The 2025 MLS NEXT Pro playoff picture got a little clearer in Matchweek 25.
Philadelphia Union II became the second Eastern Conference side to clinch their spot with a much needed bounceback win in Cincinnati.
Out West, Real Monarchs are doing their part to jump into the pick-your-opponent spots with a three-game unbeaten run that’s shaken up the conference contender picture in the 11th hour.
It all adds up to what’s looking to be a razor-thin run to Decision Day next month as teams battle to secure their playoff status.
Here’s a closer look at the Top 10 Power Rankings heading into Matchweek 26.
Human after all?
St Louis CITY2’s historic 15-game unbeaten streak was extended in their 2-2 tie at Houston Dynamo 2, but not in a way they’ve been accustomed to this year.
Goalkeeper Colin Welsh’s two shootout saves weren’t enough to take the extra point, and CITY2 had to settle for their first shootout loss all season.
Last match: 2-2 tie, SOL at Dynamo 2
Next match: vs. MNUFC2 on Friday, September 12
The Town FC only came away with two of a possible six points in a busy double-fixture matchweek, which pushed their clinchmas on to Matchweek 26.
Something they won’t want to be following them for too much longer, a win next time out should do the trick. Good news for them, it’s a Timbers2 side they bested 5-0 in May.
Last match: 1-0 loss at MNUFC2
Next match: vs. Portland Timbers2 on Saturday, September 6
Big statements have been made in back-to-back weeks for Michael Bradley’s New York Red Bulls II.
This time, a 7-4 win that ousted two-time Eastern Conference champs Columbus Crew 2 from playoff contention.
Winger Rafael Mosquera led the way with 1g/3a en route to earning Player of Matchweek 25, sending two of those assists to help Nehuén Benedetti complete a hat trick.
RBNY II are in top form heading into their last four games of the regular season.
Last match: 7-4 win at Crew 2
Next match: at Huntsville City FC on Saturday, September 13
The latest team to clinch their 2025 playoff spot, defending Eastern Conference champs Philadelphia Union II.
Snapping a four-game winless streak this weekend was a welcome accomplishment for first-year head coach Ryan Richter, who’ll now aim to keep his side motivated to lock up a hosting seed.
Last match: 2-1 win at FC Cincinnati 2
Next match: at Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, September 14
Steady as she goes for Colorado Rapids 2, who are on an eight-game unbeaten streak featuring six wins.
Will they be the next Western Conference side to clinch their playoff spot?
Last match: 3-2 win at SKC II
Next match: vs. Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, September 14
In the biggest match of the round, Chicago Fire FC II took a shootout win over New England Revolution II in what feels more and more likely to be a playoff preview.
They were good enough to grab the extra point as a token of revenge from taking a 4-3 loss in their last matchup.
It’s all about getting to the playoff clinch at this point for Mike Matkovic and co. from here on out.
Last match: 2-2 tie, SOW at Revs II
Next match: vs. FC Cincinnati 2 on Wednesday, September 10
Among the teams hoping to celebrate a playoff clinch last week, Huntsville City FC won’t be thrilled about coming up empty handed.
Two straight road losses without scoring a goal isn’t a stat they’ll want to follow them around for too much longer.
Last match: 2-0 loss at Atlanta United 2
Next match: at New England Revolution II on Monday, September 8
Sitting on a two-game winning streak, Chattanooga FC goes into the second part of a two-week bye.
Once their Eastern Conference peers play their games in hand, it’ll offer a more clear picture of CFC’s playoff outlook.
Last match: 1-0 win vs. Huntsville City FC
Next match: at Crown Legacy FC on Friday, September 12
A 2-2 tie with Fire II, all things considered, is a positive as New England Revolution II extended their unbeaten streak to five.
And their main man, Marcos Dias, marked four straight games with a goal contribution. All good signs heading into the postseason.
Last match: 2-2 tie, SOL vs. Chicago Fire II
Next match: vs. Huntsville City FC on Monday, September 8
Real Monarchs pop into the Top 10 for the first time this season. It could be a little overdue considering their recent surge into the Western Conference top four picture.
On a three-game unbeaten streak, they control a hosting playoff seed and will have little room for error in their final five matches if they want to keep it that way.
Last match: 3-0 win vs. Tacoma Defiance
Next match: at Sporting KC II on Saturday, September 6
