MLS NEXT Pro Matchweek 2 is in the books!
Which means it’s time for a fresh set of power rankings.
As expected, last week saw some major shakeups, which will likely continue in the weeks to come as teams are still hitting their stride in the opening phase of the season. That also means there are some snubs out there, and surely, some clubs are keeping the receipts.
Here’s a closer look at where the power lies heading into Matchweek 3.
No. 1 stays in the Lou after a 1-0 win over their I-70 rival Sporting KC II on Friday.
In the windiest conditions, MyKhi Joyner's first-half goal made the difference. CITY2’s stout defense combined with Mother Nature to make it an offensive struggle for SKCII at Swope Park.
And they’ll immediately re-rack and face off on the other side of the highway when they meet again on Sunday.
Last Match: 1-0 win at SKC II
Next Match: vs. SKC II on Sunday, March 23
Perfect through two games? That’s good for the top of the East.
Chattanooga FC enjoyed a sensational home opener in which Daniel Mangarov opened his professional account and they kept a clean sheet against regional rival Huntsville City FC.
CFC still have yet to taste defeat under head coach Chris Nugent, a trend they'll like a lot heading into U.S. Open Cup play this week.
Last match: 1-0 win vs. Huntsville City FC
Next match: vs Corpus Christi FC on Wednesday, March 19 (USOC)
Next League match: at Atlanta United 2 on Sunday, March 30
Not a bad start. Not a bad start at all, MNUFC2.
They held their own on the road against Austin FC II and stole the win on a last-minute corner in stoppage time to kick off their season in the win column. It was a great way for MNUFC2, who debuted eight new players to MLS NEXT Pro, to enter the Western Conference power struggle.
Of that group of eight debutants, defender Kisa Kiingi was the one who broke the deadlock in the 11th hour.
Last match: 1-0 win at Austin FC II
Next match: at Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, March 30
With a win and shootout win over Columbus Crew 2 and Atlanta United 2 respectively to open the season, OCB are cruising.
They have yet to prove themselves on the road in 2025, and that will be tested on March 26 when they travel to Charlotte to take on perennial playoff contender Crown Legacy FC.
If the young Lions can pass that test, they'll be a safe bet to appear high up in the Power Rankings again after Matchweek 3.
Last match: 1-1 (4-1 SOW) vs. Atlanta United 2
Next match: at Crown Legacy FC on Wednesday, March 26
A 1-0 loss to Chattanooga FC on Saturday was a tough one to take, but on the other hand, Huntsville City FC's 4-1 win in Chicago to open the season was undeniable.
Up next, HCFC's long-awaited 2025 home opener will be a stiff test against a winless, yet very dangerous Union II side headlined by Cavan Sullivan.
Last match: 1-0 loss at Chattanooga FC
Next match: vs Philadelphia Union II on Friday, March 28
Unbeaten through two, Revs II are looking good so far in 2025.
They’ve gotten the better of two 2024 playoff sides to open the season with their latest being a 2-0 win over FC Cincinnati 2 on Thursday.
Revs II have yet to hit the road, though, and won't be put to the test in that way until an April 9 trip to Orlando City B.
Last match: 2-0 win vs. FC Cincinnati 2
Next match: vs. Toronto FC II on Friday, March 28
A hearty El Traficicho win over crosstown rival Ventura County FC moves Los Angeles FC 2 into second place in the West and one the few unbeatens left in the league.
Junior Gonzalez’s squad has scored six goals (three each) through their first two matches, which paces the league through matchweek 2.
A fun fact, several players are tied for MLS NEXT Pro's single-season assist record (10) and LAFC2 midfielder Jude Terry opened the season with three vs. Whitecaps FC2. Consider him at large to be a record-breaker.
Last match: 3-1 win vs. Ventura County FC
Next match: vs. FC Arizona on Wednesday, March 19 (USOC)
Next League match: at Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, April 6
A 1-0 win over previously-ranked Toronto FC II pushed Chicago Fire II into the top 10.
It was a solid bounce back from their opening day defeat to Huntsville City FC, and an all-important clean sheet to build on for the weeks ahead.
Last match: 1-0 vs. Toronto FC II
Next Match: at FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, March 30
Another Eastern Conference side in the unbeaten crowd through two.
NYCFC II won their first match of the season 2-0 over Columbus Crew 2 in their home opener on Friday.
The story here is 17-year-old striker Seymour Reid hitting the net for the third time this season. Is the Jamaican international going to be a 2025 Golden Boot contender?
Last match: 2-0 vs. Columbus Crew 2
Next match: vs Carolina Core FC on Monday, March 24
That's more like it!
The defending MLS NEXT Pro Cup champs bounced back from their opening day loss with a 3-2 win over Whitecaps FC2. North Texas SC got out on the front foot in Matchweek 2, and newcomer forward Samuel Sarver led the way with a brace, and Anthony Ramírez hit one of the best goals of his budding career.
They successfully squashed WFC2's late comeback effort and returned to the Power Rankings where they spent much of the 2024 season dwelling.
Last match: 3-2 vs Whitecaps FC2
Next match: at Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday Match 23
