The pressure is on with only nine weeks remaining of the MLS NEXT Pro regular season, and three teams above the playoff line enjoyed performances to remember as they march towards clinching their places in the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup playoffs.
Headlining the action in the East, Chicago Fire FC II maintained their red-hot form with a dominant 6-1 win over Columbus Crew 2 to earn back-to-back Team of the Matchweek honors.
Another high-scoring game played out in the Western Conference with Ventura County FC topping the Tacoma Defiance 6-4, and midfielder Jeorgio Kocevski took center stage with a hat trick and assist, earning his first Player of the Matchweek honor.
On the academy side, 17-year-old New York City FC Academy midfielder Evan Lim led the way in NYCFC II's big 4-1 road win over Orlando City B for his first MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchweek honor.
Read more about Matchweek 21's winners below.
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 21: Chicago Fire FC II
What are they feeding those kids in the Windy City?
Another week, another gaudy scoreline for Chicago Fire II. A 6-1 win over Columbus Crew 2 was packed with plenty to like for Chicago soccer fans.
Italian newcomer Claudio Cassano led the way with two assists and a goal. The assist marked his 10th of the year, which ties the MLS NEXT Pro single-season record. With a three-game assist streak rolling, it feels safe to say he’ll likely be standing alone in that category in the coming weeks.
Fellow midfielders Trip Fleming and Harold Osorio added respective braces, along with a goal from striker Dean Boltz, to rack up their second lopsided scoreline in as many weeks.
Fire II’s three-game winning streak has been built on outscoring opponents 18-5. Matchweek 21 performance marks Chicago Fire II’s fifth Team of the Matchweek of the year after receiving the honor in Matchweek 20, Matchweek 16, Matchweek 12, and Matchweek 8.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 21: Jeorgio Kocevski
20-year-old Ventura County FC midfielder Jeorgio Kocevski had one of those days where it was his world and everyone else was merely living in it.
A hat-trick performance plus an assist in VCFC’s Western Conference clash at Tacoma Defiance, leading the way for a rollercoaster 6-4 win.
The blank scored early and often, taking advantage of a fast start to get VCFC on the board in the very first minute of the match. Minutes later, he played provider for Gino Vivi to put the match in cruise control.
Just before halftime, he went to the spot and converted to make it a brace.
He completed the hat trick in the 56th minute with a masterful turn-and-shoot finish from inside the box.
His big night brings his season totals to 5g/1a in his debut campaign with VCFC.
Kocevski, an NCAA champion with Syracuse, was selected by Orlando City SC in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft and featured for the Lions in both MLS and with Orlando City B in MLS NEXT Pro last year before signing with Ventura County FC.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 21: Evan Lim
With a goal and assist, NYCFC Academy midfielder Evan Lim led the way in production in NYCFC II’s 4-1 road win over Orlando City B.
Lim opened the scoring in the 14th minute by sending in a header amid some stiff OCB defense at point-blank range.
He also set up the grand finale dancing on the wing and into the box, getting past three OCB defenders, and selflessly laid off the finish for fellow academy star Julien Lacher.
In addition to his 15 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro, Lim has represented the United States at the U-17 level this year.
