ECNL or MLSNext (not DC United)
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Anonymous
| Hi! We are in MD and are trying to figure out whether our current 2011 son should switch to MLSNext or stay with ECNL. Is the caliber of play and coaching worth the extra time, money, and travel? This is for a kid who would love to play in college (well, he says so now but so much can change!) but is realistic about options beyond that. TIA for any thoughts |
Anonymous
| What club are you currently with? |
Anonymous
| MLSNext is MUCH higher competition. But probably better for your son to start and play most of the game with ECNL team than play sparingly with MLSN team (not saying that is the case, obviously). If he can crack a starting lineup, make the switch. |
Anonymous
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I would say that the biggest advantage that MLS Next has over ECNL is that MLS Next is scouted heavier than ECNL.
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Anonymous
Unless you’re with a MLS Academy, the levels are about the same. The coaching is the same. |
Anonymous
Why is MLS Next scouted more? |
Anonymous
| So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United? |
Anonymous
It really pays to drill down past the headlines and labels Man City and Sheffield United are both in the Premier League Comparable basically ends there Look at the organization, coaches and competition in their leagues to see what works for you. If going to play in college or professionally is the goal, then obviously MLS Next is the primary choice. |
Anonymous
In theory, I'd say you'd tend to go with BSC in your scenario. But I know a handful of Potomac ECNL kids that recently moved to BSC and were really unhappy...the roster was much bigger, with far less playing time. So it's really a case by case basis. And do a search on here about Achilles...a very polarizing club. I'd avoid them like the plague, but others praise them. |
Anonymous
How so? Didn't VDA just post about their 5 players going to DCU? How many MLS Next players are going to academy teams.
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Anonymous
| You probably know that MLSNext has a lot of long-distance travel, as in up to Philly to play the Union one weekend and up to northern NJ the next. I think it builds camaraderie among the players and parents, but it is a big commitment. |
Anonymous
We're talking college scouting here. |
Anonymous
| We have had a fair amount of travel with ECNL as well but it sounds like MLSNext would be more. That definitely a consideration! |
Anonymous
Are you saying most players in the MLS Club Academy system came from ECNL and not from MLS Next teams? Where can we find that data? It's an interesting theory. |
Anonymous
I'm saying scouts are not solely focused on MLS Next teams. There are plenty that attend ECNL games.
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