Closing out the second month of the season, it's not too early to start thinking about who the bona fide contenders are going to be in this year's playoff race.
Red Bull New York II's hearty 4-1 win over fellow Eastern Conference top-four side Columbus Crew 2 made a statement in that power struggle, earning them the nod for Team of Matchweek 8.
Albeit a little tighter, similar scenes played out in St Louis CITY2s's 2-1 win over Western Conference heavyweight Ventura County FC, and midfielder Riley Lynch got in on both goals to earn Player of the Matchweek.
Representing the Orlando City Academy, 17-year-old midfielder Nicolas Lasheras played the super-sub hero in Orlando City B's 2-2 tie and shootout win over Chicago Fire FC II, earning MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 8.
RBNY II's Sunday win puts them on a three-game winning streak and clinched the season series vs. Crew 2.
Outshooting their opponent 26-10, the Baby Bulls earned the lopsided scoreline. Norwegian U-22 signing Dennis Gjengaar led the team in production by dishing out three assists.
Starting with Nate Worth in the 19th minute, following up with another to Academy kid Dennis Nelich minutes later, and adding insurance in the second half with a helper to Julan Bazan, it was a well-earned Man of the Match performance for Gjengaar.
Worth also connected with RBNY Homegrown striker Roald Mitchell to get a double-scoresheet shift.
One defensive lapse prevented the clean sheet in what was otherwise a perfect performance for RBNY II goalkeeper Aidan Stokes, who padded his stats with six saves.
The defending champs now sit second in the East, getting multi-goal games in each of their five wins on the season.
Have a day, Mr. Lynch.
The CITY2 newcomer continued his strong 2026 by getting in on both goals in a 2-1 win over VCFC.
His 23rd-minute dish to Jermone Barclay and 56th-minute set-piece finish were enough to secure the win and move St Louis CITY2's unbeaten streak to eight on the year.
Individually, Lynch has added 3g/5a to CITY2's West-best 20 goals scored.
When the game comes down to an Academy kid making the difference in a high-leverage situation, it's a day all levels of the club can feel great about.
Lasheras subbed in to a 2-1 deficit at Chicago Fire FC II at the 80th minute, and headed home the equalizer at the death of stoppage time.
The 17-year-old midfielder's professional account-opener was a special one. So far, Lasheras has made six appearances for OCB on the season, earning three starts.
