Matchweek 21 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season featured Colorado Rapids 2 getting the job done with a host of academy players filling key roles, a memorable first career start for Orlando City B's Jackson Platts, and an all-around outstanding showing from Columbus Crew 2's Brent Adu-Gyamfi.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 21:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 21: Colorado Rapids 2
Colorado Rapids 2 academy players Rogelio Esparza Garcia and Colton Swan emerged Saturday night to claim a surprising 2-1 win over Houston Dynamo 2, ending Dynamo Dos' five-game unbeaten streak. Garcia and Swan scored after coming off the bench. Meanwhile, a fellow academy member, goalkeeper Zackory Campagnolo, made six saves to ensure victory.
Marlon Vargas found Garcia's run into the box in the 62nd minute, resulting in a 1-0 lead after Garcia pushed a shot past the goalkeeper at the near post. Swan doubled the lead in the 78th minute with a perfectly placed header off a long free kick. The goal proved important after Dynamo Dos found a reply in the 82nd minute.
After the match, Rapids 2 captain Marlon Vargas spoke of his pride in the academy players' performances.
"It’s like a big brother moment," Vargas said. "I am just very happy for him, same with Colton [Swan]. Again, another player who has been with us from the very beginning and just happy for him. He has come in and made an impact and that’s what we need, especially in tough games like this.
"I think they have the potential and I could teach them about being more experienced in terms of training, how they go about training, off the field as well, being a role model. It’s not just me but other guys in the locker room as well. I am just very happy for them and I want them to keep performing that way, it makes it a lot easier for myself. Obviously, for my team as well. If it wasn’t for them, we don’t win the game if I am being honest. I am very happy for them and glad they helped us get the three points.”
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 21: Brent Adu-Gyamfi
Columbus Crew 2 halted the surging form of New York City FC II in emphatic fashion at Belson Stadium Friday night, with Brent Adu-Gyamfi orchestrating his side's performance.
Adu-Gyamfi found the ball at his feet in the middle of the box to score a 35th-minute equalizing goal. He then raised the momentum, finding himself in the right positions to notch three assists and deliver a 4-3 win for Crew 2. Adu-Gyamfi made an excellent run down the right side to find Gibran Rayo to make it 3-2, then picked out Adrian Gonzalez in the 66th minute to make it 4-2.
Adu-Gyamfi is putting together an impressive 2024 season, with six goals and four assists in 12 starts. He also contributed strongly to 2023's MLS NEXT Pro Cup run and signed an MLS NEXT Pro deal for Crew 2 heading into this year.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 21: Jackson Platts
Jackson Platts is in his first season as an MLS NEXT Pro player for Orlando City B, and he's starting to see the field often. However, OCB coach Manuel Goldberg tapped Platts for his first start at right back in Saturday's match at Carolina Core FC.
Platts proved instrumental in a 2-1 away win, scoring the second goal on the end of a driven cross from Luca Petrasso in the 22nd minute. OCB later gained a 2-0 advantage just before halftime, then held on despite a man disadvantage in the second half. Platts played 89 minutes and completed 13 passes.
Saturday's performance brought Platts to 160 minutes so far in 2024 in six games played. Platts has previously had involvement with the United States' youth national team program, participating in a U16 camp in 2023.
