After a weekend full of surprises in the semifinals, we’re down to the final two teams battling for the Western Conference crown.
MNUFC2 pulled off one of the biggest upsets in MLS NEXT Pro history, knocking off top-seeded St Louis CITY2 on the road in a rainy 2-0 thriller to continue their bid.
Meanwhile, Colorado Rapids 2 fought through extra time to defeat The Town FC 4-2 in San Jose, securing their second Western Conference Final appearance in the last three seasons.
Now, MNUFC2 travels to Colorado for a showdown that will decide who advances to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final. Two teams that have defied the odds all postseason will face off for one ticket to the title match.
Here’s what to expect from the 2025 Western Conference Final:
Two years after falling to Austin FC II in the 2023 Western Conference Final, Colorado Rapids 2 have another golden opportunity to reach their first MLS NEXT Pro Cup when they host MNUFC2 on Sunday.
Rapids 2 have handled business so far, defeating Whitecaps FC 2 at home before grinding out an extra-time win against a TTFC side that rarely dropped points at home during the regular season.
Now, standing in their way is an MNUFC2 they’ve lost to three times this season, and that is riding a wave of momentum after back-to-back road victories.
MNUFC2 head coach Jeremy Hall acknowledged in his West semifinal postgame press conference that his team has “had a good run at Colorado”, referencing their three victories over Rapids 2 this season.
However, he also admitted that facing the same opponent for a fourth time could be difficult, knowing that making adjustments while facing a familiar opponent will play a major factor in their upcoming match.
Can Rapids 2 finally shake off the ghosts of past playoff heartbreak and claim their first Western Conference crown, or will MNUFC2’s improbable run continue all the way to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup?
It all comes to a head Sunday night in Commerce City, Colorado.
Players to Watch
Colorado Rapids 2: Alex Harris
Alex Harris has been the driving force behind Colorado Rapids 2’s recent success, delivering goal contributions in both postseason matches. The winger's creativity and ability to connect with teammates in the final third have made him a constant threat during the playoffs. If he can continue to produce in big moments, he will be a big reason why Rapids 2 reach their first-ever MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
MNUFC2: Logan Dorsey
Former Kentucky Wildcat Logan Dorsey has led the line for MNUFC2 all year, good for a 10g/4a clip in his first professional season. The 23-year-old kickstarted the upset last week with, perhaps, the best goal he's scored all year. If the rain in St. Louis didn't faze him, the Colorado cold likely won't either.
More:
MLSNEXTPro.com paid a visit to MNUFC2 earlier this season for episodes of Coaches Corner and Player Profile.
