Matchweek 20 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season featured FC Cincinnati 2 moving into the top spot of the Eastern Conference, a memorable night for Timbers2 forward Tega Ikoba, and a first MLS NEXT Pro goal for 18-year-old Anthony Alaouieh.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 20:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 20: FC Cincinnati 2
A dominant home win for FC Cincinnati 2 helped them move to first place in the Eastern Conference on Sunday night.
Tyrone Marshall's squad rolled past rivals Chicago Fire II by a 5-0 scoreline at Northern Kentucky University. Five different players scored goals including young talent Stefan Chirila and playmaker Moises Tablante.
The result helped FCC2 rebound from a 6-1 hammering to Columbus Crew 2 the week prior.
Kenji Mboma Dem and Chirila both found the back of the net in the first half, giving FCC2 an early advantage that they wouldn't let slip away.
Guilherme, Tablante, and Ben Stitz all added second-half goals despite the club being down to 10-men for the final six minutes.
In addition to scoring five goals, FCC2 registered a home clean sheet, which was their first since June 30.
With only one regulation defeat since the end of May, FCC2 is flying high on confidence heading into their final nine regular season matches of the year.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 20: Tega Ikoba (Timbers2)
Tega Ikoba's Man of the Match performance on Thursday helped Timbers2 get back into the winning column.
Ikoba registered a hat trick in Timbers2's 5-2 home victory over Sporting KC II. The 20-year-old striker earned Player of Matchweek 20 honors as Timbers2 savored their first regulation win since June 26.
Ikoba struck first for the hosts in the 23rd minute, heading home Blake Pope's cross from close-range.
After Marvin Loria extended Timbers2's lead in the second-half, Ikoba put the match out of SKC II's reach with a pair of goals in quick succession.
His 52nd minute finish made it 3-0 before the in-form forward capped off his hat trick only two minutes later.
In addition to his three goals, Ikoba also won seven individual duels and drew five fouls.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 20: Anthony Alaouieh (Columbus Crew 2)
A first MLS NEXT Pro goal for 18-year-old Anthony Alaouieh helped Columbus Crew 2 extend their regulation unbeaten streak to eight matches.
Alaouieh scored the opening goal for Crew 2 in Sunday's 3-2 home triumph over visiting Philadelphia Union II. It marked his first goal contribution of the season as Crew 2 continued their positive run through the summer schedule.
Alaouieh needed just 39 minutes to propel the hosts into a 1-0 lead. Owen Presthus' cross was headed home by Alaouieh, giving Crew 2 a first-half advantage against Union II.
The teams would proceeded to trade goals throughout the match, with Crew 2 using a 97th minute winner from Gibran Rayo to take all three points.
Alaouieh played all 90 minutes for Crew 2, logging his third start and 13th overall appearance for the club.
