Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 14:04     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Anonymous wrote:A player from ECNL can definitely go D1. So can a player who doesn’t play MLS Next or ECNL. It’s about the talent. Yet, it is almost impossible for anybody even in the top leagues to go D1 in the current environment so parents need a reality check. Look at the D1 rosters of men’s teams and they are full of international players and transfers. The fact is coaches really don’t care what league you played in if you have the talent. Instead, it’s all about marketing yourself. If you don’t play for a league with a lot of exposure to college coaches, you need to work extra hard to get the college coaches attention. But it can be done! Join the educating parents of HS athletes group on FB.


No it is NOT impossible to play D1 if you play ECNL or MLS Next. If you do what the above poster said, you are 50% to play D1 and almost a a shoe in to play D2 or D3. But you are right that transfer portal and internationals are making it harder and they most definitely get the available scholarship money.
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 13:49     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
A player from ECNL can definitely go D1. So can a player who doesn’t play MLS Next or ECNL. It’s about the talent. Yet, it is almost impossible for anybody even in the top leagues to go D1 in the current environment so parents need a reality check. Look at the D1 rosters of men’s teams and they are full of international players and transfers. The fact is coaches really don’t care what league you played in if you have the talent. Instead, it’s all about marketing yourself. If you don’t play for a league with a lot of exposure to college coaches, you need to work extra hard to get the college coaches attention. But it can be done! Join the educating parents of HS athletes group on FB.
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 13:46     Subject: Re:Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Anonymous wrote:Of course ECNL boys can go D1. I'm sure if you go to each of the club websites they posted the commits. Some thoughts...1. Your kid needs to be good enough obviously. 2. They need the grades. He is competing with alot of good players for these roster spots. 3. They need to really market themselves. They need to create highlight video and keep it updated, they need to contact college coaches, they need to visit colleges, etc etc. Unless they are just absolute superstar, they need to work very hard marketing themselves. 4. It helps if the club supports your kid and talks to coaches for them (not always easy. Clubs seems to market only a few kids), so players and parents need to talk to the club about what the club is doing for your kid. 5. Go to all the showcases (expensive), and again, share the schedule with college coaches. 6. Don't expect any athletic money from colleges so make sure you can afford the colleges your are reaching out to. 7. Remember, sometimes a D2 and D3 schools is a better fit for your kid. No shame in D2 or D3. There are D1 players playing D1 and there D3 players playing D1.

There are one or two ECNL showcases each year that directly conflict with MLS showcases. When this happens, more college coaches attend the MLS showcases than the ECNL showcases, which means that colleges value MLS players a bit better. It doesn't mean that ECNL teams can't beat MLS teams, because they can and they do, especially in this area. It is what it is.

DC doesn't have any ECNL teams. As to MD...you have Bethesda, MD United, and Pipeline. They are pretty far apart so take that into consideration and of course it matters what age you are talking about and keep in mind that players move around. There are ups and downs to every team.


Not the OP but always appreciate someone thoughtfully answer a question.
Thank you and I think you nailed it.
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 13:38     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
"Bethesda is MLS Next on the boys side and ECNL on the girls side.

Most local boys are not physically prepared for the D1 environment. I would take Kyle Wilson’s advice and go the UPSL, NPSL or USL route vs ECNL: https://youtube.com/shorts/uWalqEOtaqY?si=mOY7U0fYfzIKnBcK"

You realize he is saying if you are not in an MLS academy not MLS.
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 13:26     Subject: Re:Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Anonymous wrote:Of course ECNL boys can go D1. I'm sure if you go to each of the club websites they posted the commits. Some thoughts...1. Your kid needs to be good enough obviously. 2. They need the grades. He is competing with alot of good players for these roster spots. 3. They need to really market themselves. They need to create highlight video and keep it updated, they need to contact college coaches, they need to visit colleges, etc etc. Unless they are just absolute superstar, they need to work very hard marketing themselves. 4. It helps if the club supports your kid and talks to coaches for them (not always easy. Clubs seems to market only a few kids), so players and parents need to talk to the club about what the club is doing for your kid. 5. Go to all the showcases (expensive), and again, share the schedule with college coaches. 6. Don't expect any athletic money from colleges so make sure you can afford the colleges your are reaching out to. 7. Remember, sometimes a D2 and D3 schools is a better fit for your kid. No shame in D2 or D3. There are D1 players playing D1 and there D3 players playing D1.

There are one or two ECNL showcases each year that directly conflict with MLS showcases. When this happens, more college coaches attend the MLS showcases than the ECNL showcases, which means that colleges value MLS players a bit better. It doesn't mean that ECNL teams can't beat MLS teams, because they can and they do, especially in this area. It is what it is.

DC doesn't have any ECNL teams. As to MD...you have Bethesda, MD United, and Pipeline. They are pretty far apart so take that into consideration and of course it matters what age you are talking about and keep in mind that players move around. There are ups and downs to every team.


Bethesda is MLS Next on the boys side and ECNL on the girls side.

Most local boys are not physically prepared for the D1 environment. I would take Kyle Wilson’s advice and go the UPSL, NPSL or USL route vs ECNL: https://youtube.com/shorts/uWalqEOtaqY?si=mOY7U0fYfzIKnBcK

Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 12:26     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
I would recommend checking out the quality of players that are currently playing at the D1 school you are targeting. Often you can see the player and a brief bio listing which teams/ leagues and honors they received prior to playing D1.

D1 Players at UNC all have extremely high playing levels and achievements.

But...

D1 Players at Stetson have varied backgrounds and some have playing experience that is even lower than ECNL.

Realistically target D1 schools based on who is currently there now.

Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 11:42     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:MLSN has better chances of going D1 mens.


Or D1 caliber players are more likely to choose MLSN.

Or are MLSN Acadamies offering free soccer to the best players
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 11:41     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Trying to figure out how much choosing ECNL over MLSN impacts college outcomes.

Also which MD or DC ECNL teams are the best?


You're begging for trolls to sabotage any meaningful discussion.


The OP itself is a troll post

Everyone knows MLS Next is the top boys league
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 11:25     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Do you not read?
Yes prior to 2025 this was very possible

If you are planning on this for admission after 2026 no one is going divsion 1 because project 2025 says so
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 11:20     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Anonymous wrote:MLSN has better chances of going D1 mens.


Or D1 caliber players are more likely to choose MLSN.
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 11:08     Subject: Re:Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Of course ECNL boys can go D1. I'm sure if you go to each of the club websites they posted the commits. Some thoughts...1. Your kid needs to be good enough obviously. 2. They need the grades. He is competing with alot of good players for these roster spots. 3. They need to really market themselves. They need to create highlight video and keep it updated, they need to contact college coaches, they need to visit colleges, etc etc. Unless they are just absolute superstar, they need to work very hard marketing themselves. 4. It helps if the club supports your kid and talks to coaches for them (not always easy. Clubs seems to market only a few kids), so players and parents need to talk to the club about what the club is doing for your kid. 5. Go to all the showcases (expensive), and again, share the schedule with college coaches. 6. Don't expect any athletic money from colleges so make sure you can afford the colleges your are reaching out to. 7. Remember, sometimes a D2 and D3 schools is a better fit for your kid. No shame in D2 or D3. There are D1 players playing D1 and there D3 players playing D1.

There are one or two ECNL showcases each year that directly conflict with MLS showcases. When this happens, more college coaches attend the MLS showcases than the ECNL showcases, which means that colleges value MLS players a bit better. It doesn't mean that ECNL teams can't beat MLS teams, because they can and they do, especially in this area. It is what it is.

DC doesn't have any ECNL teams. As to MD...you have Bethesda, MD United, and Pipeline. They are pretty far apart so take that into consideration and of course it matters what age you are talking about and keep in mind that players move around. There are ups and downs to every team.
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 10:58     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
MLSN has better chances of going D1 mens.
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 10:52     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Yes.
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 10:43     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Anonymous wrote:Trying to figure out how much choosing ECNL over MLSN impacts college outcomes.

Also which MD or DC ECNL teams are the best?


You're begging for trolls to sabotage any meaningful discussion.
Anonymous
Post 07/21/2025 10:38     Subject: Can a boy go from ECNL to D1?
Trying to figure out how much choosing ECNL over MLSN impacts college outcomes.

Also which MD or DC ECNL teams are the best?