A short and sweet slate in MLS NEXT Pro Matchweek 26 left quite an impression on the playoff picture.
The biggest result of the week belonged to New England Revolution II, whose 1-0 win over Huntsville City FC extended their recent unbeaten run to five, and made the top of the Eastern Conference even tighter as playoff seeding takes center stage.
That’s also the theme in the West, where the line between a hosting seed and missing the playoffs entirely is only separated by four points, giving massive implications to nearly every remaining game.
Here’s a closer look at the Top 10 Power Rankings heading into Matchweek 27.
St Louis CITY2 return to action this week looking to extend their historic unbeaten run to 16.
Last match: 2-2 tie, SOL at Dynamo 2
Next match: vs. MNUFC2 on Friday, 9/12
It’s a season of streaks for The Town FC, who are winless in their last three.
Prior to that, they were rolling on a dominant seven-game winning streak. If they can get a bounceback this week, they’ll likely be on track to lock up their 2025 playoff spot.
Last match: 2-2 tie, SOW vs. Timbers2
Next match: at Whitecaps FC 2 on Saturday, 9/13
The highest scoring team in the league (61 goals) returns to action on the road against one of the stingiest defensive units in Huntsville City FC (28 goals allowed) for a big-time clash.
A huge statement can be made for either side in what’s looking likely to be a playoff matchup preview.
Last match: 7-4 win at Crew 2
Next match: at Huntsville City FC on Saturday, 9/13
Philadelphia Union II snapped a four-game skid in their last time out to cinch their return to the playoffs.
With some key players returning from international duty, there may be some rotation as they ramp back up to full strength.
Last match: 2-1 win at FC Cincinnati 2
Next match: at Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, 9/14
Colorado Rapids 2 are patiently awaiting their opportunity to celebrate a playoff berth and will be at odds with a desperate Houston Dynamo 2 side desperate to claw their way back into the picture this weekend.
This one could very easily be the game of the week.
Last match: 3-2 win at SKC II
Next match: vs. Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, 9/14
Like many, Chicago Fire FC II are also coming off a bye.
On the whole, they’ve been stacking points against top-end Eastern Conference foes recently and remain one of the dangerous teams in the hunt for a pick-your-opponent playoff seed.
Last match: 2-2 tie, SOW at Revs II
Next match: vs. FC Cincinnati 2 on Wednesday, 9/10
There’s no way around it. Huntsville City FC missed an opportunity on Monday at New England Revolution II, and it'll sting.
It was a win-and-in situation for their playoff berth, but missing three clear-cut chances (including two penalties) leaves a little to dwell on.
They’re in need of a significant response this weekend.
Last match: 1-0 loss at Revs II
Next match: vs. RBNY II on Saturday, 9/13
On the flip side of the above result, Revs II extended their unbeaten streak to five and climbed back into a hosting seed.
They’ve been excellent as of late, stacking wins over the two teams above them in Union II and RBNY II.
Last match: 1-0 win vs. Huntsville City FC
Next match: vs. Toronto FC II on Friday, 9/12
The good news: teams at the top of the East continued to beat up on each other over Chattanooga FC's two-week bye, keeping a pick-your-opponent ticket up for grabs.
The challenge for head coach Chris Nugent: managing rest vs. rust in the most critical stretch of their year.
It’s undeniable that CFC wants a home-field advantage in the playoffs, likely more than any other team in the league. They’ll need to be as close to perfect as possible in their final five matches of the season. None of which are head-to-head with the teams they need to jump in front of.
Last match: 1-0 win vs. Huntsville City FC
Next match: at Crown Legacy FC on Friday, 9/12
If it’s about getting hot at the right time, MNUFC2 are doing the trick.
Unbeaten in five of their last six, they appear in the Top 10 Power Rankings for the first time since Matchweek 9, and more importantly above the Western Conference playoff line.
Also worth a mention, MNUFC2 are two points off a hosting seed with four games to go. Can they do it?
Last match: 1-0 win vs. Austin FC II
Next match: at St Louis CITY2 on Friday, 9/12
