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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Achilles, Alexandria, and SYC only field MLSNext teams at U13 and U14.  Will those clubs field MLSNext teams in older age groups over time?  If not, what are those clubs doing at U15 and above?  EDP?

Looking at U13/U14 Mid-Atlantic South, the six MLSNext clubs (Achilles, Alexandria, Baltimore Armour, Bethesda, PA Classics, and SYC) are probably stronger collectively than the six ECNL clubs in Virginia (Arlington, Braddock Road, Loudoun, McLean, Richmond United, and VDA).  However, looking at standings and results, Richmond United and VDA may be able to compete against those U13 MLSNext teams.  Likewise with Arlington and VDA against those U14 MLSNext teams.

For U15/U16/U17/U19 Mid-Atlantic, MLSNext adds the MLS academies plus clubs like Cedar Stars and PDA.  Obviously, with the MLS academy additions, the MLSNext competition is stronger than the ECNL clubs in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

I think the big question mark is longevity and stability of the MLSNext league.  ECNL has a longer track record and is more established.  However, the MLSNext league could be the gold standard if it can last.  Said another way - there are questions as to whether or not the MLSNext league will be around in 5 years.

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People think this is like selecting a durable good, like an IBM mainframe or a luxury automobile or an enterprise software platform, where longevity, institutional pedigree, blah blah blah matter (we're back to the NOVA propensity for looking at everything like the private school or college admissions process, e.g., see every posting about McLean soccer).  Maybe for clubs.  But not for kids.  They will select based on other factors, and when they have talent, they can switch.  The only people who need to worry about leagues are the hangers-on.  Talent looks for great coaches and teams, and less-talented folks try to latch on to clubs and leagues because the individual talent of their kids is not enough.

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