Matchweek 20 in MLS NEXT Pro did not disappoint.
A new record was unlocked with Chicago Fire FC II’s emphatic 9-2 win over Eastern Conference leader New York Red Bulls II. The 11-goal thriller set a new record for the highest-scoring match in league history. For knocking in nine, Fire II earned Team of the Matchweek for the third time this season.
And they’ll revel in claiming two honors as striker Jason Shokalook put on a clinic with his 4g/1a contribution to the big win, earning Player of Matchweek 20.
FC Cincinnati Academy man Carson Locker showed out in a short shift in FC Cincinnati 2's big 3-0 win over Inter Miami II on Sunday. His efforts helped his side extend their unbeaten run to eight and earned this week's MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchweek honor.
Read more about Machweek 20's winners below:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 20: Chicago Fire FC II
Taking down the Eastern Conference leaders, like that, with less than 10 weeks to go, is a massive statement for Chicago Fire FC II.
Sunday’s win had everything, and the headline is striker Jason Shokalook notching a hat trick within the first 20 minutes and adding another for insurance in the second half. The breakout performance brings his season totals to 11 goals/4 assists and moves him into third place in the 2025 Golden Boot race. Fire II's nine-goal performance tied Crew 2's MLS NEXT Pro record for most goals in a game by a club, which featured a four-goal performance by Jacen Russell-Rowe.
Italian newcomer Claudio Cassano added two goals and assists to further leave an impression on the fantastic season he’s having. His eight assists lead the league and put him on track to challenge the single-season record of 10.
Matchweek 20 marks Fire II’s third Team of the Matchweek honor after earning the nod in Matchweek 12 and Matchweek 16.
It also moves them to third place in the East and puts them in control of a home MLS NEXT Pro Cup Playoff seed.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 20: Jason Shokalook
No surprise here, Shokalook’s banner day earns his first MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek selection of the season.
The 22-year-old striker was scoring for fun after a three-goal outburst within the first 20 minutes put the match in cruise control for Fire II.
An ostensible comeback was on when RBNY II pulled two back, but any thoughts of it were quickly crushed when Shokalook added another goal and gave an assist in the second half.
Shokalook joined Chicago Fire FC II as a 2024 MLS SuperDraft selection from the University of Akron.
Last month, he received his first MLS call-up to the Chicago Fire first team and made his debut in their 7-1 win over DC United.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 20: Carson Locker
FC Cincinnati Academy midfielder Carson Locker made an instant impact in FC Cincinnati 2’s 3-0 win over Inter Miami II on Sunday.
Coming on with a 2-0 lead in the 81st minute, the win was well in hand for FCC2. But, the 17-year-old found a golden opportunity and made the most of it when a loose ball came his way on the counter.
Locker brought the ball into the box and rifled a near-post golazo past the Miami II ‘keeper for some extra insurance.
The goal marks his second of the season, where he’s up to 14 appearances on the year including five starts.
Locker debuted in MLS NEXT Pro in 2024 as an academy player for St Louis CITY2 before making the switch to the FCC Academy this season.
