The MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs are getting closer and closer, and while some teams have already punched their tickets to the postseason, others are still jockeying to secure their spots in the postseason dance.
Matchweek 26 saw both conference leaders take losses, a rare sight in a season in which they've dominated since the opening kickoff.
Timbers2 and Red Bull II both continued their great run of form, with both teams earning huge victories.
Let’s check out how the rest of the Top 10 teams fared this week:
Austin FC II suffered their first loss since mid-July, and only their third of the season, at the hands of Timbers2 in Matchweek 26.
With the loss, ATX II now have just a three-point cushion over T2, who sit at 53 points and continue to close the gap.
Things won’t get any easier in Matchweek 27, as ATX II travel to face third-place Houston Dynamo 2 in an in-state test.
Last match: 2-1 loss at Timbers2
Next match: at Houston Dynamo 2 on 09/04
Crown Legacy FC fell on the road this past week, losing a 3-2 decision to Orlando City B.
CLFC led early, but three unanswered goals made the comeback difficult for the visitors.Â
They still have a comfortable four-point lead atop the East table but will need some positive results over their last three games to lock down home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Last match: 3-2 loss at Orlando City B
Next match: vs. Chicago Fire II on 09/04
Houston Dynamo 2 ended August on a sour note, falling by 2-0 at home to MNUFC2.
The result marked the fourth straight match in which Dynamo 2 failed to earn a win, making it harder for them to climb above third place in the Western Conference before the end of the season.
They’ll host West-leading Austin FC II this weekend, a team they've defeated in shootouts during their two meetings this season.
Last match: 2-0 loss vs. MNUFC2
Next match:Â vs. Austin FC II on 09/04
A dramatic last-minute goal sealed Timbers2’s 2-1 win over Austin FC II at Providence Park on Sunday.
In stoppage time, Nicklas Lund laid off a pass to Alex Bamford in the box, who struck the ball into the back of the net to win the match for the hosts.
With the result, Timbers2 extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches and cut Austin FC II’s lead atop the Western Conference standings to three points.
Timbers2 ending the regular season as the number one seed in the West is not out of the question.
Last match: 2-1 win vs. Austin FC II
Next match:Â vs. Whitecaps FC 2 on 09/07
Red Bull NY II earned their fourth consecutive victory this past weekend, defeating CT United by 4-2 on the road.
Roald Mitchell and Christian Gallagher powered the Red Bull II attack, with both scoring a brace.
The result put the defending champs just three points off second place in the Eastern Conference, but the question now is: are RBNY II peaking at the right time to make another run at the title?
Last match: 4-2 win at CT United
Next match: at NYCFC II on 09/08
Chattanooga FC got back to their winning ways, defeating Carolina Core FC by 5-2 last weekend.
Alex Krehl stole the show with a hat trick, bringing his season total to 17 goals, just one off Golden Boot leader Arif Kovac.
The win pushed Chattanooga FC into second place in the Eastern Conference with 47 points.
A home match at Finley Stadium could become a reality with a couple of more positive results.
Last match: 5-2 win vs. Carolina Core FC
Next match: at Huntsville City FC on 09/09
Ventura County FC battled back from a first-half deficit to defeat Colorado Rapids 2 by a 3-2 scoreline.
Julian Placias notched a double, while Eric Preston stayed red-hot by scoring his seventh goal in his last six appearances.
With the win, VCFC now sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, putting them in line to host a playoff match with four games left in their season.
Last match: 3-2 win at Colorado Rapids 2
Next match: at LAFC2 on 09/05
Eighteen-year-old Chase Adams delivered a three-goal performance to help Crew 2 grab a crucial three points against Chicago Fire II.
Crew 2 captain Kevin Gbamblé made MLS NEXT Pro history during the match, adding two assists and joining the exclusive "double-double club" with 11 goals and 10 assists this season.
Only two other players in league history have accomplished this feat before Gbamblé. Impressive stuff.
Crew 2 will now shift their attention to Philadelphia Union II in hopes of locking down a playoff spot.
Last match: 4-0 win vs. Chicago Fire II
Next match: at Philadelphia Union II on 09/04
CT United couldn’t secure the season sweep against Red Bull New York II, but they remain in the mix to host a playoff match in their expansion season if they can muster some more points in their final three outings.
Bryan Destin continues to deliver for the Coywolves, scoring for the fourth consecutive match in their loss to RBNY II.
A crucial matchup against Atlanta United 2 is up next, and a win could move CT United closer to securing their first-ever playoff berth.
Last match: 4-2 loss vs. Red Bull NY II
Next match: at Atlanta United 2 on 09/08
St Louis CITY2 hang on to the 10th spot in the rankings after earning a point in a shootout loss at home against North Texas SC.
Nighte Pickering set up Sidney Paris for CITY2’s lone goal of the night, marking Pickering’s third consecutive match with a goal contribution.
A trip to SKC II is next for CITY2. A win could help them secure a spot in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season.
Last match: 2-2 tie, 3-1 SOL vs. North Texas SC
Next match: at Sporting KC II on 09/05
