We're almost a quarter of the way through MLS NEXT Pro 2025 season and starting to see some consistency with the regulars in the Top 10 Power Rankings.
A six-game Matchweek 6 was balanced out by a 21-game Matchweek 7 that probably gives a better sample of where the power lies across the league.
Let's dive in, shall we?
Chattanooga FC's season-opening unbeaten run came to an end on Sunday, but the Eastern Conference still runs though the Scenic City for now.
They're four points clear of second place in the East and top the overall standings by two points, and that's more than enough to maintain the top spot in the Top 10 Power Rankings.
Last match: 3-0 loss at Columbus Crew 2
Next match: vs. Philadelphia Union II on Saturday, May 3
An up and down week netted in Rapids 2 maintaining the two spot this week.
They lost the momentum of a three-game winning streak with a loss to MNUFC2, but bounced back fashionably with a 3-0 win over SKC II in their double-fixture week.
Erik Bushey's side has been excellent on the road so far in 2025 and they hope to maintain that form with an upcoming two-game road trip.
Last match: 3-0 win vs. Sporting KC II
Next match: at LAFC2 on Sunday, May 4
Another side that faced a double-fixture week, Dynamo Dos won both of their matches in Matchweek 7.
It adds up to a three-game winning streak an unbeaten month of April that rocketed Dynamo 2 into first place in the West.
Last match: 3-1 win at Whitecaps FC 2
Next match: at St Louis CITY2 on Sunday, May 4
The last unbeaten in the West.
MNUFC2 spoiled Rapids 2's home opener in Matchweek 7 and improved to 4W-0L-0T to start their campaingn.
A big part of that has been thanks to the rotation of goalkeepers Wessel Speel and Kayne Rizvanovich who have only allowed a league-best three goals in 360-plus minutes of play.
Last match: 2-0 win at Rapids 2
Next match: vs. North Texas SC on Friday, May 2
Back-to-back dominant wins have Huntsville City FC rolling into Matchweek 8.
Their latest, a 4-0 win over Inter Miami II, marked two-game scoring streaks for Ethan O'Brien and Gunnar Studenhofft.
Last match: 4-0 win vs. Inter Miami II
Next match: vs. Atlanta United 2 on Saturday, May 3
A late game-winner from Jason Bucknor stole a valuable win in Vancouver on Sunday to keep Ventura County FC in second place in the West.
They'll look to make the most of a three-game home stand to open May.
Last match: 3-2 win at Whitecaps FC 2
Next match: vs. Tacoma Defiance on Friday, May 2
St Louis CITY2 has been caught in a rough schedule the last couple of weeks and that won't let up when they host Dynamo 2 in Matchweek 8.
After a near-perfect March to open the year, CITY2 went winless in April and look for a fresh start to open the new month.
Last match: 4-1 loss at Tacoma Defiance
Next match: vs. Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, May 4
Where to begin?
Two 4-1 wins in Matchweek 7 earned Tacoma Defiance the Team of the Matchweek honor and left them in fourth place in the West after the dust settled.
They boast the Golden Boot leader Osaze De Rosario who has contributed eight goals to the highest-scoring team in the league and it feels like Hervé Diese's side hold all the momentum in the West as of late.
Last match: 4-1 win vs. St Louis CITY2
Next match: at Ventura County FC on Friday, May 2
RBNY II bounded back from their first loss of the season in style.
They squared off with Orlando City B in Matchweek 7 in a match that looked like two heavyweights letting it fly. The win moved them into second place in the East and in the thick of what's shaping up to be a hotly contested playoff picture.
Last match: 4-2 win at Orlando City B
Next match: vs. Carolina Core FC on Sunday, May 5
Orlando City B is on a two-game losing skid, but have just been slightly edged in those games.
Sunday's 4-2 loss aginast Red Bulls II doesn't show a stoppage-time penalty concession and a myriad of near-changes that left gettable points on the table.
Can they get back to their winning ways in a playoff rematch against Chicago Fire II this weekend?
Last match: 4-2 loss vs. RBNY II
Next match: at. Chicago Fire II on Friday, May 2
