Matchweek 15 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season was headlined by a comeback victory for high-flying Whitecaps FC 2, a brace for Colorado Rapids 2 attacker Antony Garcia, and a first start for 15-year-old Mattheo Dimareli.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 15:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 15: Whitecaps FC 2
The good times just keep on coming for Whitecaps FC 2.
Sunday's comeback 3-2 road win over Ventura County FC marked the fifth-straight victory for the Canadian club. Jay Herdman, Eliot Goldthorp, and Dembo Saidykhan all celebrated goals as Whitecaps FC 2 moved up to fourth place in the Western Conference standings.
While much of last season didn't go as planned, things have certainly moved in the right direction in 2024. Whitecaps FC 2's 29 goals scored are tied for the most in MLS NEXT Pro so far this year. In addition, two of their last five wins have come against VCFC, while Sunday's result was their first away from home since May 19.
A Matchweek 16 clash with West-leading St. Louis CITY2 vastly approaches, which will be a good test for both teams during the summer slate.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 15: Antony Garcia (Colorado Rapids 2)
Colorado Rapids 2 earned their first regulation victory since May 19 with Antony Garcia earning Man of the Match honors in the process.
Garcia scored twice in Rapids 2's 3-1 road triumph over Houston Dynamo 2, extending his goal tally to four on the year. The 19-year-old scored the go-ahead goal for Colorado in the 63rd minute before padding their lead 14 minutes later with a long-range strike.
He also won two duels, made three defensive interceptions, and registered three shots on target overall.
Results have been hard to come by for Rapids 2 so far this season, but Garcia's recent heroics will hopefully propel them into a good run of form.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 15: Mattheo Dimareli (Houston Dynamo 2)
Registering an assist in your first start is quite a feat and that is what 15-year-old Mattheo Dimareli achieved on Sunday against Colorado Rapids 2.
Dimareli set up Isaiah Reid for the opening goal of Houston Dynamo 2's 3-1 loss to Colorado Rapids 2. The academy attacker was one of the better performers despite the defeat, creating two offensive chances, completing two tackles, and winning four individual duels.
One week after making his MLS NEXT Pro debut against St. Louis CITY2, Dimareli made quite an impact for Dynamo Dos. Now the goal for him will be to continue taking steps forward in his development this summer.
