The top three of the MLS NEXT Pro Matchday 7 Power Rankings remained the same, but moving and shaking still occurred throughout the rest of the list.
Colorado Rapids 2, Crown Legacy FC, and Austin FC II all earned victories this past weekend, staying in the Top Three of the weekly rankings. Whitecaps FC 2 and Tacoma Defiance also cracked the top five while Orlando City B dropped down to No. 6.
North Texas SC jumped into the Top 10 after a dominant win over St. Louis CITY2.
As always, the MLSNEXTPro.com staff collaborated to produce a fresh set of Top 10 Power Rankings following Matchday 7 action.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings:
North Texas SC’s comeback victory over St. Louis CITY2 propelled them into the final spot of the Matchday 7 Power Rankings. Jose Mulato scored twice while Herbert Endeley and Hope Avayevu also celebrated second-half goals of their own in a 4-1 home result. After suffering back-to-back defeats, NTX jumped to fifth in the Western Conference.
Last Match: 4-1 win vs. St. Louis CITY2
Next Match: at Earthquakes II on Friday, May 12
Clint Peay’s New England Revolution II squad remained in the No. 9 spot despite a tough 4-2 road loss to NYCFC II on Saturday. Marcos Dias scored a pair of penalty-kick goals for Revs II, who conceded three late goals at Belson Stadium. Although Revs II have lost three of their last four matches, they have improved over recent weeks with seven goals scored.
Last Match: 4-2 loss SOW at NYCFC II
Next Match: at TFC II on Sunday, May 14
Columbus Crew 2’s 1-0 shutout win over Huntsville City FC helped Laurent Courtois’ squad retain the No. 8 spot in the rankings. Marco Micaletto’s first-half goal paired with Stanislav Lapkes’ six-save outing helped Crew 2 earn their third shutout victory over the past five matches. Crew 2 still sit five points back of Eastern Conference leaders Crown Legacy FC, but have been tough to break down in regulation this season.
Last Match: 1-0 win vs. Huntsville City FC
Next Match: vs. Orlando City B on Sunday, May 14
MNUFC2 claimed an important two points on Sunday in a 3-2 shootout result over Chicago Fire II following a 3-3 regulation scoreline. Molik Khan and Omari Glasgow both found the back of the net for Cameron Knowles’ squad before Eric Leonard’s last-gasp own goal forced a shootout. MNUFC2 have gone to shootouts in each of their last two matches, showing resilience against both Austin FC II and Chicago Fire II.
Last Match: 3-3, SOW vs. Chicago Fire II
Next Match: at Tacoma Defiance on Sunday, May 14
Orlando City B failed to claim a statement win at Crown Legacy FC on Friday, falling to No. 6 in the Power Rankings. Despite leading 2-1 at halftime, OCB conceded two second-half goals in quick success, falling 3-2 on the road. OCB will be fighting to buckle down defensively after conceding 10 goals in their last four matches, winning just one of those fixtures over that span.
Last Match: 3-2 loss at Crown Legacy FC
Next Match: at Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, May 14
Three-straight wins have Tacoma Defiance going in the right direction, moving up to No. 5 in this week’s rankings. Wade Webber will certainly be proud of his squad’s determination after fighting back to defeat Real Monarchs 2-1 away from home. Eythor Bjorgolfsson and Brudilio Rodrigues played the heroes for the Defiance at Zions Bank Stadium, continuing a good run of form for the Western Conference club.
Last Match: 2-1 win at Real Monarchs
Next Match: vs. MNUFC2 on Sunday, May 14
Whitecaps FC 2 also made the jump up this week following a 1-0 shutout win over Houston Dynamo 2. J.C. Ngando became the 10th player to contribute a goal this season for Ricardo Clark’s men while Issac Boehmer made four saves to preserve the clean sheet. Whitecaps FC 2 have won three of their last five matches, rebounding from each one of their losses so far in 2023.
Last Match: 1-0 win vs. Houston Dynamo 2
Next Match: at Timbers2 on Sunday, May 14
Austin FC II’s unbeaten run continued on Sunday following a 1-0 road triumph over Timbers2 Providence Park. David Rodriguez’s fourth-minute opener was all Brett Uttley’s group needed to stay level with Crown Legacy FC and Colorado Rapids 2 on 19 points apiece. Austin FC II’s five goals conceded are tied for the second-fewest in the league this season, showing they can deliver on both ends of the field.
Up next is a headlining clash with Rapids 2 on Sunday.
Last Match: 1-0 win at Timbers2
Next Match: at Colorado Rapids 2 on Sunday, May 14
There isn’t a hotter team right now in MLS NEXT Pro following Crown Legacy FC’s sixth-straight win on Friday. Jose Tavares’ men used a second-half comeback and goals from Thiago and Iuri Tavares to claim three points in a 3-2 victory over Orlando City B. Crown Legacy has scored the second-most goals in 2023 (18) and have the second best goal differential in MLS NEXT Pro so far (+11).
Last Match: 3-2 win vs. Orlando City B
Next Match: at ATL UTD 2 on Sunday, May 14
One of the three unbeaten sides left in MLS NEXT Pro remained No. 1 in the Power Rankings as Colorado Rapids 2 continued their strong 2023 schedule.
A 5-0 triumph over LA Galaxy II featured a brace from Yosuke Hanya as well as goals from Marlon Vargas, Daniel Garcia, and Remi Cabral in a dominant performance. Galaxy II’s two red cards certainly helped Rapids 2’s attack in the second half, but overall Rapids 2 have just been that impressive at home and on the road. A home date with Austin FC II will be the toughest challenge yet for Erik Bushey’s men.
Last Match: 5-0 win at LA Galaxy II
Next Match: vs. Austin FC II on Sunday, May 14
