The 2023 MLS NEXT Pro regular season has come to a close, which means it’s time for Rapids 2 to take on its first-ever postseason run in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs. Following the league’s Decision Day matches, the final seeding was determined for the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, setting the stage for the new pick-your-opponent selection process to determine the matchups for the opening round (Conference Quarterfinals).
Seeding for the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
- Crown Legacy FC (19-4-5, 66 points)
- New England Revolution II (14-6-8, 56 points)
- Columbus Crew 2 (16-9-3, 54 points)
- New York Red Bulls II (14-8-6, 51 points)
- Orlando City B (13-10-5, 46 points)
- Chicago Fire II (9-8-11, 43 points)
- Philadelphia Union II (12-12-4, 42 points)
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
- Colorado Rapids 2 (19-4-5, 66 points)
- Tacoma Defiance (14-5-9, 57 points)
- Sporting KC II (13-9-6, 49 points)
- Austin FC II (12-7-9, 49 points)
- St Louis CITY2 (11-8-9, 47 points)
- Earthquakes II (11-10-7, 45 points)
- Houston Dynamo 2 (12-12-4, 43 points)
Decision Day was marked by a massive accomplishment for Colorado as the team edged out Crown Legacy FC for the No. 1 overall seed in MLS NEXT Pro. The two sides finished with an identical regular season record (19-4-5, 66 pts), however Rapids 2 was able to claim the number one spot in the league on goal differential, allowing the team the right to a home field advantage through the playoffs, including MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
Having finished as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, Rapids 2 received a bye in the first round of the playoffs alongside the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, Crown Legacy FC. The remaining playoff teams kicked off the Conference Quarterfinals on the weekend of September 29. The new pick-your-opponent selection process saw the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in each conference choose their opponent from the No. 4 through No. 7 seeds and host that team in the opening round. Following the second and third seed selections, the remaining two teams in each conference were slated to face each other, with the higher seed hosting.
After an opening weekend of competitive matches and a few upsets, the remaining teams in the Western Conference are Tacoma Defiance (No. 2 seed), Austin FC II (No. 4 seed) and Earthquakes II (No. 6 seed). In the Eastern Conference, the teams that stand are New England Revolution II (No. 2 seed), Columbus Crew 2 (No. 3 seed) and New York Red Bulls II (No. 4 seed).
Heading into the Conference Semifinals, Colorado Rapids 2 and Crown Legacy FC will resume their positions as the No. 1 seeds and will select their opponents from the two lowest seeds remaining in their Conference following the Quarterfinals. The second-highest seeded team will face the remaining team. Rapids 2’s Conference Semifinals match is scheduled for Sunday, October 8, at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park at 7:30 p.m. MT. The Conference Finals and MLS NEXT Pro Cup will then follow a traditional bracket format.
Per MLS NEXT Pro rules, players will be eligible to participate in the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs if they have been rostered in five regular season home matches or four regular season matches, including one road match during the 2023 season. The following is the list of Rapids 2 players who are eligible for the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs:
First Team Signed Players:
Sebastian Anderson
Moise Bombito
Michael Edwards
Calvin Harris
Aboubacar Keita
Oliver Larraz
Abraham Rodriguez
Jackson Travis
Darren Yapi
Rapids 2 Signed Players:
Robinson Aguirre
Daouda Amadou
Logan Batiste
Adam Beaudry
Rémi Cabral
Caique de Brito
Yosuke Hanya
Lars Helleren
Blake Malone
Dillon Serna
Marlon Vargas
Jackson Walti
Academy/Amateur Players:
Zackory Campagnolo
Keith Chavarria
Steve Flores
Daniel Garcia
Pariss Mitchell
Leonardo Medina
The playoffs will consist of three rounds followed by MLS NEXT Pro Cup, taking place over four consecutive weeks beginning the weekend of September 29. All playoff matches and MLS NEXT Pro Cup will be broadcast live on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
To purchase tickets to Rapids 2’s Conference Semifinals match on Sunday, October 8, click here.
