Two huge wins in MLS NEXT Pro Matchweek 25 action propelled New York City FC II right back into the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Their big week earns them their first Team of the Matchweek selection of the season.
CT United also made the most of a double fixture week, and newcomer striker Bryan Destin led the way with goals in both matches, earning his first Player of the Matchweek nod.
Good times continue to roll in the City of Angels, as Los Angeles FC academy goalkeeper Benjamin Failla marks the second MLS NEXT Rising Star of the matchweek selection in a row for his role in a big win for LAFC 2.
Read more about Matchweek 25's winners below:
Nearly 180-plus minutes of perfect soccer for Matt Pilkington's NYCFC II gives them the spotlight this week.
First, a dominant 5-0 win over FC Cincinnati 2 in weekday action featured a brace from U.S. men's youth national team star Maximo Carrizo to seal the deal. The huge win was built on scoring early and often as Luka Sunjic, Jonny Lopez, and Camilo Ponce's goals in the first half set NYCFC II on cruise control.
Then on a tight turn, they made it a two-win week by besting New England Revolution II 2-1 at home. This time, Cooper Flax got on the board early, and NYCFC II pressured Revs II into a late own goal, then rode out the win while playing down a man.
It all adds up to a much-needed six points as they sneak back into eighth place, controlling their own playoff destiny as Decision Day draws near.
Leading CT United to a six-point week, newcomer Bryan Destin.
The 20-year-old striker came up clutch in both of his starts, notching a goal in a 2-0 win at Crown Legacy FC and adding 2g/1a in the Coywolves' 4-2 win at Philadelphia Union II.
Now on a three-game scoring streak, Destin's contributions have helped lift the expansion side to wins in each of those games, placing them third in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Destin joined CT United from Slovenian club Tabor Sežana last month. Prior to that, he spent four seasons in the Inter Miami CF pipeline, competing with Inter Miami II from 2022-2025. On the international stage, he's represented Haiti at the U-17 and U-20 levels.
The LAFC Academy has lots to celebrate this month as goalkeeper Benjamin Failla follows midfielder Liam Lambert to make it back-to-back Rising Star honors for the club.
LAFC 2 are in the thick of the Western Conference battle for pick-your-opponent seeds, and Failla's five-save shift in Thursday's 2-1 win over Sporting KC II helped provide a valuable three points.
Failla, 16, has made back-to-back starts for LAFC 2 in August, both resulting in wins. Last month, he was named to the 2026 MLS NEXT All-Star roster.
