Jakupović named finalist for Goalkeeper of the Year; Jakupović and Robertson earn honorable mentions for Best XI.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (October 8, 2026) — Chattanooga Football Club announced today that forward Alex Krehl has been selected to the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI.
The Best XI recognizes the league's outstanding players at each position, with all 11 players earning the honor for the first time this season.
Chattanooga FC’s Eldin Jakupović and Tate Robertson earned Best XI honorable mentions this season at goalkeeper and defender, respectively, after being named to the 2025 Best XI. Jakupović was also named a finalist for Goalkeeper of the Year.
Krehl had an unforgettable season with CFC, scoring a club-record 18 goals and providing three assists in 27 matches played. Krehl opened his league account in the second match of the campaign when he scored a brace against fellow independent club CT United. He also scored the winning and lone goal in the club's historic match at Erlanger Park on July 4 in front of a club-record regular season crowd of 6,107.
The Best XI, Goalkeeper and Defender of the Year awards were voted on by the head coaches and chief soccer officers at MLS NEXT Pro Clubs, as well as League broadcasters and content team members.
The 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI is listed and displayed below:
Goalkeeper (1):
Sam Joseph – Portland Timbers2
Honorable Mention: Eldin Jakupović – Chattanooga FC and Will Mackay – Huntsville City FC
Defenders (3):Â
Jules Bery – Austin FC II
Dominik Chong Qui – Atlanta United 2
Nicklas Lund – Portland Timbers2
Honorable Mention: Andre Applewhaite – CT United FC
Midfielders (4):
Jorge Alastuey – Austin FC II
Palmer Ault – St Louis CITY2
Cameron Dunbar – Atlanta United 2
Eric Izoita – Portland Timbers2
Honorable Mention: Cooper Flax – New York City FC II and Tate Robertson – Chattanooga FC
Forwards (3):
Kevin Gbamblé – Columbus Crew 2
Arif Kovac – Atlanta United 2
Alex Krehl – Chattanooga FC
Honorable Mention: Hugo Mbongue – Crown Legacy FC
Next up
Chattanooga FC hosts NYCFC II in the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on Sunday, October 18 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are available now.
