The race for MLS NEXT Pro playoff spots has continued to heat up with plenty of clubs in the mix across both conferences.
Philadelphia Union II, Tacoma Defiance, and FC Cincinnati 2 all continued unbeaten runs this past weekend after positive Matchweek 18 performances.
North Texas SC suffered a setback in Colorado, as did Chicago Fire II at home against NYCFC II.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings following Matchweek 18:
10.) NYCFC II
Make it six-straight matches unbeaten for NYCFC II.
Matt Pilkington's squad edged Chicago Fire II by a 2-0 scoreline on Sunday, moving to fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Piero Elias and Jonathan Shore both scored while goalkeeper Luis Barraza registered a four-save clean sheet.
A good measuring stick match comes next for NYCFC II in Matchweek 19, with Philadelphia Union II coming to town.
Last Match: 2-0 win at Chicago Fire II.
Next Match: vs. Philadelphia Union II on Friday, July 19.
9.) Chattanooga FC
Chattanooga FC is currently going through a bit of a rough stretch.
A 3-1 loss to Philadelphia Union II marked the third-straight loss for CFC, who continue to slip down the Eastern Conference standings. Now without a regulation win in their last five matches, there will certainly be added pressure on Wednesday's trip to Carolina Core FC (who defeated CFC 2-1 on June 22).
Last Match: 3-1 loss at Philadelphia Union II.
Next Match: at Carolina Core on Wednesday, July 17.
8.) Tacoma Defiance
Tacoma Defiance's season-high winning streak continued on Sunday in Canada.
A 4-1 road result over Whitecaps FC 2 extended the Defiance's winning streak to four matches, moving them two points out of fourth place. Chris Aquino scored twice for Herve Diese's men while Osaze De Rosario and Sebastian Gomez also found the back of the net.
With confidence on their side, the Defiance will be favored in upcoming home matches against LAFC2 and MNUFC2.
Last Match: 4-1 win at Whitecaps FC2.
Next Match: vs. LAFC2 on Saturday, July 20.
7.) Whitecaps FC 2
A seven-match winning streak came to a painful ending for Whitecaps FC 2.
Sunday's 4-1 home loss to Tacoma Defiance marked the largest margin of defeat for the Canadian club this year. Trips to Real Monarchs and Sporting KC II are next on Whitecaps FC 2's schedule, providing two positive opportunies to rebound.
But first, a bye week will provide them with a chance to rest and recover.
Last Match: 4-1 loss vs. Tacoma Defiance.
Next Match: at Real Monarchs on Sunday, July 28.
6.) Chicago Fire II
Chicago Fire II's inconsistent home form could be what costs them a playoff spot this season.
A 2-0 home loss to NYCFC II marked a setback for Fire II despite just winning 2-0 midweek against TFC II. Sunday's loss marked the first time in league play and second time overall this year that Fire II have failed to score.
David Poreba, Harold Osorio and Co. will aim to rebound during Matchweek 19's slate.
Last Match: 2-0 loss vs. NYCFC II.
Next Match: vs. New England Revolution II on Sunday, July 21.
5.) Ventura County FC
Make it a perfect 7-0!
Ventura County FC earned their seventh shootout victory of 2024 following Sunday's 5-4 result at rivals LAFC2. 20-year-old David Diaz scored his first goal of the season while goalkeeper Brady Scott made four saves in the match.
Three-straight shootout results have VCFC staying just behind the top-two in the West.
Last Match: 1-1, SOW at LAFC2.
Next Match: vs. Timbers2 on Sunday, July 21.
4.) FC Cincinnati 2
The good times just keep on rolling for FC Cincinnati 2.
A 2-1 road win over TFC II this past weekend extended FCC2's unbeaten run to six matches in league play. Stefan Chirila's 90th minute winner helped FCC2 pick up three points in Canada, keeping them closely behind Philadelphia Union II for the top spot in the East.
Rivalry matches against Columbus Crew 2 and Chicago Fire II are up next for Tyrone Marshall's men.
Last Match: 2-1 win at TFC II
Next Match: at Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, July 21.
3.) North Texas SC
North Texas SC witnessed their seven-match unbeaten run come to a disappointing ending in Colorado.
A 2-0 road loss to Rapids 2 saw NTX suffer their first regulation loss since May 12, opening the door for St. Louis CITY2 to move ahead in the Western Conference race. The result marked only the third time in 2024 that NTX failed to find the back of the net, a theme that Michel Garbini's squad will hope to avoid long-term.
Last Match: 2-0 loss at Colorado Rapids 2.
Next Match: at Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday, July 21.
2.) St. Louis CITY2
St. Louis CITY2 enjoyed a break from weekend action during Matchweek 18's schedule.
A 4-3 win over LAFC2 last time out helped CITY2 rebound from a 3-1 loss to Whitecaps FC 2. Mykhi Joyner has continued to play a large role in the attacking third, leading the team with nine goals this season.
Back-to-back trips to Sporting KC II and North Texas SC are next for CITY2 in their race for the West's No. 1 spot.
Last Match: Bye Week.
Next Match: at Sporting KC II on Sunday, July 21.
1.) Philadelphia Union II
Make it three wins on the spin for Philadelphia Union II.
A 3-1 home triumph over Chattanooga FC saw Eddy Davis, Cavan Sullivan, and Leandro Soria all find the back of the net at Subaru Park. The 14-year-old Sullivan has now scored in back-to-back matches and could very well be on his way to a first-team debut in the coming weeks.
Last Match: 3-1 win vs. Chattanooga FC.
Next Match: at NYCFC II on Friday, July 19.
