Matchweek 10 of the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season delivered several standout performances around the league.
From Portland’s steady climb up the table to breakout showings in Orlando and New York City, here are the top performers from an action-packed Matchweek 10.
MLS NEXT Pro Team of Matchweek 10: Portland Timbers2
Timbers2 completed a perfect Matchweek 10, securing back-to-back home wins, first defeating LAFC2 by 3-0 and then taking down Tacoma Defiance by a 2-1 scoreline to earn them Team of Matchweek 10 honors.
With the pair of victories, Timbers2 climbed to seventh place in the Western Conference standings with 15 points and extended their winning streak to three matches.
They opened the week with a dominant shutout against LAFC2, led by goals from Gage Guerra, Kyle Linhares, and Reo Revaldo.
Serge Dinkota’s side then earned a gritty win over Tacoma Defiance, with goals from Revaldo once again and a stunning free kick from Alex Moreno.
Now unbeaten in four of their last five, Timbers2 have hit their stride at home.
Their next challenge is proving they can carry that form consistently on the road.
MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchweek 10: Justin Ellis, Orlando City B
Justin Ellis celebrated his 18th birthday in an unforgettable fashion by making his MLS debut with Orlando City SC in a midweek victory against Charlotte FC.
He followed that up with a head-turning performance for Orlando City B, recording three goal contributions in a 3–0 win over Inter Miami II, all in the same week.
Ellis got things started early for OCB, delivering a chip into the box that midfielder Gustavo Caraballo finished confidently.
Right after halftime, Ellis again connected with another teammate on a near-identical play, chipping a ball this time to Shak Mohammed, who buried the shot to double OCB’s lead.
Minutes later, Ellis stepped up to the penalty spot after an Inter Miami II handball was called in the box and then rifled his penalty attempt past the keeper to seal the 3-0 victory for OCB.
The successful penalty marked his third goal of the 2025 season, and his fifth all-time with Orlando City B.
The young forward’s meteoric rise has been hard to ignore this season.
Just last month, Ellis finished as the top scorer in the 2025 Generation Adidas Cup, scoring six goals in six games and guiding Orlando City to the U-18 title.
Since debuting with Orlando City B in March of 2024, Ellis has shown he’s built for the professional game.
Now, he’s making it clear he’s ready for more.
MLS NEXT Pro Rising Star of Matchweek 10: Julian Lacher, NYCFC II
Julian Lacher provided yet another solid performance for NYCFC II, this time in a 3-0 win over TFC II during Matchweek 10.
After a teammate’s shot hit the post in the 60th minute, the 18-year-old midfielder reacted quickly and fired the rebound past the TFC II keeper to seal the win for NYCFC II.
The victory kept NYCFC II among the top four teams in the Eastern Conference standings.
With six goal contributions (3 goals, 3 assists) in 11 appearances, Lacher has quietly emerged as one of the most consistent attacking threats in Matt Pilkington’s squad this season.
In 2025, Lacher and NYCFC II’s young core aren’t just developing, they’re delivering.
