Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)

[Anonymous]

Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

[Anonymous]

The soccer rankings app shows the following records (W-L-D) for Achilles teams in MLS Next this Fall:

2012 1-11-1
2011 0-12-1
2010 No team or results for the Fall
2009 4-4-3
2008 No team or results for the Fall
2007/06 2-7-3

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

I'm with you that this gets old. And no need to remove Achilles from the league. But.....check your U19 standings when you switch it to FLEX. that's where the majority of matches are at the beginning of the season. Achilles U16s have potential and good players, but I'll agree with the previous poster that their squads tend to lack intent and incisive runs and passing. It's a lot of play out of trouble and switch the field.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

It’s not a narrative. It’s the work of the Achilles Stalker. The focus is generally on the younger Achilles boys teams. Kind of funny, kinda sad that Sal and Co. live rent free in parent’s head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

It’s not a narrative. It’s the work of the Achilles Stalker. The focus is generally on the younger Achilles boys teams. Kind of funny, kinda sad that Sal and Co. live rent free in parent’s head.

I think the more important narrative is how did a club that has no visible college recruitment pathway and depth other than at the very under littles can sustain MLS Next? This isn't an opinion, it is fact. What is the bar for clubs to get MLSNext? I know for ECNL on the girls side, there needs to be a dedicated college pathway advisement, a high level of licensure, dedicated field space, keeper coaching, on staff wellness/trainers, etc. Happy for someone to point me in the direction of what those barriers are for clubs to clear to get the MLSN badge. Winning or losing, Bethesda, SYC and Alexandria have 3-4 (or more) teams of depth in each age group. I'm not as familiar with the Baltimore area clubs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

It’s not a narrative. It’s the work of the Achilles Stalker. The focus is generally on the younger Achilles boys teams. Kind of funny, kinda sad that Sal and Co. live rent free in parent’s head.

I think the more important narrative is how did a club that has no visible college recruitment pathway and depth other than at the very under littles can sustain MLS Next? This isn't an opinion, it is fact. What is the bar for clubs to get MLSNext? I know for ECNL on the girls side, there needs to be a dedicated college pathway advisement, a high level of licensure, dedicated field space, keeper coaching, on staff wellness/trainers, etc. Happy for someone to point me in the direction of what those barriers are for clubs to clear to get the MLSN badge. Winning or losing, Bethesda, SYC and Alexandria have 3-4 (or more) teams of depth in each age group. I'm not as familiar with the Baltimore area clubs.

Achilles was grandfathered in because they were a decent DA club before the fallout and someone left, formed Paragon and took all the strong Achilles players.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

It’s not a narrative. It’s the work of the Achilles Stalker. The focus is generally on the younger Achilles boys teams. Kind of funny, kinda sad that Sal and Co. live rent free in parent’s head.

I think the more important narrative is how did a club that has no visible college recruitment pathway and depth other than at the very under littles can sustain MLS Next? This isn't an opinion, it is fact. What is the bar for clubs to get MLSNext? I know for ECNL on the girls side, there needs to be a dedicated college pathway advisement, a high level of licensure, dedicated field space, keeper coaching, on staff wellness/trainers, etc. Happy for someone to point me in the direction of what those barriers are for clubs to clear to get the MLSN badge. Winning or losing, Bethesda, SYC and Alexandria have 3-4 (or more) teams of depth in each age group. I'm not as familiar with the Baltimore area clubs.

Same way Revolution purchased its spot in GA. money talks and BS walks

[Anonymous]

PP here-- i did my own googling. This is fascinating.
https://images.mlssoccer.com/image/upload/v1724700562/assets/Technical_Standards_2024-25_Final_1_igertk.pdf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

It’s not a narrative. It’s the work of the Achilles Stalker. The focus is generally on the younger Achilles boys teams. Kind of funny, kinda sad that Sal and Co. live rent free in parent’s head.

I think the more important narrative is how did a club that has no visible college recruitment pathway and depth other than at the very under littles can sustain MLS Next? This isn't an opinion, it is fact. What is the bar for clubs to get MLSNext? I know for ECNL on the girls side, there needs to be a dedicated college pathway advisement, a high level of licensure, dedicated field space, keeper coaching, on staff wellness/trainers, etc. Happy for someone to point me in the direction of what those barriers are for clubs to clear to get the MLSN badge. Winning or losing, Bethesda, SYC and Alexandria have 3-4 (or more) teams of depth in each age group. I'm not as familiar with the Baltimore area clubs.

lol. Hit the nail on the head, eh, Achilles Stalker!

What does depth have to do with anything? Just 3-4 levels of kids whose parents are paying top dollar and 85% won’t make it to the top team—but you already know that.

Buh bye Achilles Stalker. We’ve wasted enough time on you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

It’s not a narrative. It’s the work of the Achilles Stalker. The focus is generally on the younger Achilles boys teams. Kind of funny, kinda sad that Sal and Co. live rent free in parent’s head.

I think the more important narrative is how did a club that has no visible college recruitment pathway and depth other than at the very under littles can sustain MLS Next? This isn't an opinion, it is fact. What is the bar for clubs to get MLSNext? I know for ECNL on the girls side, there needs to be a dedicated college pathway advisement, a high level of licensure, dedicated field space, keeper coaching, on staff wellness/trainers, etc. Happy for someone to point me in the direction of what those barriers are for clubs to clear to get the MLSN badge. Winning or losing, Bethesda, SYC and Alexandria have 3-4 (or more) teams of depth in each age group. I'm not as familiar with the Baltimore area clubs.

Same way Revolution purchased its spot in GA. money talks and BS walks

Did Sal leave you at the altar?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

It’s not a narrative. It’s the work of the Achilles Stalker. The focus is generally on the younger Achilles boys teams. Kind of funny, kinda sad that Sal and Co. live rent free in parent’s head.

I think the more important narrative is how did a club that has no visible college recruitment pathway and depth other than at the very under littles can sustain MLS Next? This isn't an opinion, it is fact. What is the bar for clubs to get MLSNext? I know for ECNL on the girls side, there needs to be a dedicated college pathway advisement, a high level of licensure, dedicated field space, keeper coaching, on staff wellness/trainers, etc. Happy for someone to point me in the direction of what those barriers are for clubs to clear to get the MLSN badge. Winning or losing, Bethesda, SYC and Alexandria have 3-4 (or more) teams of depth in each age group. I'm not as familiar with the Baltimore area clubs.

Same way Revolution purchased its spot in GA. money talks and BS walks

Did Sal leave you at the altar?

Nope he perked my kid around one too many road trip to NJ/NY to play for 15 minutes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

It’s not a narrative. It’s the work of the Achilles Stalker. The focus is generally on the younger Achilles boys teams. Kind of funny, kinda sad that Sal and Co. live rent free in parent’s head.

I think the more important narrative is how did a club that has no visible college recruitment pathway and depth other than at the very under littles can sustain MLS Next? This isn't an opinion, it is fact. What is the bar for clubs to get MLSNext? I know for ECNL on the girls side, there needs to be a dedicated college pathway advisement, a high level of licensure, dedicated field space, keeper coaching, on staff wellness/trainers, etc. Happy for someone to point me in the direction of what those barriers are for clubs to clear to get the MLSN badge. Winning or losing, Bethesda, SYC and Alexandria have 3-4 (or more) teams of depth in each age group. I'm not as familiar with the Baltimore area clubs.

Same way Revolution purchased its spot in GA. money talks and BS walks

Did Sal leave you at the altar?

Nope he perked my kid around one too many road trip to NJ/NY to play for 15 minutes

that's how this works, unfortunately. on our mls next squad, the starters get about 3/4 of the time. 4 or 5 subs come in. the subs' parents complain they don't get enough time, and the starters' parents complain that the level drops at the end of the game.

[Anonymous]

It is fascinating to me how these coaches defend themselves on this board. The same happens with the ASA (Alexandria) situation, which is funny. They are also on the bottom feed across all ages and lost GA status for similar issues not too long ago.

In any case, the best way to prevent abusive behavior is to report it. The club will be educated, and other families will benefit from it. On your end, you might choose to stay or leave; at the end of the day, this is about our kids having a good experience and developing and not at all about the egos of coaches or club directors. Sadly, in most cases, they are just money-hungry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Achilles U16 currently is ranked above both Alexandria and Baltimore Armour (they are #4 in the mid-atlantic division). The U19 team is ranked #3 (above Alexandria, Bethesda, SYC, and Armour). Yes, the U14 team is struggling this year (as did the U16 team last year when it was effectively made up of a bunch of U15 who played up because Achilles had lost that age group), but this whole narrative that Achilles should not be in MLS Next gets old.

It’s not a narrative. It’s the work of the Achilles Stalker. The focus is generally on the younger Achilles boys teams. Kind of funny, kinda sad that Sal and Co. live rent free in parent’s head.

I think the more important narrative is how did a club that has no visible college recruitment pathway and depth other than at the very under littles can sustain MLS Next? This isn't an opinion, it is fact. What is the bar for clubs to get MLSNext? I know for ECNL on the girls side, there needs to be a dedicated college pathway advisement, a high level of licensure, dedicated field space, keeper coaching, on staff wellness/trainers, etc. Happy for someone to point me in the direction of what those barriers are for clubs to clear to get the MLSN badge. Winning or losing, Bethesda, SYC and Alexandria have 3-4 (or more) teams of depth in each age group. I'm not as familiar with the Baltimore area clubs.

Same way Revolution purchased its spot in GA. money talks and BS walks

Did Sal leave you at the altar?

Nope he perked my kid around one too many road trip to NJ/NY to play for 15 minutes

that's how this works, unfortunately. on our mls next squad, the starters get about 3/4 of the time. 4 or 5 subs come in. the subs' parents complain they don't get enough time, and the starters' parents complain that the level drops at the end of the game.

Funny, you mentioned that. From what I can tell, in many instances, some starters have no business starting. They are there because their parents maneuver their way in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is fascinating to me how these coaches defend themselves on this board. The same happens with the ASA (Alexandria) situation, which is funny. They are also on the bottom feed across all ages and lost GA status for similar issues not too long ago.

In any case, the best way to prevent abusive behavior is to report it. The club will be educated, and other families will benefit from it. On your end, you might choose to stay or leave; at the end of the day, this is about our kids having a good experience and developing and not at all about the egos of coaches or club directors. Sadly, in most cases, they are just money-hungry.

this is ridiculous. First, I hate the lazy comment tic where people think coaches are /making comments on here. Second, the point was nobody will ever be happy. There are starters and there are subs on every team ever. MLS Next sub rules at U-15 are no reentry. Every parent thinks thy know best and if the coach doesn't agree it's "politics" or whatever. By all means, if you don't think your child is having a good experience or getting the opportunities they need, go somewhere else. But don't act like playing time is a guaranteed thing. Anywhere. In any sport. Abusive? Please.