As the finish line of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro regular season approaches, teams are making their final push to grab a postseason spot and, for some, host a home playoff match.
That's exactly the case for Timbers2, who made history over the weekend, clinching their first-ever playoff spot since joining MLS NEXT Pro, while also putting themselves in prime position to host their first-ever playoff match.
Crown Legacy FC and Austin FC II continued their respective conference dominance with both earning victories, while Ventura County FC have found the rhythm that could make them contenders come October.
Let’s take a look at how the Top 10 teams rank this week:
Some teams may let off the gas once they’ve clinched a postseason spot, but Austin FC II still wants more.
Stefan Dobrijevic and Diego Abarca helped lead ATX II to a resounding 4-1 home victory over Whitecaps FC 2, keeping them in first place in the West.
A 67th-minute penalty for WFC2 spoiled a clean sheet for Erik Lauta, but with a league-leading +28 goal difference and just 0.9 goals allowed per game this season, Austin FC II won’t lose too much sleep over it.
An in-state matchup against North Texas SC is up next, with ATX II now focused on locking down first place in the Western Conference and the league.
Last match: Â 4-1 vs. Whitecaps FCÂ
Next match: vs. North Texas SC on 08/19
Crown Legacy FC earned two points in a midweek match against Huntsville City FC, giving them a four-point cushion over second-place Chattanooga FC in the Eastern Conference.
CLFC had the early advantage in the match, with Magic Smalls putting a spell on the ball to score two goals before the 15th minute.
HCFC responded, cutting their lead in half a few minutes later and tying the game in the second half, sending the match to a shootout where CLFC grabbed the extra point.
A potential playoff preview is up next for CLFC with Chattanooga FC coming to town on Wednesday.
Last match: 2-2 tie, 5-4 SOW at Huntsville City FC
Next match:Â vs. CT United FC on 08/19
Dynamo 2 suffered their first home loss of the season over the weekend in a 2-0 result against Ventura County FC at SaberCats Stadium.
Houston failed to capitalize on their opportunities in front of goal and couldn't contain a red-hot VCFC offense that had won their previous three games.Â
They'll look to bounce back against Earthquakes II in the first of two Matchweek 25 matchups.
Last match: 2-0 loss vs. Ventura County FC
Next match: vs. Earthquakes II on 08/19
A dominant 3-0 road win at North Texas SC last weekend not only landed Timbers2 the Team of Matchweek 25 award, but also helped them clinch their first-ever playoff berth.
T2 also broke a new MLS NEXT Pro clean-sheet record with 13, adding another layer of history to an already memorable weekend.
And they also welcomed skipper Jack Cassidy back to the touchline after he spent time helping the Timbers first team on an interim basis.
Not bad at all.
They’re second in the Western Conference with 48 points, but can they make a run at the number one spot before the regular season ends?
Last match: 3-0 win at North Texas SC
Next match: Ventura County FC on 08/23
The unbeaten streak is now up to 11 matches after Chattanooga FC earned a hard-fought point north of the border in a 2-2 draw against TFC II.
Alex Krehl scored his 14th goal of the season to keep pace with league leader Atlanta United 2's Arif Kovac, who sits at 16.
TFC II walked away with the two points, but CFC’s point kept them within striking distance of pole position in the Eastern Conference.
A win against Crown Legacy FC this weekend could inch them even closer to first place.
Last match: 2-2 tie, 5-4 SOL at TFC II
Next match: at Crown Legacy FC on 08/23
A statement win has put the Western Conference on notice, as Ventura County FC took down one of the league’s top teams this season with a 2-0 road victory at Houston Dynamo 2.
Sixteen-year-old midfielder Vinny Garcia was a standout, providing the assist on Luis Mueller’s 76th-minute goal.
Gabriel Arnold added his second goal of the season, while Sebastian Conlon kept things clean at goal, earning a shutout.
There won't be much time to relax for Ventura County FC, as they return home Sunday for a heavyweight matchup against Timbers2.
Last match: 2-0 at Houston Dynamo 2
Next match: Timbers 2 on 08/14
The defending champs are back in the Top 10 Power Rankings after grabbing a victory against Atlanta United 2 last Friday night.Â
Andy Rojas kept the offense flowing with a PK goal and an assist to lead his side to three points.Â
It seems like RBNY II has found a spark, but can they make it three wins in a row when they take on TFC II this weekend?
Last match: 2-1 win at Atlanta United 2
Next match: vs. TFC II on 08/23
Columbus Crew 2 got back to their winning ways with a 4-2 victory over NYCFC II.
Kevin Gbamblé continued to add to his great season, scoring a brace to bring his season total to 11 goals, along with eight assists.
Owen Presthus also scored twice, adding another attacking weapon from the right side of the field.
Currently tied for third place in the East with 42 points, Crew 2 will look to take sole possession with a win in Alabama this week.
Last match: 4-2 win vs. NYCFC II
Next match: at Huntsville City FC on 08/23
CT United pulled off a comeback for the ages to get back in the win column last weekend, earning a 3-2 road victory at FC Cincinnati 2.
Things looked dire early, as the Coywolves gave up two quick goals before Dylan Lacy pulled one back before halftime to give his side a lifeline.
CT United scored two more unanswered goals after the half to earn the comeback win and keep their spot among the top eight in the Eastern Conference.
A two-match Matchweek 25 will continue to test them, with road trips to Crown Legacy FC and Philadelphia Union II up next.
Last match: 3-2 win at FC Cincinnati 2
Next match: at Crown Legacy FC on 08/19
Chicago Fire II split two results during Matchweek 24, climbing into eighth place in the East standings with 36 points.
They’ll host Inter Miami II this week, with a chance to turn one result into a jump to fifth place in a crowded Eastern Conference race.
Last match: 2-1 loss at Atlanta United 2
Next match: vs. Inter Miami II on 08/23
