Matchweek 9 delivered big moments and even bigger performances across MLS NEXT Pro, but as always, the cream rises to the top.
Philadelphia Union II earned Team of the Matchweek honors after a dominant 3-0 win over Columbus Crew 2. Philly remained unbeaten this season with the victory and recorded a second consecutive clean sheet in the process.
In the Hudson River Derby, Seymour Reid put on a show. The 17-year-old Jamaican forward scored a hat trick to lead NYCFC II past Red Bulls II and earned himself his first ever Player of the Matchweek award.
Out west, Dylan Vanney made sure his name stayed in the spotlight. The Ventura County FC midfielder scored a stunning free kick to secure a rivalry win over LAFC2. His performance earned him a second Rising Star of the Matchweek award of the season.
Read more about Matchweek 9 winners below.
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 9: Philadelphia Union II
Philadelphia Union II continued their strong start to the season after a convincing 3–0 home win over Columbus Crew 2, keeping their status as the only unbeaten team in MLS NEXT Pro.
Ryan Richter’s young squad displayed maturity and poise in their performance against a Crew 2 team that had recently secured a dominant 3-0 win over Eastern Conference leaders Chattanooga FC.
Sal Olivas broke the deadlock in the first half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from the Crew 2 backline around the 20th minute.
After the break, Eddy Davis intercepted a loose ball in Crew 2’s half and finished with confidence, scoring his first goal since the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final.
The night was capped off by 16-year-old Jamir Johnson, who came off the bench and slotted home his first professional goal after a setup from Markus Anderson.
Even without Neil Pierre, (sidelined with injury) and Andrew Rick, (called up to the first team) Union II’s backline held strong once again. The group delivered another shutout and continues to lead the Eastern Conference in goals allowed, allowing only five goals through seven matches.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 9: Seymour Reid, NYCFC II
It was a weekend to remember for NYCFC II forward Seymour Reid.
The 17-year-old, who burst onto the scene in March with goals in back-to-back games, reminded everyone why he’s one of MLS NEXT Pro’s brightest young talents.
After cooling off a bit scoring just one goal in his last seven appearances, some wondered if Reid had hit the rookie wall. He answered those doubts in impressive fashion delivering a hat trick against cross-town rivals New York Red Bulls II.
Reid opened the scoring early, calmly chipping the goalkeeper to give NYCFC II the early lead. In what turned out to be a back-and-forth match, Red Bulls II rallied to take command before NYCFC II's Piero Elias leveled the score in the 57th minute.
Then the game became the Seymour Reid show.
The Jamaican forward struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 64th and 68th minutes.
His second goal highlighted the instincts and movement that have set him apart from other forwards this season. He read the play as it developed, timed his run into open space, and finished with precision in front of goal.
Now tied for second in the league in goals scored, Reid is no longer just a promising name, he’s a forward to watch in the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot race this season.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 9: Dylan Vanney, Ventura County FC
In a busy two-game Matchweek 9, 17-year-old Dylan Vanney stood out once again as he delivered the decisive blow in Ventura County FC’s 2-1 rivalry win over LAFC2 with a clutch late free kick.
The young midfielder has become a central figure in VCFC’s attack, tallying three goals and one assist across nine appearances this season.
His composure in big moments continues to help VCFC stay at the top of the Western Conference standings and has earned him his second Rising Star of the Matchweek honor of 2025.
