A new name sits atop the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings this week, with St. Louis CITY2 surging into the number one spot after extending their winning streak and Red Bulls II falling at home over the weekend.
Here’s how the rest of the Power Rankings shake out following Matchweek 17 action:
You wouldn’t know it now, but CITY2 dropped three straight matches in April.
Since then? They’ve ripped off 8 wins in 9 matches (and seven consecutive wins, tied for the league's all-time record) to climb to the top of the West standings.
Late goals continue to be their thing as of late, scoring twice in the last 15 minutes that sealed a 3-1 road win over Real Monarchs.
Can anyone in the West (league?) keep up?
Last match: 3-1 win over Real Monarchs
Next match: vs. Austin FC II on Friday, July 11
Huntsville City FC brought the Red Bulls II’s seven-game unbeaten streak to a halt last Sunday.
RBNY II gave up two goals in the second half in what ended up being a 2-1 home loss.
A positive? Reigning MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month Nehuén Benedetti kept his goal contribution streak alive (6 games) with a beautiful assist to Rafael Mosquera.
Michael Bradley’s group still leads the East, but five matches without a clean sheet is a growing concern heading into their away game against TFC II.
Last match: 2-1 loss vs Huntsville City FC
Next match: at TFC II on Friday, July 11
Defense has been the story this season for Union II.
Ryan Richter’s side is only allowing just 0.79 goals per game in 2025, but this weekend, the attack stole the spotlight as Philly poured in five goals in a 5-0 shutout victory over TFC II.
With Eddy Davis, Sal Olivas, CJ Olney, and David Vázquez leading the charge upfront, there’s no shortage of firepower for Philly.
Throw in the occasional Cavan Sullivan cameo and stoppage time goals from 15-year-old forward Malik Jakupovic off the bench, and this squad looks downright dangerous.
Last match: 5-0 win vs TFC II
Next match: vs. Chattanooga FC on Sunday, July 13
Chattanooga FC is in the middle of their roughest stretch yet, now winless in five after a promising start to the season.
A 1-0 home loss to a young Chicago Fire II side didn’t help, and things won’t get easier with a trip to face the red-hot Union II next.
Tate Robertson remains a bright spot on the wing with double-digit goal contributions this season, but who else will step up offensively for CFC?
Last match: 1-0 vs. Chicago Fire II
Next match: at Philadelphia Union II on Sunday, July 13
Rapids 2 snapped a three-game winless streak with a gritty 2-1 win over Dynamo 2 in a rain-delayed match.
Still holding to the third place spot out West, Rapids 2 now enter a four-game stretch against teams above the playoff line.
Billo Diop and Sydney Wathuta have stepped up in the attack lately. They'll need to keep that energy if Colorado wants to stay in the top four in the West standings.
Last match: 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo 2
Next match: vs. Tacoma Defiance on Sunday, July 13
Huntsville continues to climb both the East standings and the power rankings, and a road win over the conference leaders will only boost their case.
Alan Carleton is on fire with five goal contributions in his last two matches, while their defense has allowed just 17 goals all year, good enough for third fewest in the league.
Add 6'3 super-sub forward Gunnar Studenhofft into the mix, and this team can become a real problem on any night.
Last match: 2-1 victory over NY Red Bulls II
Next match: vs.FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, July 13
A nine-game unbeaten run has launched Fire II into the top four in the Eastern Conference.
Their latest result, a 1-0 road win over Chattanooga FC, proved this young squad can grind out wins in tough environments.
With two of their next three matches at home, the climb up the standings and power rankings might not be over just yet.
Last match: 1-0 win vs Chattanooga FC
Next match: vs New England Revolution II on Sunday, July 13
A Ryan Elloumi brace snapped VCFC’s unbeaten run and sent them sliding down the rankings after a 2-1 loss to WFC2.
The road ahead doesn’t get easier with a trip to in-form St Louis CITY2 on deck.
The silver lining? VCFC has been strong away from home, tied for the league lead with five road wins.
An upset over the West’s top team could be the boost this young squad needs.
Last match: 2-1 loss vs. Whitecaps FC 2
Next match: at St Louis CITY2 on Saturday, July 5
If you missed The Town FC's wild clash against Tacoma Defiance last week, you missed one of the most entertaining matches of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Four different players scored for The Town FC, but they came up short in a 5-4 shootout loss.
They’ll look to bounce back and return to their winning ways when SKC II rolls into town this weekend.
Last match: 4-4 tie, SOL at Tacoma Defiance
Next match: vs. Sporting KC II on Sunday, July 13
North Texas rebounded from a loss to Whitecaps FC 2 with a strong home win over MNUFC2 to stay in the Top 10 rankings.
Tarik Scott bagged a brace, while Sam Sarver continued his MVP-level form, providing a goal and two assists in just an hour of play.
If they can shore things up at the back, the defending champs could be dangerous once again come playoff time.
Last match: 3-1 win vs. MNUFC2
Next match: at Houston Dynamo 2 on Saturday, July 13
