MLS NEXT PRO: Power Rankings - Houston Dynamo 2 Claims Top Spot After Dominant Matchweek 3
- Staff Writer
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
NEW YORK — As the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season moves into high gear, the landscape is beginning to shift. Matchweek 3 saw the number of unbeaten teams dwindle from eleven down to just seven, as early-season contenders faced their first real tests of adversity.
Leading the charge is Houston Dynamo 2, whose flawless start has earned them the #1 spot in the latest Power Rankings. Trailing closely are the high-octane attacks of Crown Legacy FC and St Louis CITY2, both of whom maintained their perfect records over the weekend.
The Top Five
1. Houston Dynamo 2 (3-0-0) The "Dynamo Dos" defense remains an impenetrable fortress, standing as the only club in the league yet to concede a goal. Following a 5-0 clinical dismantling of Timbers2, Houston proved they have depth beyond last week's hero Mattheo Dimareli, as Matthew Arana stepped up with his first professional goal and an assist.
Next: vs. North Texas SC (03/21)
2. Crown Legacy FC (3-0-0) The story in Charlotte is Rodolfo Aloko. The 19-year-old forward currently leads the league in goals (5) and total contributions (7). With a 3-0 win over Inter Miami II and a first clean sheet of the year courtesy of goalkeeper Isaac Walker, Crown Legacy looks like the most complete threat in the Eastern Conference.
Next: vs. Atlanta United 2 (03/22)
3. St Louis CITY2 (3-0-0) CITY2 survived a 3-2 thriller against Ventura County FC to keep their winning streak alive. Palmer Ault was the standout, netting his first professional brace to bring his season goal contribution total to six. With Riley Lynch pulling the strings in midfield, St Louis remains a nightmare for opposing backlines.
Next: vs. LAFC2 (03/22)
4. Red Bull New York II (1-0-2) The defending champions showed championship grit in the Hudson River Derby. Despite a shootout loss to NYCFC II, Rafael Mosquera’s stunning equalizer kept their unbeaten regulation streak intact. They remain a top-tier tactical side heading into a massive clash with Union II.
Next: vs. Philadelphia Union II (03/22)
5. Real Monarchs (1-0-2) Resilience is the calling card for the Monarchs, who climbed back twice to secure a shootout win against LAFC2. The South American tandem of Lineker Rodrigues and Antonio Riquelme provided the necessary sparks to keep the Monarchs without a regulation loss this season.
Next: vs. Whitecaps FC 2 (03/22)
Rounding Out the Top 10
Rank | Team | Key Note |
6 | Atlanta United 2 | Liam Butts’ brace kept them unbeaten ahead of a "Matchweek 4" gauntlet. |
7 | NE Revolution II | Captain Eric Klein’s 18 defensive actions anchored a massive win over Cincy. |
8 | Connecticut United FC | The expansion side showed veteran composure in a comeback win over Philly. |
9 | Philadelphia Union II | 16-year-old Malik Jakupovic remains a bright spot despite a tough loss. |
10 | Ventura County FC | Their unbeaten run ended, but Dylan Vanney continues to be an elite academy talent. |
On the Horizon
The upcoming weekend features a "clash of titans" as #2 Crown Legacy FC hosts #6 Atlanta United 2. Meanwhile, #8 Connecticut United FC travels to face #7 New England Revolution II in a battle of teams looking to prove they belong in the league's elite tier.
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