The top spot remained unchanged in the MLS NEXT Pro Top 10 Power Rankings through Matchday 3.
MNUFC2 and Colorado Rapids 2 are leading the way in the Western Conference, while New England Revolution II and Orlando City B remain top of the Eastern Conference. All four clubs have yet to suffer a defeat in 2023, delivering strong performances in each of their first three matches.
Expansion side Crown Legacy FC are also unbeaten through their first three MLS NEXT Pro matches, using two new goalscoring figures in Sunday’s comeback triumph over New York Red Bulls II. Austin FC II needed a comeback for the second time this season to claim three points against Tacoma Defiance on Friday.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings following Matchday 3:
Tacoma Defiance’s first loss of 2023 won’t rule them out of the Matchday 3 Top 10 Power Rankings. Wade Webber’s squad looked comfortable for the majority of Friday’s trip to Austin FC II until two late penalty kick goals boosted the hosts in front for good. With plenty of familiar faces leading the way, the Defiance will be pushing to rebound in Houston next weekend.
Last Match: 2-1 loss at Austin FC II
Next Match: at Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, April 23
Chicago Fire II might have suffered their first loss of 2023, but Ludovic Talliander’s squad will be proud after going toe-to-toe with the defending MLS NEXT Pro Cup winners. A 1-0 home loss to Columbus Crew 2 ended Fire II’s winning run to start the season, and also was the first match in which the Eastern Conference club was held goalless.
Last Match: 1-0 loss vs. Columbus Crew 2
Next Match: vs. Philadelphia Union II on Sunday, April 16
There has been no shortage of drama surrounding Austin FC II during the opening three weeks of the MLS NEXT Pro season and head coach Brett Uttley might be okay with that. For the second time this season, Austin FC fought back to claim three points in a 2-1 triumph over Tacoma Defiance. The comeback kids will be proud of their early impressions in MLS NEXT Pro even if their fans’ heart rates might go through the roof every 90 minutes.
Last Match: 2-1 win vs. Tacoma Defiance
Next Match: vs. North Texas SC on Wednesday, April 12, vs. St Louis CITY2 on Sunday, April 16
Crown Legacy FC’s second-half comeback against New York Red Bulls II helped them remain in the Top 10 this week. Iuri Tavares’ first MLS NEXT Pro brace paired with Marko Filipovic’s first league goal helped Crown Legacy FC fight back for their second victory of 2023. With two goals or more scored in each of their opening three matches, Crown Legacy FC has zero issues with finding the back of the net.
Last Match: 3-1 win at New York Red Bulls II
Next Match: vs. Inter Miami II on Friday, April 14
Earthquakes II suffered their first loss of 2023 on Sunday against Real Monarchs, but overall Daniel De Geer’s squad remains a tough opponent for many in the Western Conference. Quakes II have only conceded one goal through 270 minutes and possess many goal-scoring options at the other end of the field. A Matchday 4 showdown with Colorado Rapids 2 will be a good measuring stick match for both clubs after failing to make the playoffs in 2022.
Last Match: 1-0 loss vs. Real Monarchs
Next Match: vs. Colorado Rapids 2 on Sunday, April 16
Whitecaps FC II scored early and often in Sunday’s 4-1 road victory over North Texas SC, retaining their spot in the Top 10 of the MLS NEXT Pro Power Rankings. A three-goal outburst in a five-minute spell boosted Ricardo Clark’s squad in front 3-0 at Choctaw Stadium before Giovanni Aguilar added a fourth tally late for good measure. Whitecaps FC II have conceded only three goals through their opening three matches, showing strong moments on both ends of the pitch.
Last Match: 4-1 win at North Texas SC
Next Match: vs. LA Galaxy II on Sunday, April 16
After earning back-to-back victories to start the season, New England Revolution II rolled to three points on Monday against Philadelphia Union II. Five different players celebrated goals in a 5-1 romp over Union II with Esmir Bajraktarevic and Damian Rivera among the standout performers. With 10 goals scored through 270 minutes so far this spring, Revs II will be confident heading into a Matchday 4 trip to defending MLS NEXT Pro Cup winners Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday.
Last Match: 5-1 win vs. Philadelphia Union II
Next Match: at Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, April 16
Orlando City B has continued to impress during the early stages of the MLS NEXT Pro campaign with Sunday’s 2-0 shutout win over Inter Miami B the latest feather in their cap. Jack Lynn and Favian Loyola both celebrated goals while Javier Otero registered his first clean sheet of the year. With plenty of 2022’s key players excelling this spring, OCB will be tough to beat in the East.
Last Match: 2-0 win vs. Inter Miami II
Next Match: at ATL UTD 2 on Sunday, April 16
Colorado Rapids 2 remains undefeated on Sunday following a 4-2 home win over Timbers2. After needing dramatic comebacks in their first two matches, Rapids2 used a brace from Calvin Harris and additional goals from Yosuke Hanya and Michael Edwards to make it a perfect nine points out of nine to start the year. Rapids2’s scoring depth has been on display through Matchday 3, which could be a worrying sign for the rest of the West.
Last Match: 4-2 win vs. Timbers2
Next Match: at Earthquakes II on Sunday, April 16
MNUFC2 is flying high atop the Western Conference after claiming three-straight road victories to start their schedule. Sunday’s 2-1 win over LA Galaxy II was the latest result for Cameron Knowles’ squad after defeating Real Monarchs and St Louis CITY2 in their opening two matches. Diogo Pacheco has been the go-to player up front with three goals already under his belt.
Last Match: 2-1 win at LA Galaxy II
Next Match: at North Texas SC on Sunday, April 16
