We’re officially in go mode as the page turns to the second half of the season in MLS NEXT Pro.
Matchweek 15 marked the halfway point, which means it’s a sprint to Decision Day 2025 and who is going to make it to this year’s MLS NEXT Pro Cup Playoffs gets magnified from here on out.
The Eastern Conference power struggle took a new turn this week as New York Red Bulls II extended their lead to go three points clear of their competitors. Oh, and not to mention a successful debut with the legendary Michael Bradley taking the helm.
In the West, St Louis CITY2 continued their recent surge with a 3-1 win to halt The Town FC’s six-game unbeaten streak.
Here’s a closer look at how this week’s action re-shaped the Top 10 Power Rankings.
New York Red Bulls II’s Bradley era got off to a successful start over the weekend.
The iconic former USMNT star inherited a squad already on a five-game winning streak and should be thrilled with what he saw as they made it six when they topped Carolina Core FC on the road.
First place in the East in the second half of the season is a great spot to be in.
Last match: 2-1 win at Carolina Core FC
Next match: vs. FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, June 29
After looking like a runaway train in the East, Chattanooga FC were brought down to earth in June.
Saturday’s 0-0 result against FC Cincinnati 2 and shootout loss meant they closed the month winless.
Their upcoming bye week could offer a great opportunity for head coach Chris Nugent and co. to regroup and come back with the stuff that saw them open the season on a six-game unbeaten run.
Last match: 0-0 tie, SOL vs. FC Cincinnati 2
Next match: vs. Chicago Fire II on Saturday, July 5
The cardiac CITYzens? We’ll keep workshopping that.
The point is: St Louis CITY2 have found success emptying the tank in the closing minutes in back-to-back games.
First it was the three-goal outburst at the death to steal a win at Colorado Rapids 2 last week, then this week, two goals after the 80th minute to take a 3-1 win over The Town FC.
It adds up to five-game winning streak that's landed them tied for most points in the very compeitive West.
Last match: 3-1 win vs. The Town FC
Next match: vs. Houston Dynamo 2 on Saturday, June 28
Rapids 2 are hanging tough in the three spot of the Western Conference standings.
This week, the Rapids Academy shined once again as 17-year-old Colton Swan provided a late equalizer to prevent back-to-back losses, earning his second MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchweek honor in the process.
Last match: 1-1 tie, SOL vs. North Texas SC
Next match: at MNUFC2 on Saturday, June 28
Read more: 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Matchweek 15 Honors
Western Conference leaders Ventura County FC were on a bye in Matchweek 15.
Last match: 2-0 win at MNUFC2
Next match: vs. The Town FC on Sunday, June 29
Halfway through the year with only one loss on their record, Philadelphia Union II and first-year head coach Ryan Richter look like they’re on course for another deep playoff run in 2025.
Their whopping 14 different goal scorers in 2025 make them a handful for all of their Eastern Conference foes, and that played out again last weekend when they won their replay of last year’s Eastern Conference Final matchup at Columbus Crew 2.
Last match: 3-1 win at Columbus Crew 2
Next match: vs. New England Revolution II on Thursday, June 26
The latest to fall to the CITY2 buzzsaw, The Town FC’s six game unbeaten streak came to an end after a two-week bye.
TTFC remains the team to watch in the West though, as their prior form was a sign they might be the sleeping giant in the conference.
Last match: 3-1 loss at St Louis CITY2
Next match: vs. Ventura County FC on Sunday, June 29
Matchweek 15 was a tough one for the defending champs.
Two road matches saw North Texas SC drop points from a winning position in the second half, which meant a winless month of June.
But, on the flip side, they won all of their May matches and have plenty to get excited about as they look to regroup on their upcoming bye week.
Last match: 4-3 loss at Whitecaps FC 2
Next match: vs. MNUFC2 on Thursday, July 3
Unbeaten through two on the bounce in response to their third defeat of the season, Huntsville City FC are hanging tough at fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
This week, midfielder Alan Carleton led the way in their part of a 3-3 tie with Crown Legacy FC with Player of the Matchweek honors.
Last match: 3-3 tie vs. Crown Legacy FC
Next match: at New England Revolution II on Sunday, June 29
Dynamo Dos are still dining on the points they collected to open the year, but find themselves on a seven-game winless skid.
The story of their season has been trying to fill the void created by captain Diego Gonzalez’s leg injury.
They’ll try to change that narrative when they return to action this week.
Last match: 1-1 tie, SOL at Real Monarchs
Next match: at St Louis CITY2 on Saturday, July 28
