With 10 MLS NEXT Pro Matchweeks left in 2025, it’s getting to crunch time for this year’s playoff hopefuls.
With the added pressure of the Pick-your-opponent format for the top four in each conference, seeding is also going to become a main storyline in the weeks to come.
With several teams prevailing and enduring in their respective streaks, nobody’s been hotter than St Louis CITY2, who extended their unbeaten run to nine with a 1-1 tie against Ventura County FC.
In the East, Philadelphia Union II are looking primed for another run to the conference final as their latest win, a convincing 4-0 victory over Crown Legacy FC, also has them unbeaten in nine.
Read more about how the MLS NEXT Pro Top 10 power rankings shook out after Matchweek 19.
St Louis CITY2’s historic winning streak stopped at eight with a 1-1 tie with Ventura County FC.
But, it’s still a nine-game unbeaten run that has them eight points clear at the top of the Western Conference table with only 10 matches to go.
Can they be the first to clinch a playoff spot this year?
Last match: 1-1 tie, SOW vs. Ventura County FCNext match: vs. MNUFC2 on Sunday, July 27
The Eastern Conference leaders got the better of their crosstown rivals in Matchweek 18 and successfully shook off a three-game winless run.
It was thanks in large part to a hat trick from on-loan striker Mijahir Jiménez, who raised his total to four on the year.
If that breakout performance is going to be the latest revelation for RBNY II’s already stacked attack, there’s a new gear of scary they can hit in the home stretch of the year.
Last match: 4-2 win vs. NYCFC II
Next match: at Chicago Fire II on Sunday, July 27
Every week it’s the same story, who can beat these guys?
Matchweek 18 revealed it won’t be Crown Legacy FC.
Union II dominated in a 4-0 win that earned team of the Matchweek, and swept the season series 7-0 in 2025.
Now on an eight-game unbeaten run and still only one loss all season, Union II are once again looking like the team to beat in the East.
Last match: 4-0 win at Crown Legacy FC
Next match: at NYCFC II on Saturday, July 26
Looking for their first win since May, Chattanooga FC have been waiting for a bounceback.
They’ve scored multiple goals in their last two matches, but have only been able to come up with ties and have split the shootout results.
In the final stretch of the year, CFC fans will be looking for the form that saw their side start the year on a six-game unbeaten run.
Last match: 2-2 tie, SOW vs. Inter Miami II
Next match: vs. Crown Legacy FC
Statement made.
Rapids 2 put on a comeback for the ages in a 6-4 win over the Tacoma Defiance on Sunday, and that’s something that should put the rest of the West on notice.
Can they use it well in the weeks ahead in their mission to secure a home playoff seed?
Last match: 6-4 win vs. Tacoma Defiance
Next match: at North Texas SC on Sunday, August 2
Another team in top form, The Town FC, are unbeaten in their last four.
Winger Missael Rodríguez has been leading the charge with a three-game personal scoring streak and building a strong case for a Player of the Month nod in July.
Last match: 3-2 win vs. MNUFC2
Next match: vs. Real Monarchs on Saturday, July 26
A successful bounceback win helped Chicago Fire FC II stay at the top of the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Striker Jason Shokalook is coming alive in July with three goals and could be a dark horse MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot candidate with another multi-goal game in the weeks ahead.
Last match: 3-2 win at TFC II
Nest match: vs. RBNY II on Thursday, July 27
A double matchweek resulted in two ties and shootout losses for Ventura County FC.
Granted, they were both tough matches, and surviving them unbeaten is an accomplishment.
However, it’s also valuable points left on the table for a team that spent several weeks leading the West.
Last match: 2-2 tie, SOL vs. LAFC2
Next match: at Tacoma Defiance on Friday, August 1
Their Christmas in July win over Columbus Crew 2 kicked off a two-game homestand to close July.
The successful bounceback leaves Huntsville City FC in sixth place and in the thick of home playoff seeding in the East.
Every minute of every game is going to be important from here on out. It’s a good time to be an HCFC fan.
Last match: 2-1 win vs. Crew 2
Next match: vs. Orlando City B on Friday, July 25
The defending MLS NEXT Pro Cup champs are back in the Top 10 and should be brimming with confidence after a big 4-1 road win over Sporting KC II.
Newcomer striker Sam Sarver’s four-goal haul made him the Player of Matchweek 19 and the top dog in the Golden Boot race.
Holding down the four seed in the West, NTSC will be focused on locking down their home seed for the playoffs in the weeks to come.
Last match: 4-1 win at SKC II
Next match: vs. Colorado Rapids 2 on Saturday, August 2
