Colorado Rapids Academy forward Colton Swan earned his second MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchweek honor of the year with a late goal to rescue a point at home for Colorado Rapids 2.
Read more about Matchweek 15's winners below:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 15: Whitecaps FC 2
Winners of three straight, Whitecaps FC 2 are stacking points after losing some heartbreakers to open the year.
They went toe-to-toe and ultimately got the better of North Texas SC in a rollercoaster 4-3 win on Saturday, and the gutsy win earns them their first Team of the Matchweek selection of 2025.
The game had it all, including the sides swapping goals within the first 10 minutes. Down 2-1 at halftime, recent Whitecaps Academy promotion Rayan Elloumi put on the cape for a second-half brace.
It set the stage for 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot leader Nelson Pierre to firm his grip at the top of the scoring charts with the game-winner in the 76th minute.
WFC2's recent form has landed them in sixth place in the West and very much in control of their playoff destiny as the second half of the season kicks off.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 15: Alan Carleton
Huntsville City FC can thank midfielder Alan Carleton for getting in on all of their scores in Friday's 3-3 tie against Crown Legacy FC.
Carleton evened the match with a goal in the 19th minute, provided the assist to go ahead in the 22nd, and found the net again in the 71st.
CLFC fought back to equalize and take the extra point, but the draw can't dampen a talismanic show-out from HCFC's 20-year-old newcomer. His huge night brings his season tally to 4g/4a, tied for first on the team's goal contribution scoresheet.
Carleton joined HCFC ahead of the 2025 campaign after graduating from the Atlanta United Academy in 2023 and playing two seasons with ATL UTD 2 in MLS NEXT Pro.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 15: Colton Swan
No surprises here.
Colorado Rapids Academy forward Colton Swan came up clutch once again for Rapids 2 this season, earning his second Rising Star of the Matchweek selection and bolstering his case for a second Rising Star of the Month honor of the season.
In a 1-1 tie at home against North Texas SC on Wednesday to kick off Matchweek 15, 17-year-old Swan looked like a seasoned veteran when he rose above the crowd on a late corner and expertly headed in a goal to prevent back-to-back losses.
Swan has delivered 4g/2a for Rapids 2 so far in 2025 en route to being named Rising Star of Matchweek 6, and Rising Star of the Month in April.
