The MLS NEXT Pro editorial team, along with league personnel, announcers, and clubs, voted on the top performers across the league in March to select the Team, Coach, Goalkeeper, Rising Star, and Player of the Month.
The voting process entailed performances from MLS NEXT Pro league matches from March 7th until March 31st.
Here are the winners:
MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Month: St Louis CITY2
After a heartbreaking loss in the Western Conference Final last season, St. Louis CITY2 have started the 2025 campaign with a vengeance.
The team currently leads the overall MLS NEXT Pro standings and has set a new club record by going undefeated through their first four matches of the season.
CITY2 leads the league with three victories so far this season, and their defense is a major reason why. The center back duo of Gabriel Mikina and newcomer Jaziel Orozco have anchored a CITY2 backline that has yet to concede a goal in 360 minutes of play, earning four clean sheets in March.
Offensively, MyKhi Joyner, Caden Glover, and Brendan McSorley have led the way, while a strong midfield core of Miguel Perez, and Ryan Becher have been instrumental in controlling the tempo and linking play in the midfield.
"We’ve collected 11 points out of 12 that have been up for grabs," CITY2 head coach David Critchley said of his team's start. "We’ve kept clean sheets in every single game so far. We’ve had several academy guys come into the team, made some starts, and get a lot of minutes. We’re really starting to execute the identity that we want to play in.
"We’ve been very happy with March so far."
This strong start on both sides of the ball earned CITY2 the MLS NEXT Pro Team of the Month honor for March.
With an experienced squad and a steady defense, CITY2 look poised to be a tough matchup for any opponent this season.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Month: Diego Gonzalez, Houston Dynamo 2
One of MLS NEXT Pro’s top playmakers, Houston Dynamo 2 captain Diego Gonzalez, has been named the Player of the Month for March.
Gonzalez has picked up right where he left off in 2024, when he ranked among the league’s assist leaders. The 22-year-old midfielder has contributed to goals in three of Houston’s first four matches this season, scoring two goals and providing two assists.
A creative force in the Dynamo 2 midfield and up top, Gonzalez has been instrumental in guiding a young squad under new head coach Marcelo Santos.
“Diego has a lot of qualities. He’s a very important player for this team, we have a young team," said Santos.
“It’s not just the ability to make plays and impact the game, but he’s also a leader of the team and it’s well deserved and we are thrilled for him to win this award.”
Gonzalez's performances have also earned attention from the first team. The 22-year-old was called up by Houston Dynamo FC head coach Ben Olsen for a couple of early-season matches and featured in a midseason friendly against the El Salvador national team, where he scored a highlight-reel goal.
As Dynamo Dos eye a fourth straight playoff appearance, Gonzalez will be a central figure in his team’s push for success this season.
MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Month: David Critchley, St Louis CITY2
Critchley has earned MLS NEXT Pro’s Coach of the Month honors for March after leading his team through an unbeaten start to the 2025 season.
Appointed head coach ahead of the new campaign, Critchley wasted no time making an impact. Under his leadership, CITY2 sits at the top of the standings with three wins and one shootout victory from their first four matches.
Critchley's promotion from academy coach to the CITY2 boss has been smooth, thanks in part to having overseen the development of some of the club’s budding stars.
Motivated by last year’s Western Conference Final defeat, CITY2 appears well-equipped to make another deep run in 2025.
MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month: Colin Welsh, St Louis CITY2
St. Louis CITY2 goalkeeper Colin Welsh has been named the MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Month for March following two strong performances to open the 2025 season.
A third-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft out of Western Michigan University, Welsh signed with CITY2 in February and has adapted quickly and contributed to the team.
The 21-year-old recorded clean sheets in both of his starts, helping CITY2 to consecutive victories over Sporting KC II.
With Roman Bürki sidelined with an injury and Christian Olivares called up to the first team, Welsh is expected to compete for minutes in the CITY2 goal over the coming weeks.
He’ll be challenged by 18-year-old Nick Bishop in a position battle for the No. 1 goalkeeper spot for CITY2.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of the Month: Yuval Cohen, Inter Miami II
Inter Miami II forward Yuval Cohen wasted no time making his mark in March, delivering some impressive performances to kick off the 2025 season.
He opened the month with a strong showing in the U.S. Open Cup, scoring twice in a 4-2 first-round victory over Miami United.
Cohen followed his U.S. Open Cup performance by providing another strong outing, this time in league play against Columbus Crew 2. The 19-year-old scored a brace,forced an own goal, and added an assist.
After tallying seven goals and one assist during his 2024 debut season, Cohen looks primed to be a key contributor once again this year.
