The 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season is in full swing, and after a month of action, it’s time to recognize the teams' coaches and players who have come out of the gates firing on all cylinders.
Let’s take a look at the Monthly Award winners for March:
Team of the Month - Crown Legacy FC
Four games. Four victories. An unbeaten March.
Crown Legacy FC earns Team of the Month honors after a flawless start to the 2026 season. A +14 goal difference, the best in MLS NEXT Pro, tells the story of a team that has found synergy on both sides of the ball.
CLFC has paired a steady defense with one of MLS NEXT Pro's most dangerous attacks, spearheaded by Rodolfo Aloko and Nimfasha Berchimas.
After surviving an early scare less than a minute into the season opener, Crown Legacy FC settled in and walked away with a road win in Chattanooga before rattling off three straight home victories to climb to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
"The boys getting Team of the Month is totally deserved based on how humble and hardworking they have been through preseason and up to this point.” Crown Legacy FC’s head coach Kevin Sawchak said of his team’s award.
“I think this is the year we have had the most talented players and humble players since I've been at Crown Legacy in the past four seasons."
With everything clicking, Crown Legacy FC look like a top contender in the Eastern Conference.
Coach of the Month - Jeremy Hurdle, Houston Dynamo 2
Houston Dynamo 2’s interim head coach Jeremy Hurdle could not have asked for a better start to the 2026 season.
The Philadelphia native guided his side through an undefeated March, recording four clean sheets while also scoring at least two goals in every match.
Dynamo 2’s success has been fueled by a mix of academy talent and attacking depth.
Young Academy standouts like Mattheo Dimareli and Matthew Arana have made an impact already this season, while 12 different players, including a returning Diego Gonzalez, have found the back of the net in just four matches.
Defensively, they have been just as impressive, allowing only 10 shots on target across 360 minutes of play.
“It is an honor to be recognized, and I want to thank the players, the staff, and the Cub because it is always a collective effort,” said interim head coach Jeremy Hurdle.
“This award reflects the hard work we have put in together to start the season on a high note, especially the guys on the field. The group has shown great commitment, and we will continue to push each other to be better every day.”
Player of the Month - Rodolfo Aloko, Crown Legacy FC
No player has made a bigger impact to start the season than Rodolfo Aloko.
The 19-year-old has hit the ground running in MLS NEXT Pro, scoring in each of his first four appearances while adding two assists to power Crown Legacy FC to a perfect start.
The Benin forward arrived at Crown Legacy FC from Croatian side NK Kustošija Zagreb, where he played at various levels during the 2024/2025 season.
He's made it onto the international stage as well, debuting for Benin’s senior national team in 2025 and featuring for Benin's U-20 side at just 16-years-old during the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
"I am very happy because my teammates were there for me,” Aloko said.
“I really appreciate the award, but I want more, to push myself and be my best. I am very, very happy and honored."
With the way he has started the season, questions about a first-team opportunity are already beginning to surface.
It may still be early, but his impact has been unquestionable just one month into the campaign.
Goalkeeper of the Month - Pedro Cruz, Houston Dynamo 2
The 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Goalie Wars champion wasted no time reminding everyone why he earned that title.
Pedro Cruz has started three matches this season and has kept a clean sheet in every single one, setting the tone for one of the league’s most dominant defenses.
"I am incredibly grateful to be named the league's Goalkeeper of the Month," said Cruz.
"I want to thank God, as well as my coaches and teammates, for always pushing me to improve every day. I am happy to be making an impact during this strong start to the season, and these clean sheets would not be possible without this group around me. We will keep pushing for more."
The 22-year-old Brazilian has been sharp between the posts, turning away all eight shots he has faced on target while also anchoring a side that has yet to concede a goal this season.
After making 25 appearances last year, he is already closing in on his clean sheet total, a sign that he and the defense in front of him are taking their game to the next level in 2026.
Rising Star of the Month - Dylan Vanney, Ventura County FC
Dylan Vanney has lit it up during his five appearances of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season, opening the year with four goals and an assist to earn another Rising Star of the Month award.
The 18-year-old has been at the center of Ventura County FC’s strong start, helping drive a run where they have dropped points in one of their first five matches.
"I'm really grateful to win Rising Star of the Month. We've had a great start to the season, getting results both home and away. I'm proud of our group, and as always, I'm thankful to my family," said Vanney.
After appearing in 26 games last season, Vanney is already closing in on his previous goal total in a quarter of the time.
With a more offensive role this season, a double digit goal season might be possible for the young star.
