As the first month of the the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season comes to a close, Houston Dynamo 2 and Crown Legacy FC continue to set the standard in their respective conferences.
Four other unbeatens make for a crowded top-of-table storyline to follow as the top sides inevitably clash for the first time this year.
Let’s take a look at who made the cut for this week’s Top 10 Power Rankings.
The good times kept rolling in Clutch City, as Houston Dynamo 2 handled their business at home with a win over North Texas SC this past weekend in an all-Texas showdown.
Diego González opened the scoring, netting his first goal since April of 2025, a welcome sight for the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI midfielder after battling through injury last season.
Now comes the real test for the Western Conference leaders.
Dynamo 2 hit the road for a demanding 10-match stretch away from home. Can they carry that momentum with them, or will life on the road finally slow them down?
Last match: 2-0 win vs. North Texas SC
Next match: at Austin FC II on 04/12
The league’s most potent attack didn’t quite click early against Atlanta United 2, but once the visitors were reduced to 10 men, Crown Legacy FC fired on all cylinders.
What might be the league’s most dangerous attacking duo delivered once again, as Nimfasha Berchimas and Rodolfo Aloko both found the back of the net in the second half, while academy winger Magic Smalls added his first goal of 2026 with a beauty of a finish in the 90th minute.
Next up for Crown Legacy FC will be wrapping up a four-game homestand with a rematch against Atlanta United 2.
Last match: 3-0 win vs. Atlanta United 2
Next match: Atlanta United 2 on 04/03
CITY2 picked up the extra point at home, outlasting LAFC2 in a 4-3 shootout victory.
Mykhi Joyner moved one step closer to the MLS NEXT Pro all-time scoring record held by Jack Lynn (39 goals), finding the net once again before being sent off in the 55th minute.
Brendan McSorley added his first goal of the season to help CITY2 level, canceling out a brace from Tommy Mihalic, while Ben Lundt came up clutch in the shootout to secure the second point.
Someone to keep an eye on for CITY2 is Jemone Barclay, who continued his strong run of form, adding his second assist of 2026 and now has three goal contributions during his last three matches (one goal, two assists).
Next up for St Louis CITY2 will be a cross-state showdown with Sporting KC II, where CITY2 will look to keep their unbeaten run intact.
Last match: 3-3 tie, SOW win vs. LAFC2
Next match: at SKC II on 03/28
A Lineker Rodrigues brace, paired with Marcos Zambrano’s third goal of the season, powered Real Monarchs to a 3-2 home win against WFC2.
Mark Lowry’s side continues to impress in attack, scoring at least two goals in each of their first four matches while remaining one of just six unbeaten teams left in MLS NEXT Pro in 2026.
After a week off, they’ll head to Ventura County FC looking to keep their momentum going.
Last match: 3-2 win at Whitecaps FC 2
Next match: at Ventura County FC on 04/12
Jayden Da and Malcolm Fry each found the net as New England Revolution II earned a win over CT United in Matchweek 4 action.
17-year-old midfielder Cristiano Oliveira continued his strong start to the season, delivering his second assist of the campaign during the match.
The result moves Revs II within two points of the top of the Eastern Conference, and they’ll stay at home for a fifth consecutive game when they host defending champions Red Bull NY II on April 12.
Last match: 2-0 win vs. CT United
Next match: vs. Red Bull New York II on 04/12
Speaking of the defending champions, RBNY II were held to a single goal once again, settling for just one point against rivals Philadelphia Union II.
Despite a second consecutive shootout loss, Red Bulls II remain unbeaten on the year, but their attack is still searching for that spark it had in 2025.
A trip to face New England Revolution II on April 12th will give them time to make some adjustments and hope to break out of their goal-scoring funk.
Last match: 1-1 tie, SOL vs. Philadelphia Union II
Next match: at New England Revolution II on 04/12
For the first time in 2026, Earthquakes II make a well-deserved appearance in the Top 10 Power Rankings.
Dan DeGeer’s side showed out in Matchweek 4, cruising to a 4-1 win over the defending Western Conference champions, Colorado Rapids 2.
Sixteen-year-old homegrown Kaedren Spivey stole the show, earning Player of the Match honors with a goal and an assist to lead his side.
Last match: 4-1 win at Colorado Rapids 2
Next match: vs MNUFC2 on 04/12
A scoreless night still earned Ventura County FC two points, defeating Timbers2 by 8-7 in a shootout.
While the lack of goals may raise some concern, VCFC picked up their first clean sheet of the season after conceding seven across their opening three matches.
Once Dylan Vanney finds a consistent partner in attack, this is a team that will be a tough matchup for anyone in the West.
Last match: 0-0 tie, SOW vs. Timbers2
Next match: vs. Real Monarchs on 04/12
A late winner from Kenan Hot lifted Austin FC II to a hard-fought victory against Tacoma Defiance.
Back-to-back clean sheets under Jason Shackell are an encouraging sign for an Austin side that has always prioritized defensive solidity since joining MLS NEXT Pro in 2023.
Now, if they can be a bit more vertical and create more chances without Jorge Alastuey and Ervin Torres in the lineup, they’ll remain among the top teams in the West.
Last match: 1-0 win at Tacoma Defiance
Next match: vs. Houston Dynamo 2 on 04/12
A clean sheet and a rivalry win over FC Cincinnati 2 has propelled Columbus Crew 2 into the Power Rankings Top 10 for the first time this season.
Chase Adams continued his torrid scoring form, delivering a Goal of the Week contender to make it four goals in four appearances for the 17-year-old.
Now they’ll head on the road in search of their first away win, with a chance to keep climbing the Top 10.
Last match: 2-0 win vs FC Cincinnati 2
Next match: at Chattanooga FC on 03/28
