Addition of MLS Next 2

The MLS Next ecosystem just got a lot larger with the addition of MLS Next 2. With the new league, many new divisions, teams, and players will be introduced to the top tier space. Teams coming to the new league are from leagues like NAL, EA, E64, National League, ECNL, and more. Its goal is to expand MLS Next to underrated or under-appreciated areas around the nation. Players will still be allowed to play high school soccer but will also be exposed to regional and national events. Certain teams from the competition tier can qualify for certain events like MLS Next Fest and MLS Next Cup. This could be great way for colleges and academy scouts to get eyes on these talents as well. So many clubs around the nation are trying to join the league so they can be apart of the best in North America. A notable team that joined because of the new competition tier is Charlotte Independence. They will be playing in both tiers of MLS Next coming from the ECNL.

Transfers and Commitments

This past season there were so many transfers and commitments. Some of the transfers were groundbreaking as most of them should be making huge impacts this coming season. Notable transfers were:

• Carson starrett: Barca AZ to Inter Miami

• Jack Wayne: Phila Union to Atl United

• Cobe Hamler: STL Scott Gallagher to St Louis City

• Rijkaard Atali: Houston Dynamo to Orlando City

• Craig Hampton: North Carolina FC to Austin FC

• Eli Kwawu: DC United to LA Galaxy

• Rodrigo Alvarez: DC United to Inter Miami

• Eduardo Ayalla: Weston FC to Orlando City

• Zach Cielewich: Baltimore Armour to DC United

• Noah Gassan: Weston FC to FC Cincinatt

Some Commitments were also groundbreaking as these ballers are the NXTGENERATION of college soccer. Notable commitments were:

• Micheal Capretto (FC Delco): Notre Dame

• Logan Moniz (Boston Bolts): Duke

• Sebasthian Chavez (NY Red Bulls): Michigan

• Jake Basinet (Orlando City): Clemson

• Andrew Craig (Phila Union): Michigan

• Zach Cielewich (Baltimore Armour/ DC United): Maryland

• Lucas Ferreira (PDA): Princeton

• Gunnar Graham (Phila Union): Yale

• Wyatt Harding (Austin FC): Navy

• Alex Hohl (Real Colorado): Denver

Top Teams (MLS Academies)

• Phila Union

• NE Revolution

• Chicago Fire

• NYCFC

• NY Red Bull

• Real Salt Lake

• LA Galaxy

• Columbus Crew

• Orlando City

• FC Dallas

These squads dominated this past season and are looking like the best MLS Academies in the nation. A special highlight on two of them which are Phila Union and Orlando City. Philadelphia are currently in Germany right now for their preseason as they are taking on some of the best squads in Europe. They have so many standouts like Tyler Gladstone and Jamir Johnson. Those two forwards are some of the best players in the nation for this coming season. Orlando City also started their preseason as they just had orientation. Players like Gutavo Caraballo and Clovis Archange are just a few names who are pushing the club into the top tier category.

The New York Red Bulls currently just finished their preseason trip to Salzburg. They competed in the Next Generation Tournament and lost in the finals to RB Bragantino. FC Dallas just started thier preseason and are always known for creating top tier talent. Steel Cook is a player to watch for them this season. Lastly, the LA Galaxy are coming off a crazy season. Their U19 squad has won MLS Next Cup three times in a row! No team has ever achieved the feat before. Could they win it this season to make it four?

These ten academies look to be the very best for this season.

Top Teams (Non MLS Academies)

• Cedar Stars

• Weston FC

• Strikers FC

• Sockers FC

• IMG Academy

• Barca AZ

• FC Delco

• Real Colorado

These eight squads look to be the best non MLS academies heading into this MLS Next season. They are known for developing some of the best talent in the nation. Many of their products go to top colleges, MLS academies, or even the pro level. We had two ECNL squads on this list being Crossfire (XF) and Pipeline SC.

NXT UP

This season will be a movie! New talents, huge upsets, and world class goals. the excitement toward this season is unlike any other. Now that its right around the corner, what are you looking forward to the most?