Another MLS NEXT Pro Matchday is in the books, and the standings have been shaken once again.
Matchday 5 gave us plenty to talk about as we keep a pulse on the highest-performing teams in the league.
As always, the MLSNEXTPro.com staff collaborated to produce a fresh set of Top 10 Power Rankings following Matchday 5 action.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings:
It feels like North Texas SC was dealt a cruel and unusual hand by the soccer gods on Friday. While hosting, NTSC was stunned by Real Monarchs thanks to a 95th-minute stoppage-time winner off a direct free kick from Moses Nyeman. While the loss was shocking, it should just be an anomaly, and North Texas SC is a team that looks capable of bouncing back.
The issue is it's a trip to Western Conference leader Rapids 2, and it has all the makings of one of the biggest showdowns of the early season.
Last Match: 1-0 loss vs Real Monarch
Next Match: at Rapids 2 on Sunday, April 30
A 266-day unbeaten streak came to an end on Sunday when Crew 2 fell to Crown Legacy FC.
We're still in the early phase of the season, and the result looks like a forgivable one. All of Crew 2's success in 2022 still leaves the impression that there will be new heroes emerging in the Ohio capital to fill the shoes left behind by Jacen Russell-Rowe, Mo Farsi, and co. Also - the defending champs have only had one home game so far this season which comes with some obvious disadvantages.
Last Match: 1-0 loss at Crown Legacy FC
Next Match: vs Inter Miami II on Sunday, April 30
In similar fashion to North Texas SC, Revs II got burned by a stoppage-time concession they'll feel unlucky about.
They'll run into FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, which has proven to be a worthy foe this season. It will serve as a big momentum game Revs II should be desperate to win before they depart on a two-match road trip in May.
Last Match: 1-0 loss vs. New York Red Bulls II
Next Match: vs. FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, April 30
The Defiance are the biggest movers in this edition of the Top 10 Power Rankings, coming from an unranked position last week.
Wade Webber's side came in fresh off a BYE week and took care of business against fellow 2022 playoff entrant Houston Dynamo 2 on Sunday. The win marked their second of the month and places them sixth, with a game in hand over most, in the Western Conference.
Last Match: 2-1 win over Dynamo 2
Next Match: at LA Galaxy II on Sunday, April 30
Back-to-back losses will slightly stain the job MNUFC2 is doing with a lengthy road trip to open the season, but there is no denying that they are still hanging tough when you consider the long view. Before the last two weeks, they notched three-consecutive road wins while waiting until May 7 to play at home.
The going gets a little tougher in their final test of the six-game road trip when they do battle with Austin FC II on Friday, but it can be the stage for a massive statement game as well. Mark your calendar!
Last Match: 5-2 loss at Whitecaps FC 2
Next Match: at Austin FC II on Friday, April 28
Orlando City B maintained a spot in the rankings after a rollercoaster match with NYCFC II on Sunday. OCB took the shootout spoils following a 2-2 tie in a contest that amassed 12 disciplinary cards (including two reds). The hotly contested match was every bit nervy as it was entertaining, and the shootout was a fitting conclusion where star goalkeeper Javier Otero lived up to his reputation with two crucial stops.
It proved Orlando can rise to the occasion and is one of the most fun teams in the league to watch week in and week out.
Last Match: 2-2 tie, SOW vs NYCFC II
Next Match: vs. Toronto FC II on Sunday, April 30
The team of Matchday 5 had a strong home showing against MNUFC2, racking up a hearty 5-2 win.
WFC2 got a little first-team support in the form of three starters in the initial XI, but that extra bit of quality was a small part of what turned out to be a true team win.
Last Match: 5-2 win vs MNUFC2
Next Match: at St Louis CITY2 on Sunday, April 30
Last week we called for a statement game, and Crown Legacy FC was up to the task on Sunday.
They successfully took on defending MLS NEXT Pro Cup champion and (formerly) unbeaten peer Crew 2 in the weekend's biggest game.
Patrick Ageymang broke the deadlock in the first half, and that was good enough for the CLFC defense to close it out. They will be a playoff shoo-in if they can make it look that easy week in and week out.
Last Match: 1-0 win vs Crew 2
Next Match: at NYCFC II
ATXFCII remained unbeaten but didn’t exactly do it in style on Matchday 5. A shootout loss to LA Galaxy II, one of the teams lower was a dip in form from the side who charged into the weekend with a three-game winning streak.
We’re still far away from judgment day on ATXFCII but their upcoming schedule and response will be one to watch in Matchday 6.
Last Match: 1-1 tie, SOL at LA Galaxy II
Next Match: vs MNUFC2
This upcoming Matchday will be a telling one for Rapids 2, whose perfect season was spoiled on Sunday. They avoided a loss, but they were also without some bigger-name players like Yosuke Hanya and Daniel Cachón.
Still, Rapids 2 looks to be at-large as the best in the Western Conference and can continue to pull away from the field in their “show me” game with North Texas SC.
Last Match: 0-0 tie, SOL vs St Louis CITY2
Next Match: vs North Texas SC on Sunday, April 30
