Inching closer to Decision Day 2025, another big piece fell into place in MLS NEXT Pro Matchweek 24.
Eastern Conference leaders New York Red Bulls II clinched their playoff spot with a big win that had playoff atmosphere written all over it.
In the West, The Town FC extended their winning streak to seven to emerge as the next likely team to clinch their playoff spot in the weeks to come.
And so much more.
Read more about how Matchweek 24’s action shifted the top 10 Power Rankings below.
Now on a 14-game unbeaten run, St Louis CITY2 have been at the peak of their powers for some time.
It's just a matter of locking down the home seed in the weeks to come, which feels like a mere formality at this point.
Last match: 3-0 win vs. Sporting KC II
Next match: at Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, August 31
At the time of year when games in hand are as good as gold, second place The Town FC are the richest team in the West.
Not to mention their nine-game unbeaten streak, accentuated by seven straight wins. TTFC are absolutely rolling right now and positioned well to be the next side to earn a playoff clinch, and could potentially take the top seed if CITY2 have a slip.
Last match: 1-0 win at Houston Dynamo 2
Next match: vs. Real Monarchs on Wednesday, August 29
A statement win over Chicago Fire FC II reaped the reward of being the first Eastern Conference side to clinch a playoff berth.
What makes it a statement? Sunday’s 1-0 win is a much, much different story from the 9-2 defeat in the reverse fixture last month, and halted Fire II’s five-game unbeaten streak in a match that could very well be an Eastern Conference Final preview.
Last match: 1-0 win vs. Chicago Fire II
Next match: at Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, August 31
Philadelphia Union II only grabbed one point in a tough double-fixture matchweek against fellow Eastern Conference contenders TFC II and New England Revolution II.
It extends a winless run to four. Managing some rotation and short benches, first-year head coach Ryan Richter will want to recapture the spark that had his side go unbeaten in nine across June and July.
Last match: 3-1 loss vs. Revs II
Next match: at FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, August 31
Huntsville City FC’s recent unbeaten streak was limited to six after a visit to Chattanooga FC.
But pulling off a six-game streak like that in the thick of playoff crunch time shows exactly how good HCFC can be.
If they can have a positive response, they’re well positioned to be hosting knockout games at Joe Davis Stadium in just over a month’s time.
Last match: 1-0 loss at Chattanooga FC
Next match: at Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, August 30
Chicago Fire FC II’s latest unbeaten run was limited to five games thanks to RBNY II. But, they’ve been here before. A nine-game streak from May to July got snapped by Revs II.
Putting together that five-game run in response is a credit to Fire II's consistency. With a few big matches to go, none bigger than their next, another big streak would do just fine for Chicago soccer fans.
Last match: 1-0 loss at RBNY II
Next match: at New England Revolution II on Sunday, August 31
Without having tasted defeat since the end of June, Colorado Rapids 2 are another team maintaining good form in the most hectic part of the year.
Sitting pretty safely in a home playoff seed position, it appears the toughest part of their schedule is over with and it should be all about maintenance from here on out.
Last match: 1-0 win vs. Portland Timbers2
Next match: at Sporting KC II on Sunday, Aug 31
Make it back-to-back wins for Chattanooga FC, who are unbeaten in their last three.
Sitting level with Chicago Fire FC II and New England Revolution II, CFC will likely need some help elsewhere to jump back into a home playoff seed in the East due to their peers having games in hand.
They’ll still need to do their part as they close out the campaign, but first, a lengthy two-week bye to regroup.
Last match: 1-0 win vs. Huntsville City FC
Next match: at Crown Legacy FC on Friday, September 12
Sitting tied for fourth in the East with one to two games in hand over the pack of pick-your-opponent contenders, New England Revolution II are the envy of their peers in the conference.
And they’ve been unstoppable when facing top-of-the-table opposition in with wins over RBNY II and Union II in the last two weeks.
Player of the Matchweek 24 Liam Butts has been on a warpath with three goals in the last two games. Behind him, midfielder Marcos Dias' six goal contributions (3g/3a) and counting in August.
All signs are pointing to more big moments ahead for Revs II with seven games to go.
Last match: 3-1 win at Union II
Next match: vs. Chicago Fire FC II on Sunday, August 31
Winless in their last three, Ventura County FC's control of a pick-your-opponent spot hangs in the balance as they gear up for three straight matches against Western Conference heavy hitters.
As it stands, they control their own destiny, though. A bounceback win to stop the slide could be a difference maker with only six games to go.
Last match: 1-0 loss at Austin FC II
Next match: vs. North Texas SC on Sunday, August 31
