MLS next vs ECNL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ECNL kids certainly can go pro and it's happened quite a few times. MLS Academy teams probably have more but not many of them make it either. Our ECNL team beat three MLS Academy teams this year. Non academy mls is second tier still very good.
USA isn't great because it's too much about money for a lot of these coaches

What's the pathway to pro for an ECNL player?
Honest question because I don't know and my DS plays ECNL

Some of the ECNL clubs are part of USL academy's. Several of our rising seniors have made appearances for the local USL pro team.

What is a USL pro team? Is that like smash up derby racing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rather than hypothesizing regarding which league sends the most kids to college from our region, why don't we just take a look at the 2025 and 2024 boys college commits (reported officially via TDS)

Of the 2025 grads who have committed:

VA- total 13 college commits (so far)
8 from ECNL, 3 from Academy, 2 from Next

MD- Total 8 college commits
4 from Next, 3 from ECNL, 1 from Academy

DC- Total 1 college commit
1 from Academy

North Carolina- Total 3 college commits
3 from ECNL

2024 College Commits

VA- Total 25 Commits
13 ECNL, 4 Academy, 3 Next, 5 Other

MD-25 Total Commits
12 ECNL, 10 Next, 1 Academy, 2 Other

DC
0

NC
25 Total commits
15 ECNL, 2 Next, 8 other

This certainly wouldn't suggest that in this area MLS far surpasses ECNL in college placement. Looks about even TBH.
Neither one showing superiority in ability to put kids into college soccer...

A quick review of the UNC, Virginia and UMD rosters show you must be a Political Consultant Spin Doctor 😀
Throw enough numbers out there from 'a source' and see what happens.

Maybe we need to look deeper, but none of these real rosters of actual players (not so called commits) show parity between MLS Next and ECNL players.

UHM- this is DCUM--not TXUM, CAUM, NYUM. So I'd argue the the VA, MD, NC is relevant to this forum where pepole are stating that MLS clubs are superior in placing talent. Sorry but you can't claim that MLS dominates college commits in this region. it's just not true.

So you have
1 International Transfers
2 ECNL
3 MLS Club Academy
4 MLS Next

as boys recruiting tier for college soccer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rather than hypothesizing regarding which league sends the most kids to college from our region, why don't we just take a look at the 2025 and 2024 boys college commits (reported officially via TDS)

Of the 2025 grads who have committed:

VA- total 13 college commits (so far)
8 from ECNL, 3 from Academy, 2 from Next

MD- Total 8 college commits
4 from Next, 3 from ECNL, 1 from Academy

DC- Total 1 college commit
1 from Academy

North Carolina- Total 3 college commits
3 from ECNL

2024 College Commits

VA- Total 25 Commits
13 ECNL, 4 Academy, 3 Next, 5 Other

MD-25 Total Commits
12 ECNL, 10 Next, 1 Academy, 2 Other

DC
0

NC
25 Total commits
15 ECNL, 2 Next, 8 other

This certainly wouldn't suggest that in this area MLS far surpasses ECNL in college placement. Looks about even TBH.
Neither one showing superiority in ability to put kids into college soccer...

A quick review of the UNC, Virginia and UMD rosters show you must be a Political Consultant Spin Doctor 😀
Throw enough numbers out there from 'a source' and see what happens.

Maybe we need to look deeper, but none of these real rosters of actual players (not so called commits) show parity between MLS Next and ECNL players.

UHM- this is DCUM--not TXUM, CAUM, NYUM. So I'd argue the the VA, MD, NC is relevant to this forum where pepole are stating that MLS clubs are superior in placing talent. Sorry but you can't claim that MLS dominates college commits in this region. it's just not true.

Is or is not MLS the top tier in US Soccer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rather than hypothesizing regarding which league sends the most kids to college from our region, why don't we just take a look at the 2025 and 2024 boys college commits (reported officially via TDS)

Of the 2025 grads who have committed:

VA- total 13 college commits (so far)
8 from ECNL, 3 from Academy, 2 from Next

MD- Total 8 college commits
4 from Next, 3 from ECNL, 1 from Academy

DC- Total 1 college commit
1 from Academy

North Carolina- Total 3 college commits
3 from ECNL

2024 College Commits

VA- Total 25 Commits
13 ECNL, 4 Academy, 3 Next, 5 Other

MD-25 Total Commits
12 ECNL, 10 Next, 1 Academy, 2 Other

DC
0

NC
25 Total commits
15 ECNL, 2 Next, 8 other

This certainly wouldn't suggest that in this area MLS far surpasses ECNL in college placement. Looks about even TBH.
Neither one showing superiority in ability to put kids into college soccer...

A quick review of the UNC, Virginia and UMD rosters show you must be a Political Consultant Spin Doctor 😀
Throw enough numbers out there from 'a source' and see what happens.

Maybe we need to look deeper, but none of these real rosters of actual players (not so called commits) show parity between MLS Next and ECNL players.

UHM- this is DCUM--not TXUM, CAUM, NYUM. So I'd argue the the VA, MD, NC is relevant to this forum where pepole are stating that MLS clubs are superior in placing talent. Sorry but you can't claim that MLS dominates college commits in this region. it's just not true.

Is or is not MLS the top tier in US Soccer?

Yes. but in this area, the two leagues mls next and ecnl aren't that far apart. Even DC united is not that great. It will be interesting to see if anyone from 2025 gets recruited at all. With all the new changes colleges, the international players and the transfers, most kids have given up on getting recruited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rather than hypothesizing regarding which league sends the most kids to college from our region, why don't we just take a look at the 2025 and 2024 boys college commits (reported officially via TDS)

Of the 2025 grads who have committed:

VA- total 13 college commits (so far)
8 from ECNL, 3 from Academy, 2 from Next

MD- Total 8 college commits
4 from Next, 3 from ECNL, 1 from Academy

DC- Total 1 college commit
1 from Academy

North Carolina- Total 3 college commits
3 from ECNL

2024 College Commits

VA- Total 25 Commits
13 ECNL, 4 Academy, 3 Next, 5 Other

MD-25 Total Commits
12 ECNL, 10 Next, 1 Academy, 2 Other

DC
0

NC
25 Total commits
15 ECNL, 2 Next, 8 other

This certainly wouldn't suggest that in this area MLS far surpasses ECNL in college placement. Looks about even TBH.
Neither one showing superiority in ability to put kids into college soccer...

A quick review of the UNC, Virginia and UMD rosters show you must be a Political Consultant Spin Doctor 😀
Throw enough numbers out there from 'a source' and see what happens.

Maybe we need to look deeper, but none of these real rosters of actual players (not so called commits) show parity between MLS Next and ECNL players.

UHM- this is DCUM--not TXUM, CAUM, NYUM. So I'd argue the the VA, MD, NC is relevant to this forum where pepole are stating that MLS clubs are superior in placing talent. Sorry but you can't claim that MLS dominates college commits in this region. it's just not true.

Is or is not MLS the top tier in US Soccer?

Yes. but in this area, the two leagues mls next and ecnl aren't that far apart. Even DC united is not that great. It will be interesting to see if anyone from 2025 gets recruited at all. With all the new changes colleges, the international players and the transfers, most kids have given up on getting recruited.

Opinions dressed up as facts are still opinions.

Pretending its truthful facts may cost you $787.5M

[Anonymous]

Since when does how many games you play determine how good you are. You have to have a better argument than that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree that most top college programs will prioritize MLS Next first, but they are really saying they will look at MLS Pro Academies first. ECNL and MLS Next non pro academies are seen as equal. The only distinction I would call out that I have noticed is that MLS Next events draw from all over where ECNL seems to have regional schools.

No. They are not equal. MLSNext teams play more than 40% more regular season games. This year, MLSNext teams play 34 regular season games while ECNL play 22-24. The competition is stronger across the board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since when does how many games you play determine how good you are. You have to have a better argument than that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I agree that most top college programs will prioritize MLS Next first, but they are really saying they will look at MLS Pro Academies first. ECNL and MLS Next non pro academies are seen as equal. The only distinction I would call out that I have noticed is that MLS Next events draw from all over where ECNL seems to have regional schools.

No. They are not equal. MLSNext teams play more than 40% more regular season games. This year, MLSNext teams play 34 regular season games while ECNL play 22-24. The competition is stronger across the board.

More games and better stronger quality opponents equal better game development for one.

This is actually a one sided argument.
MLS Next people aren't insecure and trying to prop up the already top league.

The ECNL folks are the ones hell bent on wasting time trying to claim Division 3 is the same as Premier League 😒

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rather than hypothesizing regarding which league sends the most kids to college from our region, why don't we just take a look at the 2025 and 2024 boys college commits (reported officially via TDS)

Of the 2025 grads who have committed:

VA- total 13 college commits (so far)
8 from ECNL, 3 from Academy, 2 from Next

MD- Total 8 college commits
4 from Next, 3 from ECNL, 1 from Academy

DC- Total 1 college commit
1 from Academy

North Carolina- Total 3 college commits
3 from ECNL

2024 College Commits

VA- Total 25 Commits
13 ECNL, 4 Academy, 3 Next, 5 Other

MD-25 Total Commits
12 ECNL, 10 Next, 1 Academy, 2 Other

DC
0

NC
25 Total commits
15 ECNL, 2 Next, 8 other

This certainly wouldn't suggest that in this area MLS far surpasses ECNL in college placement. Looks about even TBH.
Neither one showing superiority in ability to put kids into college soccer...

A quick review of the UNC, Virginia and UMD rosters show you must be a Political Consultant Spin Doctor 😀
Throw enough numbers out there from 'a source' and see what happens.

Maybe we need to look deeper, but none of these real rosters of actual players (not so called commits) show parity between MLS Next and ECNL players.

UHM- this is DCUM--not TXUM, CAUM, NYUM. So I'd argue the the VA, MD, NC is relevant to this forum where pepole are stating that MLS clubs are superior in placing talent. Sorry but you can't claim that MLS dominates college commits in this region. it's just not true.

Is or is not MLS the top tier in US Soccer?

Yes. but in this area, the two leagues mls next and ecnl aren't that far apart. Even DC united is not that great. It will be interesting to see if anyone from 2025 gets recruited at all. With all the new changes colleges, the international players and the transfers, most kids have given up on getting recruited.

How many former local DA clubs from 2020 are now Next?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rather than hypothesizing regarding which league sends the most kids to college from our region, why don't we just take a look at the 2025 and 2024 boys college commits (reported officially via TDS)

Of the 2025 grads who have committed:

VA- total 13 college commits (so far)
8 from ECNL, 3 from Academy, 2 from Next

MD- Total 8 college commits
4 from Next, 3 from ECNL, 1 from Academy

DC- Total 1 college commit
1 from Academy

North Carolina- Total 3 college commits
3 from ECNL

2024 College Commits

VA- Total 25 Commits
13 ECNL, 4 Academy, 3 Next, 5 Other

MD-25 Total Commits
12 ECNL, 10 Next, 1 Academy, 2 Other

DC
0

NC
25 Total commits
15 ECNL, 2 Next, 8 other

This certainly wouldn't suggest that in this area MLS far surpasses ECNL in college placement. Looks about even TBH.
Neither one showing superiority in ability to put kids into college soccer...

A quick review of the UNC, Virginia and UMD rosters show you must be a Political Consultant Spin Doctor 😀
Throw enough numbers out there from 'a source' and see what happens.

Maybe we need to look deeper, but none of these real rosters of actual players (not so called commits) show parity between MLS Next and ECNL players.

UHM- this is DCUM--not TXUM, CAUM, NYUM. So I'd argue the the VA, MD, NC is relevant to this forum where pepole are stating that MLS clubs are superior in placing talent. Sorry but you can't claim that MLS dominates college commits in this region. it's just not true.

Is or is not MLS the top tier in US Soccer?

Yes. but in this area, the two leagues mls next and ecnl aren't that far apart. Even DC united is not that great. It will be interesting to see if anyone from 2025 gets recruited at all. With all the new changes colleges, the international players and the transfers, most kids have given up on getting recruited.

I would be careful with TDS as a barometer. Most websites don’t post college commitments unless they are submitted by a parent. In other words players may be missing.

This area is weird because Pipeline, Richmond United, NVA (I know that by listing clubs this leaves me open to someone with an axe to grind) and Maryland United and Baltimore Celtic are strong ECNL clubs so they can either be competitive with or beat their local MLS NEXT competitors. It doesn’t always happen but it can happen.

Having work extensively throughout both leagues that is not always the case. Here, California, Florida, and Texas where the talent levels are deep are the exception. Normally though the MLS NEXT teams regularly knock off their ECNL competitors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rather than hypothesizing regarding which league sends the most kids to college from our region, why don't we just take a look at the 2025 and 2024 boys college commits (reported officially via TDS)

Of the 2025 grads who have committed:

VA- total 13 college commits (so far)
8 from ECNL, 3 from Academy, 2 from Next

MD- Total 8 college commits
4 from Next, 3 from ECNL, 1 from Academy

DC- Total 1 college commit
1 from Academy

North Carolina- Total 3 college commits
3 from ECNL

2024 College Commits

VA- Total 25 Commits
13 ECNL, 4 Academy, 3 Next, 5 Other

MD-25 Total Commits
12 ECNL, 10 Next, 1 Academy, 2 Other

DC
0

NC
25 Total commits
15 ECNL, 2 Next, 8 other

This certainly wouldn't suggest that in this area MLS far surpasses ECNL in college placement. Looks about even TBH.
Neither one showing superiority in ability to put kids into college soccer...

A quick review of the UNC, Virginia and UMD rosters show you must be a Political Consultant Spin Doctor 😀
Throw enough numbers out there from 'a source' and see what happens.

Maybe we need to look deeper, but none of these real rosters of actual players (not so called commits) show parity between MLS Next and ECNL players.

UHM- this is DCUM--not TXUM, CAUM, NYUM. So I'd argue the the VA, MD, NC is relevant to this forum where pepole are stating that MLS clubs are superior in placing talent. Sorry but you can't claim that MLS dominates college commits in this region. it's just not true.

So you have
1 International Transfers
2 ECNL
3 MLS Club Academy
4 MLS Next

as boys recruiting tier for college soccer?

Mid to high D1 is overwhelmingly Internationals and MLS Academy products. MLS Next and ECNL fight over the few spots left.

[Anonymous]

MLS Academies and MLS Next are pulling away from ECNL the same way ECNL on the girls side is pulling away from GA. ECNL boys and GA still work for college but are declining fast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ECNL kids certainly can go pro and it's happened quite a few times. MLS Academy teams probably have more but not many of them make it either. Our ECNL team beat three MLS Academy teams this year. Non academy mls is second tier still very good.
USA isn't great because it's too much about money for a lot of these coaches

What's the pathway to pro for an ECNL player?
Honest question because I don't know and my DS plays ECNL

Some of the ECNL clubs are part of USL academy's. Several of our rising seniors have made appearances for the local USL pro team.

What is a USL pro team? Is that like smash up derby racing?

My MLSNext kid did this after senior year of hs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ECNL kids certainly can go pro and it's happened quite a few times. MLS Academy teams probably have more but not many of them make it either. Our ECNL team beat three MLS Academy teams this year. Non academy mls is second tier still very good.
USA isn't great because it's too much about money for a lot of these coaches

What's the pathway to pro for an ECNL player?
Honest question because I don't know and my DS plays ECNL

Some of the ECNL clubs are part of USL academy's. Several of our rising seniors have made appearances for the local USL pro team.

What is a USL pro team? Is that like smash up derby racing?

My MLSNext kid did this after senior year of hs.

+1

Mine trained with UPSL and USL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ECNL kids certainly can go pro and it's happened quite a few times. MLS Academy teams probably have more but not many of them make it either. Our ECNL team beat three MLS Academy teams this year. Non academy mls is second tier still very good.
USA isn't great because it's too much about money for a lot of these coaches

What's the pathway to pro for an ECNL player?
Honest question because I don't know and my DS plays ECNL

Some of the ECNL clubs are part of USL academy's. Several of our rising seniors have made appearances for the local USL pro team.

What is a USL pro team? Is that like smash up derby racing?

Omg. Tell me you know nothing about soccer nowadays.

It’s professional paid league and a direct feeder to MLS. Go out and watch Loudoun United some time. They get a great crowd.

[Anonymous]

Next vs ECNL head to head competition results across 6 state teams—what’s clear is both leagues can hold their own against one another. Saying otherwise would simply be untrue when looking at head to head.

U-16

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570/schedules?age=16&gender=m


U-17

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570/schedules?age=17&gender=m

U-18/19

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570/schedules?age=19&gender=m