which club will leave ECNL next

[Anonymous]

We are 6 months out from rampant speculation. Who will it be? They might not even know themselves right now.

Bethesda--already has MLSN for boys and ECNL for girls. If ECNL makes them consolidate they could move their girls to GA and do really well. The girls could be GA national contenders in some ages.

Arlington--there was the memo. There is the history with GA. But do they like losing their top boys to other clubs? Move their girls to GA and could do very well too.

VDA--makes most sense to me. Their boys are very good, better then other clubs, but losing them because they don't have MLSN. B Pup is already very familar with GA. The girls could be GA national contenders in some ages.

FVU--not by choice. They are entirely dependent on ECNL, wouldn't leave unless let go.

[Anonymous]

bad timing, this is too early.
I would post this Feb 2026 if I am in your shoes.

[Anonymous]

What about GFR? They are not going to stay without a pathway past this year. The question is whether they go ECNL or GA.

[Anonymous]

I think whats important to note isnt that MLSN/GA and ECNL are both pressuring clubs to go all in one way or the other.

With pressure from both sides eventually clubs are going to be forced to make a decision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about GFR? They are not going to stay without a pathway past this year. The question is whether they go ECNL or GA.

Who would they team up with?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about GFR? They are not going to stay without a pathway past this year. The question is whether they go ECNL or GA.

Who would they team up with?

Do they need to team up with anyone for GA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are 6 months out from rampant speculation. Who will it be? They might not even know themselves right now.

Bethesda--already has MLSN for boys and ECNL for girls. If ECNL makes them consolidate they could move their girls to GA and do really well. The girls could be GA national contenders in some ages.

Arlington--there was the memo. There is the history with GA. But do they like losing their top boys to other clubs? Move their girls to GA and could do very well too.

VDA--makes most sense to me. Their boys are very good, better then other clubs, but losing them because they don't have MLSN. B Pup is already very familar with GA. The girls could be GA national contenders in some ages.

FVU--not by choice. They are entirely dependent on ECNL, wouldn't leave unless let go.

VDA if they are smart. But they have a connection with current DC United staff so that may make them indifferent.

Of course both VDA and Arlington send the bulk of DC area players to DC United over the past 5 years, and the results speak for themselves. Maybe the new guy in charge takes a hard look at the academy program and takes a flamethrower to the staff.

In any event, I think it’s VDA if they are forward thinking. Arlington is a complete wild card. But the fact remains, ECNL was the titan a few years back.

With MLS backing MLSNext, the best talent is there and players will continue to flock to it.

[Anonymous]

It’s too late for VDA. GA has said they are not adding more clubs in NoVA. Already too many there. VDA is trapped because the boys won’t be able to join MLSN but ECNL won’t let them keep girls and not boys.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s too late for VDA. GA has said they are not adding more clubs in NoVA. Already too many there. VDA is trapped because the boys won’t be able to join MLSN but ECNL won’t let them keep girls and not boys.

Maybe they split the boys and girls into 2 separate entities? Clubs in other parts of the country have done that to avoid this type of choice.

[Anonymous]

I’ve heard from a very reliable source that Arlington is a done deal for next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve heard from a very reliable source that Arlington is a done deal for next year.

No chance. That would crush the girls side.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve heard from a very reliable source that Arlington is a done deal for next year.

Yup…mark it down for Feb 2026.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s too late for VDA. GA has said they are not adding more clubs in NoVA. Already too many there. VDA is trapped because the boys won’t be able to join MLSN but ECNL won’t let them keep girls and not boys.

VDA would walk into GA, if they wanted to. Why would they though?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve heard from a very reliable source that Arlington is a done deal for next year.

Yup…mark it down for Feb 2026.

Have heard the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about GFR? They are not going to stay without a pathway past this year. The question is whether they go ECNL or GA.

Who would they team up with?

Do they need to team up with anyone for GA?

For next year? Yes, their older girls teams are all falling apart. 2007-2010 are weak and likely won't be top 5 RL teams even just in VA North.