Atlanta United 2 forward Arif Kovac has been named the MLS NEXT Pro Player of the Matchweek for Matchweek 19, the league announced on Monday. Kovac, in a 4-1 victory against Inter Miami CF II on Saturday, July 11, scored a goal and provided an assist, making him the first NEXT Pro player to reach 16 goal contributions this season.
In addition to his league-leading 16 goal contributuons, he also leads the race for the 2026 Golden Boot with 13 goals. Kovac became the second-ever Atlanta United 2 player to reach double-figure goals in a season against Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, June 21.
Atlanta United 2 (9-5-3, 30 points) returns to action Saturday, July 18, when it travels to Huntsville to face Huntsville City FC at Wicks Family Field (8 p.m. ET, MLSNEXTPro.com, OneFootball App, Soccer Down Here).
