The final full month of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro regular season is in the rearview mirror, which means it’s time to recognize our monthly award winners for August.
Timbers2 and Connecticut United FC lead the way this time around, with both clubs claiming two awards, while LAFC2 academy prospect Liam Lambert showed out to take home the Rising Star award.
Let’s take a look at the winners:
Team of the Month: Timbers2
An unbeaten August (2 wins, 2 SOW) lands Timbers2 the Team of the Month award.
T2 started the month with a hard-fought shootout win against LAFC2 before following it with a dominant 3-0 victory against North Texas SC.
Another shootout win followed, this time on the road against Ventura County FC, but their biggest moment of the month took place against Western Conference leaders Austin FC II.
In what could be a Western Conference Final preview, Timbers2 climbed back from an early deficit and defeated the top team in the conference thanks to an Alex Bamford stoppage-time winner.
That win, paired with the return of their skipper Jack Cassidy, has Timbers2 firing on all cylinders ahead of their first-ever MLS NEXT Pro playoff appearance.
“We’re delighted to be recognized as Team of the Month. It’s a testament to the hard work and consistency of the players throughout the season, as well as the work of the entire staff," praised the returning Timbers2 coach.
"Andres Flores led the team in the first game of the month after overseeing a really positive period, so this recognition is very much shared across the whole group. We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made, but there is still plenty ahead of us, and we hope to keep pushing for more through the remainder of the season and into the play-offs.”
Player of the Month: Barnabas Tanyi, Connecticut United FC
Eight goal contributions might be good enough for a season, but for CT United FC striker Barnabás Tanyi, it was just one month of production.
The Hungarian striker made six appearances in August, scoring four goals and adding four assists en route to earning the Player of the Month award for the month.
His goals during August put him tied for third in the Golden Boot race and total goal contributions across MLS NEXT Pro.
Tanyi helped lead CT United to four wins, putting the Coywolves in the thick of a tight Eastern Conference race with 43 points.
“This award is a reflection of not just me but the whole team who has helped me achieve it," said Tanyi.
"I am very thankful, and it is always good to see the hard work pay off, giving you extra confidence. Thank you to the team and the coaching staff!”
Coach of the Month: Shavar Thomas, Connecticut United FC
Speaking of CT United FC, the Coach of the Month award once again goes to Shavar Thomas after having earned the honor in July.
Thomas guided his side to four wins during the month, continuing their push to clinch a playoff spot in their expansion season.
“This recognition belongs to the entire staff and every player in that locker room. We’ve talked all season about building something together, and we're seeing the results of that work," stated Thomas.
"I’m proud of this group and excited about what we can accomplish together.”
Sitting on 43 points with two games remaining, CT United FC can still finish as high as second place in the Eastern Conference, and after two months of excellent play, the reward is well within reach.
Goalkeeper of the Month: Sam Joseph, Timbers2
Here’s a stat for you: Timbers2 have not lost a match since June 27.
Since then, T2 have outscored opponents by 14-5, recorded six clean sheets, and had Sam Joseph in goal for every one of those performances.
That level of consistency has earned Joseph the Goalkeeper of the Month award after another stretch anchoring one of the league’s best defensive units.
“I’m very grateful to be able to play for a team like Timbers 2. I’m blessed to have the guys in front of me who have shown great discipline and resiliency during this season. The defenders, midfielders, and attackers are the reason we are having a strong season. The players in front of me have been a fantastic example of what playing with purpose and desire is.” Joseph said of his team.
The 23-year-old keeper has become one of the key factors in Timbers2’s record-breaking run, helping push the club all the way to second place in the Western Conference.
His performance against Austin FC II, which included a stoppage-time penalty save to keep his side in the match, helped spark a miraculous comeback win and proved Timbers2 have what it takes to deliver under pressure - something that might be helpful come October.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Month: Liam Lambert, LAFC2
Eighteen-year-old Liam Lambert enjoyed a breakout month in August, scoring his second goal of the season while adding two more assists to his season total to earn the Rising Star of the Month award.
"I'm extremely grateful to receive this award. It wouldn't be possible without my teammates and the staff behind me. I want to say thank you to my family for supporting me," said the LAFC2 midfielder.
Lambert was a key factor for LAFC2 in their match on August 16th, providing a goal and an assist in a tight 4-3 win against Tacoma Defiance.
His play will be crucial down the final stretch of the season as LAFC2 look to clinch a playoff spot.
