We’re officially on the home stretch of the season after an action-packed MLS NEXT Pro Matchweek 19.
And teams toward the top of both Eastern and Western Conference tables continue to bolster their case for securing home playoff seeds.
The defending MLS NEXT Pro Cup champs North Texas SC can thank striker Sam Sarver for a signature four-goal outburst that made him the Player of the Matchweek 19.
In the East, Philadelphia Union II extended their lengthy unbeaten run with their third multi-goal game of the month and earn Team of the Matchweek for the second time in July.
Another regular in the list of honors winners, LA Galaxy Academy forward Dylan Vanney earned this week’s MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchweek with a maestro performance in Ventura County FC’s grudge match against LAFC 2.
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 19: Philadelphia Union II
In as complete of a win you’ll see all year, Union II earned Team of Matchweek 19 with a 4-0 win over Crown Legacy FC.
This one had it all.
Striker Eddy Davis put in a tone-setter in the second minute, they forced an own goal just before halftime, setting the stage for Nick Pariano and Malik Jakupovic to slam the door shut in the second half, all while not allowing a single shot on goal.
The hearty win extends Union II’s unbeaten streak to eight, spanning the entire month of June and three of their five matches in July.
This marks the fifth time Union II claim the Team of the Matchweek honor in 2025 after earning in Matchweek 5, Matchweek 9, and Matchweek 17.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 19: Sam Sarver
Have a week, Sam Sarver!
If scoring four goals in North Texas SC’s 4-1 win over Sporting KC II on Friday wasn’t enough, he became a star with his instant impact for the FC Dallas first team the next day.
For NTSC, his four-goal outing brought the defending champs back to control of a home playoff seed, which is a great thing to have in the home stretch of the year.
As is control of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot race, which Sarver now has a firm grip on with 14.
In MLS play, he came on late to draw a penalty to help FCD’s 3-0 win over St. Louis CITY SC. Also drawing the eye of the MLS 360 crew and getting a taste of the big time with a feature interview.
Sarver joined FC Dallas via the 2025 MLS Superdraft from NCAA powerhouse Indiana University after spending his youth days in the Columbus Crew SC Academy.
MLS NEXT Rising Star of Matchweek 19: Dylan Vanney
For the second time this year, LA Galaxy forward Dylan Vanney is named the MLS NEXT Rising Star of the Matchweek.
He played both of Ventura County FC’s matches in Matchweek 18, and delivered a signature performance with a goal and assist in their rivalry clash with LAFC 2 on Sunday.
His contributions were vital to keep his side level in a 3-3 tie. Starting with a goal in the second minute of the match to get VCFC on the front foot, and powering a 63rd minute goal for Harbor Miller prior to LAFC2’s stoppage time equalizer.
Vanney, son of LA Galaxy head coach Greg, was also named MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 9 and earned the monthly honor for May in what’s shaping up to be a breakout campaign.
