The MLS NEXT Pro editorial team, along with league personnel, announcers, and club representatives, voted to recognize the top performers across the league for May.
Honors were awarded for Team, Coach, Goalkeeper, Player, and Rising Star of the Month.
Voting was based on performances in MLS NEXT Pro matches played between May 2 and May 31.
Here are the winners:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Month: The Town FC
The Town FC has been crowned MLS NEXT Pro’s Team of the Month for May after a red-hot stretch that’s earned them the unofficial title of the league’s hottest team.
TTFC went a flawless 4–0 in May, racking up three regulation wins and a shootout victory.
Even more impressive? They outscored opponents 12-0 and didn’t concede a single goal all month.
“Full credit to the players," said head coach Dan DeGeer. "They had a tough start to the season, but they showed unity and resilience to turn things around. I’m very proud of all of the players and excited to watch them keep growing as a team.”
Their unbeaten streak now stands at six matches dating back to April, with a ridiculous 19-2 goal differential.
Leading the charge for TTFC is Nonso Adimabua, who’s been in electric form with 5 goals and 2 assists so far this season.
Currently in sixth place in the Western Conference with 18 points, The Town FC sits just five back of first-place Ventura County FC and St Louis CITY2.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month: Mykhi Joyner, St Louis CITY2
Although he played just twice in May, Mykhi Joyner made every minute count while he was on the pitch for CITY2.
The 18-year-old St Louis CITY homegrown bagged a brace against MNUFC2, then exploded for four goals against Timbers, going on to earn Player of Matchweek 11 and Goal of the Matchweek honors in the process.
“I’m truly honored to be named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month.” Said Joyner. “This recognition means a lot to me, especially after scoring four goals in one match, which is a first in my career.”
“As special as that achievement is, it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teammates and the trust of my coaches. They push me every day in training and matches, and I’m grateful for how they’ve helped me grow as a player.”
Joyner's stellar form was quickly rewarded with his third call-up to the U.S. U-19 Men’s National Team camp being held in Spain.
With his goals in May, Joyner now ranks among the top five goal scorers in MLS NEXT Pro this season and is just one goal away from joining the league’s all-time top five scorers.
MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Month: Dan Degeer, The Town FC
Dan DeGeer has The Town FC firing on all cylinders.
Now in his third full season as head coach, DeGeer has guided The Town FC through one of the league’s hottest stretches with six straight unbeaten matches and a perfect record in May.
After a rocky start to 2025, DeGeer has The Town FC in sixth place in the Western Conference with 18 points, just five behind the top spot and with two games in hand.
“It’s a reflection of the work done by the club from the first team to the MLS NEXT Pro team, and through the Academy,” DeGeer said of his award.
“Many people have contributed to the players’ development and team success. While I’m the face of the award, I want to thank my hard-working and talented staff. We’re a collaborative group, and they should be recognized as well.”
MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month: Aiden Stokes, NY Red Bulls II
Aidan Stokes has been named MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month after a standout May in which he helped New York Red Bulls II climb to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
The Totowa, New Jersey native has been a steady presence between the posts, starting five matches in May and helping his team earn three wins and a shootout victory, while also recording two clean sheets.
Stokes shared his thoughts on receiving the honor, stating, "I am very honored to win this award alongside an amazing team. Very grateful and looking forward to having more special moments with the group."
His strong play earned the 17-year-old recognition on the international stage, recently getting called up to the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team for a training camp in Valencia, Spain.
Stokes is part of the largest representation from any club at this camp, with four Red Bulls II players named to the U.S. Under-17 roster. He’s joined in Spain by Tanner Rosborough, Matthew Dos Santos, and Julian Hall.
With the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar approaching, Stokes could be in line to represent the United States at one of the world's biggest tournaments later this year.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Month: Dylan Vanney, Ventura County FC
Dylan Vanney continues to shine for Ventura County FC, earning MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Month honors for May after playing a key role in his team’s climb to the top of the Western Conference standings.
The 17-year-old midfielder added another goal to his tally in May while starting all five matches for VCFC during the month.
Vanney has now logged over 800 minutes this season, contributing three goals and one assist, and continues to establish himself as one of the league’s top young talents.
