The inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro has been packed with goals, drama and excitement through five weeks. Let’s take a look at the teams that continued to light it up and made MLS NEXT Pro Top 5 Team Rankings this week:
Making its debut on the MLS NEXT Pro Top 5 Team Rankings is Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 after its 4-1 win over Sporting KC II at Swangard Stadium Sunday evening. The resounding home victory marked the second in row for WFC2, placing the team fifth in the Western Conference. Despite being shutout in its first match, the team from Vancouver now has scored a minimum of two goals in every game. Four goals at home against SKCII epitomized how fluid and decisive WFC2’s offense has been as four different players got on the scoresheet. WFC2 look to make it three consecutive victories when they take on San Jose Earthquakes II at home.
Previous Ranking: Not ranked
Next Match: vs San Jose Earthquakes II on Saturday, April 30
Another team quickly climbing the standings in the Western Conference is Minnesota United FC following a 4-0 win against St. Louis CITY2 at St. Louis University Hermann Stadium Sunday afternoon. After losing its first two games, MNUFC2 is now on a three game winning streak and is coming off back to back 4-0 victories. Midfielder Justin McMaster has been the catalyst all season so far for the MNUFC2 offense as he currently sits on four goals in five games. The team from Minnesota now is third in the west and has grabbed the attention of the league with its dynamic frontline play. A win against Chicago Fire II would make it four straight and send a clear message that MNUFC2 is on the rise.
Previous Ranking: Not ranked
Next Match: at Chicago Fire II on Sunday, May 8
Despite narrowly losing to Houston Dynamo 2 Saturday afternoon at Toyota Stadium 3-2, North Texas SC remained third in the MLS NEXT Pro Top 5 Team Rankings. NTSC was handed its first loss of the season following a consistent run of victories, including a shootout win over Tacoma Defiance. The team from Texas performed admirably in the loss with the opening goal coming from midfielder Andre Costa and a second-half equalizer from forward Jose Mulato. Hope Avayevu also grabbed another assist, marking his fourth of the season. NTSC’s counter attacking offense still managed to find the cracks in one of the best defenses in the league, scoring the most goals against Houston Dynamo 2.
Previous Ranking: 3
Next Match: at Sporting KC II on Sunday, May 1
Watch out, Columbus Crew 2 continue to roll after beating Toronto FC 2 Sunday evening at Historic Crew Stadium 2-1. Despite losing its first game of the season, Crew 2 now have won four straight games with three of them being clean sheets. The team from Columbus showed its resilience and poise this week as the team had to overcome an early one goal deficit to maintain the winning streak. Forward Jacen Rusell-Rowe grabbed headlines again as he scored his third goal of the season, being the catalyst for a dynamic offense. Now first in the Eastern Conference, Columbus Crew 2 are sending a message that it is a team to be reckoned with.
Previous Ranking: 4
Next Match: at New England Revolution II on Sunday, May 8
Western Conference leaders Houston Dynamo 2 emphasize its powerhouse status following its 3-2 win over in-state rivals North Texas SC. The win marks five wins in five games for the team from Houston, including three clean sheets. NTSC took an early lead and eventually leveled the game, but Dynamo Dos showed immense determination and grit to ultimately pull out the result. Forward Roberto Avila scored yet again, grabbing his league-leading fifth goal. With its biggest test of season so far behind them, the team from Houston looks to remain perfect with a win against Western Conference foe Tacoma Defiance.
Previous Ranking: 1
Next Match: at Tacoma Defiance on Sunday, May 1
