The top two spots remain unchanged in the MLS NEXT Pro Top 10 Power Rankings through two Matchdays.
MNUFC2 and Earthquakes II continue to be the class of the Western Conference in the early going of the 2023 season, but things are still bunched up enough for that all to change in an instant for whoever blinks first in the race to stay unbeaten.
Chicago Fire II and Orlando City B have emerged as the best in the East, but stand as only two of the four unbeaten teams in the conference.
But, it must be said - it's early. That did not stop MLSNEXTPro.com's staff from voting to compile power rankings after all of Matchday 2's action, and we did see some shuffling when compared to the Matchday 1 list.
Here is a closer look at MLS NEXT Pro's Top 10 Power Rankings following Matchday 2:
WFC2 slipped but stayed in the Top 10 after Sunday's 1-1 tie with Los Angeles FC 2. They claimed the extra point thanks to three shootout saves from Isaac Bohmer, who continues to impress as one of the best goalkeepers in the league. As it stands, Whitecaps FC 2 are unbeaten in a stacked Western Conference, and that is no easy feat.
Last Match: 1-1 tie (3-2 SOW) at Los Angeles FC 2
Next Match: vs. North Texas SC on Sunday, April 9
Crown Legacy FC is enjoying that special first-win feeling after Friday's 2-1 contest with FC Cincinnati 2. The win is, of course, the first in club history, and it saw forward Brandon Cambridge put together back-to-back scoring performances. Crown Legacy is among the Eastern Conference's unbeaten list through two Matchdays, and fans should be excited by the club's early outlook.
Last match: 2-1 win vs. FC Cincinnati 2
Next Match: at New York Red Bulls II on Sunday, April 9
Eighth might be a little low for some after what the Tacoma Defiance did on Sunday. A 5-0 win over Real Monarchs is about as convincing as it gets, and on the heels of a hotly contested 1-1 tie in Matchday 1, Wade Webber's side is unbeaten and looking tough once again in 2023. The Defiance run into a fellow unbeaten in Austin FC II on Friday, which should make for a telling contest in the Western Conference power landscape.
Last match: 5-0 win vs. Real Monarchs
Next Match: at Austin FC II on Friday, April 8
Revs II has put together back-to-back wins through two MLS NEXT Pro Matchdays and are looking primed to be one of the Eastern Conference's Elite. Sunday's win over NYCFC II showed that Revolution II could overcome a back-and-forth battle and has the first-team star power to deploy when needed, which is an enviable asset to have. Sunday's contest was won thanks to 18-year-old wonderkid Esmir Bajraktarevic, and if he is even an occasional weapon for Clint Peay, that's going to make for trouble in the Eastern Conference.
Last Match: 2-1 win vs. NYCFC II
Next Match: vs. Philadelphia Union II on Monday, April 10
Rapids 2 have had a remarkable flair for the dramatic so far. In back-to-back Matchdays, someone has emerged as a hero off the bench and delivered a difference-maker for the win in stoppage time. Head coach Erik Bushey will probably want to see his side improve at making things less unpredictable, but for us onlookers, the entertainment has been too good to ask for any changes.
Last Match: 2-1 win at Houston Dynamo 2
Next Match: vs. Timbers2 on Sunday, April 9
One of only two teams who haven't conceded a goal in 2023, North Texas SC is challenging for the top spot in the West after Matchday 2. NTSC has a clean sweep of the Los Angeles market in hand already and just needs to take things up a notch on the offensive side to jump up a tier. In Matchday 2, North Texas SC benefitted from an own goal to take a 1-0 win over LA Galaxy II, but has all the firepower needed to start creating more goals of its own. Still, winning two on the road to start the season is impressive and can't be knocked.
Last Match: 1-0 win at LA Galaxy
Next Match: vs. Whitecaps FC2 on Sunday, April 9
OCB moved up two spots thanks to a Matchday 2 win over Huntsville City SC. Orlando City B can thank defender Alexander Freeman for his brace in the 2-1 win that kept his side tied for first place in the Eastern Conference. The only detail to chew on with OCB right now is holding down the fort when playing with a lead. In back-to-back weeks, Orlando City B has let two-goal leads turn into 2-1 leads. With one of the top goalkeepers in the league Javier Otero, the clean sheets should be coming soon.
Last Match: 2-1 win vs. Huntsville City FC
Next Match: vs. Inter Miami CF II on Sunday, April 9
Chicago Fire II arguably made the most significant statement in Matchday 2. A 39th-minute red card in a scoreless game against TFC II, a 2022 Eastern Conference finalist, was a tall task to overcome. But Fire II handled it and then some. Eric Leonard and Charlie Ostrem stunned their Canadian visitors with goals in the 55th and 58th minutes and rode out the clean sheet to remain in control of the Eastern Conference.
Last Match: 2-0 win vs. TFC II
Next Match: vs Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, April 9
It's hard to argue with dominance - and by the numbers, Quakes II has been just that. Five goals scored, zero goals against through two Matchdays. Each of Earthquakes II's goals has come from a different scorer, which shows opponents that danger can come from anywhere. Dan DeGeer's side is rolling in the early phase.Â
Last Match: 2-0 win at Timbers2
Next Match: vs Real Monarchs on Sunday, April 9
Opening up the season with five straight road games is tough, and MNUFC2 has proven to be up to the task. So far, MNUFC2 has outscored its opponents 6-1, won both of its games and has forward Diogo Pacheco emerging as an early Golden Boot candidate with his three goals through two MLS NEXT Pro Matchdays.
The question is: Can they hold it down long enough to stay unbeaten for their homecoming in May? It certainly looks possible and will be fun to observe over the next few weeks.
Last Match: 3-1 win at St Louis CITY2
Next Match: at LA Galaxy II on Sunday, April 9
