The MLS NEXT Pro playoffs are on the horizon, and teams are beginning to lock down playoff spots while others will have to try again next season to claim the coveted crown.
The top four in this week's rankings remain unchanged from last week, while Connecticut United FC is this week's biggest mover thanks to their pair of wins during Matchweek 25.
Let’s take a look at how the rest of the Top 10 teams rank this week:
A two-match Matchweek 25 saw Austin FC II earn a point on the road against a surging North Texas SC side before claiming a victory at home Sunday night, ending the week six points clear of second place in the Western Conference.
With four games left in their season, ATX II look all but assured to lock down the number one seed in the West with a result at Timbers2 this week.
Last match: Â 1-0 win vs. Earthquakes II
Next match: at Timbers2 on 08/30
Crown Legacy FC dropped points against CT United this week in a 2-0 loss, but bounced back in a big way with a commanding 3-1 win over Chattanooga FC.
Hugo Mbongue bagged a brace on Sunday, pushing his season total to 13 goals.
A road trip to Orlando City B is next for CLFC, a team they have split points with across two meetings this season.
Last match: 3-1 vs. Chattanooga FCÂ
Next match:Â at Orlando City B on 08/30
Houston Dynamo 2 earned a shootout loss and a win in their two games last week, keeping their third-place spot in the Top 10 Rankings and in the Western Conference.
New center back Chibuike Ukaegbu should help stabilize a backline that has only had two clean sheets since July, after starting the season with five clean sheets in their first six outings.
A matchup with MNUFC2 could land back in second place in the West after this week.
Last match: 2-2 tie, 3-1 SOW at St Louis CITY 2
Next match: vs. MNUFC2 on 08/30
Timbers2 grabbed two points on the road against one of the hottest teams in MLS NEXT Pro this week, earning the extra point against Ventura County FC.
Captain Daniel Cervantes buried two penalties to secure a brace, while Sam Joseph was factor in the shootout to deny VCFC the extra point.
A massive matchup against the Western Conference leaders is up next, with Timbers2 having a chance to pull closer to the top spot in the West.
Last match: 2-2 tie, 4-2 SOW at Ventura County FC
Next match: vs. Austin FC II on 08/23
Chattanooga FC fell on the road this week in a 3-1 loss against Crown Legacy FC.
CFC controlled much of the match, but couldn’t make the most of their chances to put real pressure on the Eastern Conference leaders.
A battle with fellow independent side Carolina Core FC is next for Richard Dixon’s side, who will need a positive result to get closer to locking down a spot in the playoffs.
Last match: 3-1 loss at Crown Legacy FC
Next match: vs. Carolina Core FC on 08/29
A Dennis Gjengaar double led Red Bull New York II to a 5-1 home win over TFC II.
The victory marked a third consecutive win for the defending champs, who are looking to get back to the playoffs and defend their crown.
A Saturday night matchup against CT United has all the makings of a Game of the Week, especially with RBNY II having lost both of their matches against the Coywolves this season.
Last match: 5-1 win vs. TFC II
Next match: at CT United on 08/29
Speaking of the Coywolves, CT United are peaking at the right time and are now tied for second place in the Eastern Conference with 44 points.
An unprecedented achievement for an independent expansion side.
Bryan Destin has been on fire as of late, earning Player of Matchweek 25 honors after recording two goals and one assist in CT United’s win over Philadelphia Union II over the weekend.
A win against the defending champs this week could see the Coywolves sweep the season series.
Last match: 2-0 win at Philadelphia Union II
Next match: vs. Red Bull NY II on 08/29
Ventura County FC battled Timbers2 in a matchup between two teams near the top of the table in the West.
Eric Preston led the way, scoring twice to bring his season total to eight goals. Two untimely penalties prevented VCFC from grabbing another home win, and they ultimately fell to Timbers2 in a shootout.
VCFC will take a trip to Colorado this week, where they’ll have a chance to accomplish something they’ve never done in MLS NEXT Pro play: take down Rapids 2.
Last match: 2-2 tie, 4-2 SOL vs. Timbers 2
Next match: at Colorado Rapids 2 on 08/28
Chicago Fire II are on the cusp of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, sitting level with NYCFC II on 39 points.
Fire II earned a crucial victory over Inter Miami II last weekend, with second-half substitutes Brody Williams and Dean Boltz both scoring after coming on to secure all three points.
Last match: 3-1 win vs. Inter Miami II
Next match: at Columbus Crew 2 on 08/30
A five-game unbeaten streak has St Louis CITY2 back in the Top 10 Power Rankings.
CITY2 came home with one point after a 2-2 road draw against Houston Dynamo 2 and are now only three points off a home playoff match.
A win against North Texas SC on Friday night would go a long way toward making that happen.
Last match: 2-2 tie, 3-1 SOL vs. Houston Dynamo 2
Next match: vs. North Texas SC on 08/28
