Matchweek 27 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season was headlined by TFC II's pair of victories, a first MLS NEXT Pro hat trick from Huntsville City FC's Woobens Pacius and a fourth goal of the season from Inter Miami II's Yuval Cohen.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and Rising Star of Matchweek 27:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 27: TFC II
2024 hasn't gone the way that TFC II would've liked, but they are ending the campaign on a much more positive note.
TFC II earned five points out of six available over the past week, earning MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 27 honors. A 4-3 shootout win over NYCFC II was followed up by a 3-0 home triumph over them on Sunday.
Julian Altobelli scored twice over that span while Mark Fisher and Hassan Ayari also found the back of the net. Adisa De Rosario and Abraham Rodriguez both split time in between the posts, with both playing key roles in the impressive pair of results.
With points earned in each of their last four matches, TFC II remains in the playoff picture with three fixtures left.
Final matches against New York Red Bulls II, Chattanooga FC, and Crown Legacy FC will determine whether or not TFC II can get over the hump.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 27: Woobens Pacius (Huntsville City FC)
Huntsville City FC set a new club high for goals scored this season and Woobens Pacius was part of that effort.
Pacius registered his first MLS NEXT Pro hat trick in Sunday's 6-3 road victory over ATL UTD 2. It marked a memorable performance for Pacius, who doubled his season tally in the process.
Pacius opened the scoring in the 12th minute for Huntsville City FC, which kickstarted a dominant first half for the club. Forster Ajago and Jonathan Bolanos extended the visitors lead to 3-0 before Pacius doubled his tally before halftime.
Despite ATL UTD 2 eventually cutting the deficit to 4-3, Jonathan Perez reclaimed Huntsville City FC's two-goal lead before Pacius capped off his productive day. His 88th minute penalty-kick goal made it 6-3, a scoreline that Huntsville City FC would win the match by.
He led all players with four fouls drawn while also winning five duels and making one defensive clearance.
The 23-year-old will certainly be eyeing up double-digit goals with three matches left to play in 2024.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 27: Yuval Cohen (Inter Miami II)
A statement win for Inter Miami II saw Yuval Cohen continue his impressive 2024 campaign.
Cohen scored the opening goal against Philadelphia Union II in a 3-2 home victory over the Eastern Conference leaders. The 18-year-old now has four goals this season, which has made him one of the more productive young talents in MLS NEXT Pro this year.
Cohen capped off a fast break for the Young Herons in the 41st minute, kickstarting a lively performance from both teams. His deflected shot nestled into the back of the net, giving Cohen his second-straight match with a goal contribution.
Frankie Westfield and Ryan Sailor traded goals as the match went on, before Dairon Reyes stoppage-time penalty kick finish made it 3-1 to the hosts. Eddy Davis pulled a goal back for Union II, but Inter Miami II walked away as winners on home soil.
Cohen also drew two fouls and won three duels as he logged 80+ for the fourth-consecutive appearances.
Inter Miami II will certainly count on Cohen's production as the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs approaches in the coming weeks.
