Summer is in full swing, and so is the action across MLS NEXT Pro.
As the temperatures rise, so do the stakes, with players and clubs pushing through the heat to earn valuable results.
Now, it’s time to recognize the individuals who made the biggest impact over the last month in this edition of the MLS NEXT Pro Monthly Awards.
The MLS NEXT Pro editorial team, alongside league personnel, announcers, and club representatives, cast their votes to honor the standout performers from across the league.
Awards were handed out for Team, Coach, Goalkeeper, Player, and Rising Star of the Month.
Here are the winners:
Team of the Month - St Louis CITY2
A perfect run of form in June has earned St Louis CITY2 the MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Month honor.
With CITY2 head coach David Critchley promoted to lead the first team, a dip in performance could have been expected. Instead, CITY2 hasn’t missed a beat, proof of the strong culture within the St Louis CITY organization.
“The players have shown tremendous maturity and unity in consistently earning winning results,” said interim head coach John Hackworth. “I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of the guys for showing up every day, challenging each other, and putting in the hard work.”
Offensively, Emil Jääskeläinen and Mykhi Joyner have led the attack for CITY2. At the same time, the center back pairing of Jaziel Orozco and Gabriel Mikina continues to anchor a defense that’s recorded six clean sheets this season.
Now sitting two points clear atop the Western Conference and second overall in MLS NEXT Pro, CITY2 has established itself as one of the league’s elite squads and one to watch in the second half of the season.
Player of the Month: Nehuén Benedetti, NY Red Bulls II
Red Bulls II have stormed out of the gates in 2025, recently climbing to the top of the Eastern Conference thanks to a seven-game unbeaten streak.
The addition of U.S. Men’s National Team legend Michael Bradley as head coach has added to the buzz surrounding the team, but it’s been 20-year-old Argentine midfielder Nehuén Benedetti leading the charge on the field.
Benedetti was electric in June, scoring four goals and adding three assists to earn MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month honors.
The former Estudiantes de la Plata standout has quickly adapted since joining Red Bulls II in March, showcasing his superb creativity and finishing ability in just a matter of months.
Currently amid a five-game scoring streak, Benedetti also leads the league in assists (5) among players with five or more goals scored, proving to be equally dangerous as a finisher and as a playmaker.
"I'm very happy to win this award, but it would be impossible without the help of my colleagues and the entire staff," said Benedetti after being named MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month. "For me, this award is an incentive to continue growing and improving. I'm very grateful for this award."
His presence has been central to Red Bulls II’s league-leading attack, which has scored 38 goals at around 2.5 goals per game, and has helped solidify their status as serious title contenders.
Coach of the Month: Ryan Richter, Philadelphia Union II
Ryan Richter has been named MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Month for June after leading Philadelphia Union II through an unbeaten run in June and guiding the squad to a third place spot in the Eastern Conference.
In his first season as head coach, Richter has led a young and uber-talented Union II squad to an impressive start to the campaign. Union II earned three wins and two shootout victories during June. The team now sits at 28 points on the season.
Even in the absence of a key defensive presence in center back Neil Pierre, Union II continues to boast the league’s best defensive record, conceding just 11 goals through 13 matches.
Players like Rafael Uzcátegui, Giovanny Sequera, and Isaiah LeFlore have provided leadership and stability across the backline and midfield, while rising stars Cavan Sullivan and Eddy Davis have brought creativity to the attack.
“It’s an honor to be recognized, but this award is a reflection of the hard work and commitment from our entire group—players, staff, and support team,” said Philadelphia Union II Head Coach Ryan Richter.
“We’re focused on continuing to grow every day and pushing each other to be better.”
MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month: Adisa De Rosario, Toronto FC II
Toronto FC II have quietly climbed the Eastern Conference standings, finishing June with an unbeaten record (2-0-1) and moving above the playoff line with 21 points.
A major reason for TFC II's run of form has been the standout play of goalkeeper Adisa De Rosario, who has provided a steady presence in goal. His five-save shutout against Inter Miami II on June 12 was key in securing three points for his side and earned him his fifth clean sheet of the season.
“I’m honored to be named the league’s Goalkeeper of the Month. I’m thankful to my family, teammates, and coaches for always pushing me to be my best and holding me to the highest standards. I’m happy to be making an impact for the team this year, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” said De Rosario.
Adisa De Rosario’s play has earned him a spot in this year’s Goalie Wars competition during MLS All-Star Week, where he’ll represent TFC II among the league’s top young shot-stoppers.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Month: Colton Swan, Colorado Rapids 2
The accolades keep coming for young Colorado Rapids 2 forward Colton Swan, who has been named the MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Month for June.
The 18-year-old continues to shine in 2025, playing a key role in Rapids 2’s attack and helping his side remain in third place in the Western Conference with 24 points.
Swan shares the team lead in goals this season with four, and his performances earned him his first international call-up with the U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team, marking another milestone for the Rapids Academy product.
