Matchweek 3 of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season featured a Man of the Match performance from Ventura County FC’s Ruben Ramos Jr, a second league win of the season for New York Red Bulls II, and the latest impressive performance from Philadelphia Union II attacker Edward Davis.
Here's a look at the top-performing player, team, and rising star of Matchweek 3.
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 3: New York Red Bulls II
New York Red Bulls II are top of the Eastern Conference through three matches, continuing to show the same consistency from 2023.
A 3-2 road triumph over FC Cincinnati 2 on Thursday featured a brace from Roald Mitchell, as well as a solo goal from Davi Alexandre. Mitchell’s winner came in the 90th minute as Red Bulls II remained unbeaten in league play this season.
With Mitchell, Ibrahim Kasule, and Frank Ssebufu leading the attack, Red Bulls II will be a tough opponent for anyone this season.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 3: Ruben Ramos Jr. (Ventura County FC)
It’s only three matches into the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season and Ruben Ramos Jr has already equaled his goal tally from last season.
Ramos scored twice and registered one assist on Sunday as Ventura County FC earned a statement 5-2 victory over Tacoma Defiance. The 17-year-old scored in the 12th and 34th minutes respectively as VCFC continued their impressive start to 2024.
After totaling two goals and one assist in nine league appearances last season, Ramos has the same statistics in less than half of the matches in 2024.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 3: Eddy Davis (Philadelphia Union II)
A young American attacker thriving in the Philadelphia Union system. Where have we seen that before?
Eddy Davis scored his second MLS NEXT Pro goal of the season in Union II’s 4-3 shootout loss to Chicago Fire II on Thursday. The 17-year-old attacker equalized for Marlon LeBlanc’s squad in the 71st minute, helping Union II leave SeatGeek Stadium with one point.
Davis, who broke onto the scene last season, has continued to earn crucial minutes for his development in 2024.
