We’re down to the final eight teams in the race for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
In the Western Conference, the top three seeds took care of business in the quarterfinals, while MNUFC2 delivered the lone upset of the round by knocking off Real Monarchs on the road.
After the second round of the MLS NEXT Pro’s pick-your-opponent format, the matchups are set: St Louis CITY2 will host MNUFC2, and The Town FC hosting Colorado Rapids 2.
Here’s a look at the semifinal clashes that will decide who advances to the 2025 Western Conference Final.
St Louis CITY2 continue to prove why they’re the class of the Western Conference, cruising past Ventura County FC with a 3-0 win at Energizer Park last weekend.
As the top seed, CITY2 had the privilege of picking their semifinal opponent and chose with lowest seed left on the board in MNUFC2, a team they defeated twice during the regular season.
Jeremy Hall’s MNUFC2 showed resilience in their quarterfinal victory over Real Monarchs last weekend, rallying from a first-half deficit to earn a 2-1 road win. Their biggest challenge now will be slowing down CITY2’s attack, something few teams have done this season.
If MNUFC2 can replicate the defensive discipline they showed against Real Monarchs, as head coach Jeremy Hall praised MNUFC2's backline after the match, they’ll give themselves a chance at an another upset.
Continuing to get Kieran Chandler involved on the left flank, as well as midfielder Momoh Kamara, will also executing in front of goal will be the keys to quieting the CITY2 supporters at Energizer Park on Sunday.
Players to Watch
Brendan McSorley delivered a player-of-the-match performance in CITY2’s 3-0 win over VCFC last weekend, scoring twice to send his team through to the semifinals. After posting eight goals and eight assists in 23 regular-season appearances, McSorley enters the semifinals in top form and will be a key player for CITY2 as they push for a second straight trip to the Western Conference Final.
Since signing with the Minnesota United back in August, Alexis Fariña has been on a tear. The 20-year-old Paraguyan scored MNUFC2's first-ever playoff goal from the the penalty spot last week to make a little bit of club history.
The Town FC took care of business at PayPal Park last week, defeating the defending champions North Texas SC with a convincing 3-0 win. Now, they turn their attention to a Colorado Rapids 2 side that has found its rhythm since these two teams last met.
Rapids 2 advanced with a 3-2 victory over Whitecaps FC 2. It was a confident performance that showed their attacking depth and ability to capitalize on throw-ins, a part of the game that Rapids 2 head coach Erik Bushey shared his team treats as another set piece, which led to two goals against WFC2.
Season Series
COL 0-3 TTFC 05/25
Players to Watch:
Nick Fernandez turned in a standout performance against North Texas SC last week, the 23-year-old has been in excellent form as of late, recording a goal contribution in three consecutive matches.
With back-to-back starts and five goal contributions in his last four appearances, defender James Cameron has come up clutch for Rapids 2 at the most imporant time of the year.
