For the second week in a row, the MLS NEXT Pro record book was put to the test.
This week, it was Chicago Fire FC II’s 9-2 win over New York Red Bulls II, going down as the highest-scoring game in league history. The big result was a major shakeup in the Eastern side of the Top 10 Power Rankings, and the impact of it is likely to be felt in the weeks to come as playoff seeding takes center stage.
Less shakeups in the West, though. St Louis CITY2’s dominant run of form continued with a lopsided home win, extending their unbeaten streak to 10 and firming up their grip on No. 1.
Read more about the refreshed MLS NEXT Pro Top 10 Power Rankings below:
Now 10 points clear of their Western Conference competition and unbeaten in 10, it’s looking like yet another season to remember for St Louis CITY2.
With lots of mixed squads and even a coaching change, this group has taken every challenge in stride and have maintained the best form in the league for several weeks.
Locking down a playoff clinch and host seed is just a matter of time for CITY2.
Last match: 4-0 win vs. MNUFC2
Next match: at Whitecaps FC 2 on Wednesday, August 6
The dream season for Philadelphia Union II continues. With only one loss on their record, which happened in May, they’re gaining power with each passing week.
Their latest win brings them level at the top of the Eastern Conference table, only trailing RBNY II in wins for the tiebreaker.
So, still plenty to play for. As long as Union II doesn’t get complacent, they remain the most unbeatable team in the league.
Last match: 2-0 win at NYCFC II
Next match: at Carolina Core FC on Wednesday, July 30
New head coach Michael Bradley has the challenge of getting his side to shake off a lopsided 9-2 defeat to Chicago Fire FC II on Sunday.
RBNY II showed fight as striker Roald Mitchell pulled two back with a brace in the middle of the game, but it wasn’t enough to take over the game.
Still at the top of the East, RBNY II will look to put this one behind them and lock in on clinching their 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup playoff berth.
Last match: 9-2 loss at Chicago Fire II
Next match: at Columbus Crew 2 on Thursday, July 31
And on the other side of that 9-2 result, the winners Chicago Fire FC II.
After having a nine-game unbeaten streak get snapped earlier this month, they’ve won two on the bounce.
Sunday’s win over the conference leaders shows they have no trouble rising to the occasion in big games, too.
This is a scary, scary team to face for any club on the playoff bubble down the stretch.
Last match: 9-2 win vs. RBNY II
Next match: at Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, August 3
The big win made Chicago Fire II the MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 20, and striker Jason Shokalook's 4g/1a contribution earned Player of Matchweek 20. Read more about this week's weekly honors here.
Still looking for their first win since May, Chattanooga FC are living on the reputation they built at the beginning of the season with a six-game unbeaten run.
Their slide has made the back end of the Eastern Conference playoff picture up for grabs, with more than half of their peers now in the race.
Despite that slide, though, they’re still in fourth, controlling the last home seed, and will want to treat every game from here on out as a must-win.
Last match: 3-1 loss vs. Crown Legacy FC
Next match: vs. Toronto FC II on Saturday, August 2
The Town FC closed out July unbeaten with a strong 4-0 win over Real Monarchs.
It’s also a three-game winning streak where they’ve outscored opponents 10-3.
TTFC should be on a mission to position themselves with a hosting playoff seed in the weeks to come if they can stay in the form they’re in.
Last match: 4-0 win vs. Real Monarchs
Next match: at LAFC 2 on Sunday, August 3
Still riding the high of their incredible 6-4 comeback win over Tacoma Defiance in Matchweek 19, Colorado Rapids 2 had a bye in Matchweek 20.
They’re set for a two-game gauntlet of a road trip against playoff peers in the weeks ahead and could make a big statement if they can extend their three-game unbeaten streak.
Last match: 6-4 win vs. Tacoma Defiance
Next match: at North Texas SC on Saturday, August 2
The good times keep rolling in Rocket City.
Huntsville City FC’s dominant 4-0 win over Orlando City B makes it back-to-back wins that have brought them one point away from a host seed in the East.
Last match: 4-0 win vs. Orlando City B
Next match: at Crown Legacy FC on Saturday, August 2
Ventura County FC had a bye in Matchweek 20.
Last match: 3-3 tie, SOL vs. LAFC 2
Next match: at Tacoma Defiance on Friday, August 1
Back in the top 10 after a bye in Matchweek 19, FC Cincinnati 2 didn’t look rusty at all in their 3-0 win at Inter Miami II.
It’s an eight-game unbeaten streak with back-to-back wins for reigning Coach of the Year Tyrone Marshall.
The recent surge has catapulted FCC 2 back into playoff contention, and if it continues, could bring them into a hosting seed before it’s all said and done. FCC 2 could be the most interesting team to watch in the sprint to Decision Day 2025.
Last match: 3-0 win at Inter Miami II
Next match: at Philadelphia Union II on Sunday, August 3
