MLS NEXT Pro is BACK!
And so are some of the regulars who racked up matchweek honors in 2025.
St Louis CITY2 picked up right where they left off after last year's dominant regular season with a 4-0 rivalry win, earning their first Team of the Matchweek selection of the new campaign.
MNUFC2 striker Marcus Caldeira announced himself to the Western Conference with a first-half hat trick that powered his side to a 4-2 win at Austin FC II.
LA Galaxy Academy maestro Dylan Vanney, a regular in last year's Rising Star of the Matchweek conversations, gets the nod once again for his work in Ventura County FC's 4-2 win vs. Whitecaps FC 2.
New year, same CITY2? Despite seven of their starting XI making their first professional starts, it sure looks like it.
Putting up a hearty 4-0 dish to derbycue rival Sporting KC II portends to the rest of the west that they're on course to maintain their heavyweight status.
The strong opening day at Energizer Park was built on dominating possession, which led to outshooting SKC II 19-6, only allowing three shots on target, all expertly handled by 18-year-old 'keeper Lucas McPartlin, who is two-for-two in all-time starts and clean sheets.
In the goals department, Evan Carlock and Palmer Ault connected for their first respective professional goals and assists. Patrick McDonald followed up 10 minutes later to give CITY2 a comfortable 2-0 lead at halftime. Centerback Kyle Hiebert and winger Cooper Forellini finished the job in the second frame.
Topping the way-too-early Golden Boot race, 21-year-old Mississauga, Ontario native Caldiera was in go-mode from the whistle on Sunday.
Flashing the ability to change the game in an instant, he kick-started his season with a goal in the third minute. In the right place at the right time, Caldiera came up clutch when MNUFC2 forced a turnover just outside of Austin FC II's box. He followed it up with another close-range goal in the aftermath of a corner in the 21st minute, and was cool from the spot with a penalty in the 39th.
Drafted 20th overall by Minnesota United in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft from the University of West Virginia, Caldiera was the first-ever Mountaineer to be selected in the first round. He opted to return to college and racked up a bevy of Sun Belt Conference honors the last two seasons before officially turning pro in January.
In the Academy scene, Vanney will remain atop the list of ones to watch in MLS NEXT Pro. It'll be a tough act to follow for the now 18-year-old midfielder, but he looks primed to keep pace with the 5g/3a stat line from his breakout season a year ago.
With little space to work with as Whitecaps FC 2 filled their box, Vanney made it look easy as he got the ball in stride and sent it home from point-blank, adding to a dominant opening day win for Ventura County FC. He was also busy and good for a 92% rate on his 52 passes.
