Matchweek 3 delivered across MLS NEXT Pro, with some teams already playing in midseason form.
The number of unbeaten teams dropped from 11 to just seven after three matches, as some sides got their first real taste of adversity.
Will the number of unbeaten teams remain the same this time next week?
That remains to be seen, but in the meantime, let’s take a look at who made the Top 10 Power Rankings after Matchweek 3.
Houston Dynamo 2’s perfect start to their season continued with a dominant 5–0 home victory over Timbers2 that also earned them Team of Matchweek 3 honors.
After Mattheo Dimareli grabbed the headlines for his brace last week, this time it was another Houston gem stepping into the spotlight with Matthew Arana scoring his first professional goal and adding an assist to help his side earn the three points.
Through three matches, Dynamo 2 looks like one of the most complete teams in MLS NEXT Pro, being one of only three undefeated teams left in the league and the only club to have yet to concede a goal.
After their home match against NTX this weekend, Dynamo 2 will spend their next ten games on the road, a challenging task so early in their season.
Last match: 5-0 win vs. Timbers2
Next match: vs. North Texas SC on 03/21
Crown Legacy FC’s attack was once again on full display last Sunday, earning a 3-0 win over Inter Miami II with Rodolfo Aloko quickly turning into one of the early stories of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season.
The young forward added two more goal contributions against Inter Miami II and now leads MLS NEXT Pro in both goals scored (5) and total goal contributions (7).
Behind the offensive fireworks up front, Isaac Walker made his first appearance of the season at goal and helped Crown Legacy FC secure its first clean sheet of the year.
It’s still early in the season, but this team is beginning to look like the full package out East.
Last match: 3-0 win vs. Inter Miami II
Next match: vs. Atlanta United 2 on 03/22
St Louis CITY2 traveled west for Matchweek 3 action and came away with their third straight victory, taking down Ventura County FC in a 3-2 thriller.
Riley Lynch continued to pull the strings in the attack, adding two assists in the win.
Palmer Ault has himself a game as well, scoring his first professional brace against Ventura County FC last weekend, bringing his total goal contributions to six this season.
CITY2, one of just three teams still undefeated in MLS NEXT Pro, will look to keep the good times rolling when it hosts LAFC2 on Sunday.
Last match: 3-2 win at Ventura County FC
Next match: vs. LAFC2 on 03/22
The defending MLS NEXT Pro Cup champions had to dig deep on the road, battling back from an early deficit to earn a point before ultimately falling in a shootout to rivals NYCFC II.
Rafael Mosquera delivered when it mattered, scoring a Goal of the Week nominee to level the match - his second of the season.
Despite the shootout loss, Red Bull II remains unbeaten this year and will look to get back to winning ways when they face Union II this weekend.
Last match: 5-4 SOL at NYCFC II
Next match: vs. Philadelphia Union II on 03/22
Real Monarchs had to climb back twice on Sunday but showed their resilience by earning two points in a shootout win at home against LAFC2.
The South American duo of Lineker Rodrigues and Antonio Riquelme led the attack with a goal each to provide the offensive spark that was needed to send the game to a shootout.
With the shootout victory, the Monarchs remain one of three teams in the Western Conference yet to suffer a regulation-time loss.
Next, they’ll face Whitecaps FC 2, who are coming off a 2-1 win at home this weekend.
Last match: 5-4 SOW win vs. LAFC2
Next match: vs. Whitecaps FC 2 on 03/22
Cameron Dunbar recorded two assists while Liam Butts scored twice as Atlanta United 2 earned a positive result against Huntsville City FC to remain unbeaten in 2026.
Jose Silva’s side now faces its toughest test of the young season in Matchweek 4 when they travel to face a Crown Legacy FC team that's won three consecutive games.
Last match: 4-1 vs. Huntsville City FC
Next match: at Crown Legacy FC on 03/22
New England Revolution II earn their first appearance in the 2026 Power Rankings after a 2-1 victory over FC Cincinnati 2.
Revs II were led by their captain, Eric Klein, who anchored the midfield and racked up 18 defensive actions to lead his side to the win.
With two shootout wins to start the season and now a regulation time victory, New England Revolution II will have its unbeaten streak tested when they host expansion side Connecticut United FC.
Last match: 2-1 win vs. FC Cincinnati 2
Next match: vs. Connecticut United FC on 03/22
After stumbling against Chattanooga FC, Connecticut United FC bounced back with a win over a tough Philadelphia Union II side.
Despite conceding just before halftime, CT United responded in the second half with Laurie Goddard's equalizer.
A red card for Philly shifted the momentum of the game, allowing Barnabás Tanyi to knock in a late winner to secure CT United FC’s second victory of the season.
With two wins in their first three matches, the expansion side is already showing the confidence of a seasoned team.
Last match: 2-1 win at Philadelphia Union II
Next match: at New England Revolution II on 03/22
Union II struggled after leading early against CT United FC, managing just one shot on target and no corner kicks in their 2-1 loss over the weekend.
16-year-old forward Malik Jakupovic continued to be the bright spot for Philly, scoring his second goal of the season with a great move near the edge of the box.
With plenty of games left in the season, this young Philadelphia group will take its lessons from performances like this, but will have to bounce back quickly if they hope to take down the defending champs in their next outing.
Last match: 2-1 loss vs. Connecticut United FC
Next match: at Red Bull NY II on 03/22
A late goal from St Louis CITY2 brought Ventura County FC’s unbeaten run to an end, but this is still a team with plenty of talent to make noise this season.
Dylan Vanney continues to shine as one of the top academy players in the league, while newcomers Julian Placias and Arnau Vilamitjana are already making an impact.
VCFC will look to return to form and earn its second win of the season when they travel to face Timbers2 this weekend.
Last match: 3-2 loss vs. St Louis CITY2
Next match: at Timbers2 on 03/23
