The penultimate MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings have arrived with only one matchday left before the league playoffs begin.
Crown Legacy FC and Colorado Rapids 2 continued their dominance at the top of the weekly honors while spots No. 3-5 also remained the same as last week.
Columbus Crew 2 and St. Louis CITY2 moved up in this week’s rankings after positive weekend results. Orlando City jumped back into the Top 10 after a shootout win over Chicago Fire II.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings:
Orlando City B’s two points against Chicago Fire II not only helped them jump back into the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings, but also clinch a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Martin Perelman’s squad fought back to force a shootout at SeatGeek Stadium before defeating Fire II 4-3 on spot kicks. OCB can finish as high as fifth in the East standings, pending they don’t fall down following Decision Day.
Last Match: 1-1, SOW at Chicago Fire II
Next Match: vs. FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, September 24
Sporting KC II may be headed to the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, but will hope for a winning end to the regular season. Benny Feilhaber’s squad suffered a second-straight defeat last weekend, falling 3-2 to MNUFC2. The No. 3 seed remains up for grabs for SKC II, who face a tough Decision Day clash with St. Louis CITY2.
Last Match: 3-2 loss at MNUFC2
Next Match: vs. St. Louis CITY2 on Sunday, September 24
St. Louis CITY2’s ascent up the weekly power rankings continued this week following a fifth-straight league victory. A 4-1 triumph over LA Galaxy II clinched a Western Conference playoff spot for Bobby Murphy’s men, who have been on fire in recent weeks. John Klein and Faysal Bettache have been leading the charge for CITY2 this summer and will aim to continue that trend going forward.
Last Match: 4-1 win vs. LA Galaxy II
Next Match: at Sporting KC II on Sunday, September 24
New York Red Bulls II did not feature on Matchday 27 and took a slight dip to No. 7 in the Power Rankings. Red Bulls II remain a threat in the Eastern Conference, riding a five-match unbeaten run heading into Decision Day. Ibrahim Kasule and Frank Ssebufu remain key to Red Bulls II’s attack, with Philadelphia Union II posed with a tough challenge coming up on Sunday.
Last Match: Bye Week
Next Match: vs. Philadelphia Union II on Sunday, September 24
It was another bounce-back week for Columbus Crew 2, who moved up to No. 6 in the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings. Four different players contributed goals in a 4-0 road victory over rivals FC Cincinnati 2. Coleman Gannon and Taha Habroune were among those goalscorers, continuing to deliver when called upon. Crew 2 will face ATL UTD 2 on Decision Day before kicking off their title defense in the postseason.
Last Match: 4-0 win at FC Cincinnati 2
Next Match: vs. ATL UTD 2 Sunday, September 24
Four-straight victories for Tacoma Defiance have Wade Webber’s squad clicking on all cylinders heading into Decision Day. A 3-0 triumph over Real Monarchs continued a blistering run of form for the Defiance, who have relied heavily on Braudilio Rodrigues’ goalscoring abilities. Rodrigues has five goals scored in his last four league appearances.
Last Match: 3-0 win at Real Monarchs
Next Match: vs. Whitecaps FC 2 on Sunday, September 24
Austin FC II’s inability to pick up regulation wins in recent weeks did not cost them in this week’s Power Rankings. A 2-1 loss to Colorado Rapids 2 extended Austin FC II’s regulation winless streak to five matches. Austin FC II heads into Decision Day in the No. 3 seed in the West and will try to pick up some needed momentum before playoff time.
Last Match: 2-1 loss vs. Colorado Rapids 2
Next Match: at North Texas SC on Sunday, September 24
New England Revolution II’s unbeaten run came to an end on Matchday 27, but there won’t be much disappointment in the squad. Revs II went toe-to-toe with Crown Legacy FC before eventually falling 1-0 on the road. Revs II remain a title contender in the Eastern Conference and will have a bye week to rest up before their playoff schedule begins.
Last Match: 1-0 loss at Crown Legacy FC
Next Match: Bye Week
A third-straight victory for Colorado Rapids 2 has Erik Bushey’s squad ready to fight for the overall No. 1 seed. Rapids 2 defeated Austin FC II 2-1 on Matchday 27, using a brace from Remi Cabral to capture three points. Rapids 2 head into Decision Day tied with Crown Legacy FC on 63 points apiece and will be favored to get a result at home against MNUFC2.
Last Match: 2-1 win at Austin FC II
Next Match: vs. MNUFC2 on Sunday, September 24
It’s been a debut season to remember for Crown Legacy FC, who extended their regulation unbeaten streak to six matches on Sunday. A 1-0 home triumph over New England Revolution II continued the winning run for the East leaders heading into Decision Day. A winnable trip to TFC II is next for Jose Tavares’ men with the overall No. 1 seed up for grabs.
Last Match: 1-0 win vs. New England Revolution II
Next Match: at TFC II on Sunday, September 24
