With September in full swing, the end of the MLS NEXT Pro regular season is officially in sight.
St. Louis CITY2 make the biggest jump in this week’s rankings, while Austin FC II continue to hold on to the top spot.
Crown Legacy FC made the biggest statement with a dominant 4-0 win to remain atop the East standings.Â
Let’s check out the rest of the rankings after Matchweek 27:
Austin FC II bounced back from their loss to Timbers2 by knocking down one of the other top contenders in the West in Houston Dynamo 2.
Erick Feliciano and Patrick Gryczewski led the way offensively, while Charlie Farrar kept a clean sheet and also denied a penalty.
A point in their next match should be enough to secure them the number one seed in the West
Last match: 2-0 win at Houston Dynamo 2
Next match: vs. Colorado Rapids 2 on 09/13
Another dominant performance from Crown Legacy FC resulted in a 4-0 win, this time against Chicago Fire II.
With two games left in their regular season, Crown Legacy FC need just two points to clinch the number one seed in the Eastern Conference and begin their postseason journey as the team to beat.
Last match: 4-0 vs. Chicago Fire II
Next match: vs. Carolina Core FC on 09/12
Timbers2 fell in a shootout to Cascadia rivals Whitecaps FC 2 but kept their unbeaten streak alive, which now sits at 10.
While the number one seed might be out of reach now, Timbers2 will still host an MLS NEXT Pro playoff home game for the first time in their history.
Last match: 0-0 tie, 4-2 SOL vs. Whitecaps FC 2
Next match:Â St Louis CITY2 on 09/14
Houston Dynamo 2 fell 2-0 to in-state rivals Austin FC II this past weekend.
The result will linger for Dynamo 2, as they failed to defeat the top team in the Western Conference across their three meetings this season - a side they could see again in the playoffs.
Last match: 2-0 loss vs. Austin FC II
Next match: vs. North Texas SC on 09/09
Red Bull New York II’s winning streak came to an end against crosstown rivals NYCFC II in a 4-2 finish.
RBNY II’s defense failed to contain NYCFC II late in the match, giving up two goals in quick succession.
The defending champs still have a chance to host a playoff match if they can pick up points in their final two regular-season games.
Last match: 4-2 loss at NYCFC II
Next match: vs. FC Cincinnati 2 on 09/13
Chattanooga FC had Matchweek 27 off but will now have three games in 11 days to close out their season.Â
A win at Huntsville will put them closer to hosting a playoff game at Finley Stadium this fall.
Last match: 5-2 win vs. Carolina Core FC
Next match: at Huntsville City FC on 09/09
Ventura County FC pushed their unbeaten streak to seven matches after earning a 4-2 shootout win against LAFC2.
Mason Vanney scored the lone goal for VCFC, marking his second goal of the season.
A win against Earthquakes II would move Ventura County FC closer to securing a home playoff game.
Last match: 1-1 tie, 4-2 SOW at LAFC2
Next match: Earthquakes II on 09/09
St. Louis CITY2 are also in the midst of a seven-match unbeaten streak after earning a 2-1 win against Sporting KC II.
Zach Zengue continued his hot stretch, scoring a brace to help CITY2 secure all three points.
CITY2 will put their unbeaten streak on the line during Matchweek 28 when they face one of the top teams in the Western Conference, Timbers2.
Last match: 2-1 at Sporting KC II
Next match: Timbers2 on 09/14
Columbus Crew 2 suffered back-to-back losses this last week, first falling in a tight contest against Philadelphia Union II before dropping a 4-2 road result against TFC II, preventing them from clinching a playoff spot.
They’ll get another chance to clinch a postseason berth this weekend when Revs II visit Columbus.
Last match: 4-2 loss at TFC II
Next match: vs. New England Revolution II on 09/13
Back-to-back losses have brought CT United FC back down to earth after their strong run of results in August.
It's still "win, and you're in" for CT United FC, but their next match comes against NYCFC II, a team that has beaten them twice this season and is riding high after their 4-2 win against RBNY II.
Last match: 4-2 loss at Atlanta United 2
Next match: NYCFC II on 09/13
