New MLS league

[Anonymous]

The press release is out. It's a little short of detail but seems to indicate the new league will start at U13 and have the same age groups as DA did (U13, U14, U15, U17, U19).

https://bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com/portals/9071/docs/mls%20memo%20to%20academy%20directors%204.24.20%20final.pdf

[Anonymous]

U13-U19. All MLS Academy teams and non-MLS Acdemy teams, so basically DA part two. Bet that Richmond United and VDA are sorry that they panicked and made the rash decision to jump ship to ECNL.

[Anonymous]

Not to split hairs, but it doesn’t directly say they will have all those teams, only that they will accommodate clubs that used to have teams in those age groups.

Not sure one way or the other—just rather oddly written.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:U13-U19. All MLS Academy teams and non-MLS Acdemy teams, so basically DA part two. Bet that Richmond United and VDA are sorry that they panicked and made the rash decision to jump ship to ECNL.

Yep. Those clubs are absolutely nuts not tying their fortunes to a league that will fold if there is no soccer by spring 2021. In the meantime, our friends appear to hope to play in a league with three other teams, one of whom just lost its partner, another of whom, let’s be honest, just isn’t the right club or place to attract elite talent though the coaches are terrific by all accounts. Hopefully they can make this work but I’d be really curious to see how confident they are by playing local top boys teams in scrimmages or tourneys. You might convince skeptics. Until then enjoy being DCU ball boys.

[Anonymous]

Doesn’t say much

[Anonymous]

https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/mapping-out-a-new-mls-development-league_aid47976

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The press release is out. It's a little short of detail but seems to indicate the new league will start at U13 and have the same age groups as DA did (U13, U14, U15, U17, U19).

https://bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com/portals/9071/docs/mls%20memo%20to%20academy%20directors%204.24.20%20final.pdf

I know this doesn’t say much but can someone tell me what’s wrong with this setup on the boys side? I think it’s very clear that ECNL is the best place on the girls side without a doubt now, however isn’t the boys MLS league going to be pretty strong with MLS running their academy program (arguably some of the best boys talent) as before and some talented ex-DA programs for the boys side. I’m honestly asking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The press release is out. It's a little short of detail but seems to indicate the new league will start at U13 and have the same age groups as DA did (U13, U14, U15, U17, U19).

https://bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com/portals/9071/docs/mls%20memo%20to%20academy%20directors%204.24.20%20final.pdf

I know this doesn’t say much but can someone tell me what’s wrong with this setup on the boys side? I think it’s very clear that ECNL is the best place on the girls side without a doubt now, however isn’t the boys MLS league going to be pretty strong with MLS running their academy program (arguably some of the best boys talent) as before and some talented ex-DA programs for the boys side. I’m honestly asking.

I don't see anything wrong with it, and it is logical that the pro levels should support the youth levels directly in the US. The main concern though is whether MLS has the commitment, experience, and resources to sustain a program like this long term.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The press release is out. It's a little short of detail but seems to indicate the new league will start at U13 and have the same age groups as DA did (U13, U14, U15, U17, U19).

https://bsbproduction.s3.amazonaws.com/portals/9071/docs/mls%20memo%20to%20academy%20directors%204.24.20%20final.pdf

I know this doesn’t say much but can someone tell me what’s wrong with this setup on the boys side? I think it’s very clear that ECNL is the best place on the girls side without a doubt now, however isn’t the boys MLS league going to be pretty strong with MLS running their academy program (arguably some of the best boys talent) as before and some talented ex-DA programs for the boys side. I’m honestly asking.

Absolutely. The question Is whether you strengthen it by making it more exclusive (MLS plus tier one) or more open (getting away from club model and varying the non-MLS teams year by year based on previous year’s performance, or maybe allowing promotion for individual non-MLS teams to Tier One depending on how particular age group performs). Hard to believe the new league would have only DCU and Baltimore from this area, as article suggests. That would certainly concentrate the talent in this area but if Bethesda and Arlington then each went to ECNL, that would start to look like a stronger alternative for local boys than it is today.

[Anonymous]

Spoke to a coach from Red Bulls. They are saying that the MLS will have a tiered league. All the MLS clubs will be in the top league, and the 2nd tier will have other clubs, mostly clubs who did not get accepted into the ECNL. They will also invite non DA clubs to complete the league. They will start with clubs that only had the younger ages and grow from there.

The DA will then play a limited schedule to allow for international travel and tournaments without restriction from US Soccer, and they will be able to play select teams from the 2nd division without having to schedule full club play dates.

The league will make perfect sense for the MLS clubs, and will offer the non MLS clubs a safe falling spot

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spoke to a coach from Red Bulls. They are saying that the MLS will have a tiered league. All the MLS clubs will be in the top league, and the 2nd tier will have other clubs, mostly clubs who did not get accepted into the ECNL. They will also invite non DA clubs to complete the league. They will start with clubs that only had the younger ages and grow from there.

The DA will then play a limited schedule to allow for international travel and tournaments without restriction from US Soccer, and they will be able to play select teams from the 2nd division without having to schedule full club play dates.

The league will make perfect sense for the MLS clubs, and will offer the non MLS clubs a safe falling spot

LOL - “Safe falling spot” for “Clubs not accepted into ECNL”. For boys, ECNL is not considered to be an Elite league. Most boys DA teams did not apply, nor did they desire for their boys to play in the ECNL. Tiered structure or not, they prefer to take their chances in the MLS league. Nice try to spin that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spoke to a coach from Red Bulls. They are saying that the MLS will have a tiered league. All the MLS clubs will be in the top league, and the 2nd tier will have other clubs, mostly clubs who did not get accepted into the ECNL. They will also invite non DA clubs to complete the league. They will start with clubs that only had the younger ages and grow from there.

The DA will then play a limited schedule to allow for international travel and tournaments without restriction from US Soccer, and they will be able to play select teams from the 2nd division without having to schedule full club play dates.

The league will make perfect sense for the MLS clubs, and will offer the non MLS clubs a safe falling spot

Well as a loudmouth who likes to spout off all the time, I have nothing to say beyond “well done” and “encore.” This is a rational way to achieve many objectives. I hope it sticks.

[Anonymous]

As the parent of a DS on a former DA team, I am thrilled with this option.