I was surprised that only one 2017 team was in the top bracket. The way the Club has described the new system is that the 2015s will be the last of the youth teams designated as A1 and that going forward all the birth years will have two teams that are supposed to be relatively even. Again, watch what they do, not what they say.

Anonymous wrote:As far as I can tell the 2016 age group is the only one on the Boys side where two teams regularly play in the top bracket at tournaments. For every other age group there is a pretty clear 1st team, regardless of what the club calls them.

I watched the 2017s at the Bethesda Premier Cup and there were 5 players from team Weah that were obviously better than some of the kids from the Team Musah and yet Musah were playing in the top bracket.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, it's pretty outrageous. There are many coaches within BSC who's own kids aren't on top teams, no exceptions except for one person.

Which one is that?

It’s your mom, hon. Your mom.

Anonymous wrote:Yeah, it's pretty outrageous. There are many coaches within BSC who's own kids aren't on top teams, no exceptions except for one person.

Which one is that?

Yeah, it's pretty outrageous. There are many coaches within BSC who's own kids aren't on top teams, no exceptions except for one person.

Hint, a certain someone’s son is in that age group.

As far as I can tell the 2016 age group is the only one on the Boys side where two teams regularly play in the top bracket at tournaments. For every other age group there is a pretty clear 1st team, regardless of what the club calls them.

Anonymous wrote:I heard Bethesda takes their top 12 players and split them into two teams. Then they take the other 12 (team 2 level) and integrate those kids into their team.

Is this true?

Not true across the board. It may/may not be applicable to the 2016’s as that is still a developmental phase and they are both playing up and having success.

I know there are a few other years with two 1st teams but it is probably only a few on the 2nd team that could truly compete for a first team spot and the label just appeases the 2nd team parents. I know this from watching the tryouts, seeing the kids play in neutral environments, how the coaches reference the teams, etc. They clearly delineate the first teams behind closed doors to first team parents and through the league and tournament selection but have to appease the egos of parents who would walk if their child is not “1st team.” Honestly, none of it matters. All kids develop at different paces and it will get sorted out once puberty hits.

Only the U-Little boys' coaches could answer that truthfully.

I heard Bethesda takes their top 12 players and split them into two teams. Then they take the other 12 (team 2 level) and integrate those kids into their team.

Is this true?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are people feeling about the way the Fall season has gone for their players/coaches/teams?

Very bad season for 2016 second team (Pulisic)

I thought Pulisic was only one of two 1st teams? Does it mater 1st or 2nd at u10? Sounds more parent driven than anything. Are the kids being challenged/allowed to try things/ coach supportive and committed/ environment healthy should be the focus in my opinion at u10

I have my 🍿 ready to see if they actually reply with why it was a “very bad” season.

My perception as a BSC parent but not 2016 is that Pulisic played up, 9v9 against 2015s in their EDP league. So, they struggled a bit, to be expected. New to 9v9 and against bigger opponents. The 2016 group is deep at Bethesda but having two equal teams will always put them at a disadvantage that will likely continue to grow until MLS Next if they continue to have two top teams for U11 and U12.

they are not equal. at least not for jc

0-0 against each other only separated by penalties at the Bethesda Cup. You are splitting hairs to not call that equal.

Depth of talent in 2016 boys' class at Bethesda is unreal right now.

Suspect part of rationale for two teams is to keep talented players in the program that would leave for another clubs' top team if demoted to A2.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are people feeling about the way the Fall season has gone for their players/coaches/teams?

Very bad season for 2016 second team (Pulisic)

I thought Pulisic was only one of two 1st teams? Does it mater 1st or 2nd at u10? Sounds more parent driven than anything. Are the kids being challenged/allowed to try things/ coach supportive and committed/ environment healthy should be the focus in my opinion at u10

I have my 🍿 ready to see if they actually reply with why it was a “very bad” season.

My perception as a BSC parent but not 2016 is that Pulisic played up, 9v9 against 2015s in their EDP league. So, they struggled a bit, to be expected. New to 9v9 and against bigger opponents. The 2016 group is deep at Bethesda but having two equal teams will always put them at a disadvantage that will likely continue to grow until MLS Next if they continue to have two top teams for U11 and U12.

they are not equal. at least not for jc

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are people feeling about the way the Fall season has gone for their players/coaches/teams?

Very bad season for 2016 second team (Pulisic)

I thought Pulisic was only one of two 1st teams? Does it mater 1st or 2nd at u10? Sounds more parent driven than anything. Are the kids being challenged/allowed to try things/ coach supportive and committed/ environment healthy should be the focus in my opinion at u10

I have my 🍿 ready to see if they actually reply with why it was a “very bad” season.

My perception as a BSC parent but not 2016 is that Pulisic played up, 9v9 against 2015s in their EDP league. So, they struggled a bit, to be expected. New to 9v9 and against bigger opponents. The 2016 group is deep at Bethesda but having two equal teams will always put them at a disadvantage that will likely continue to grow until MLS Next if they continue to have two top teams for U11 and U12.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:BSC does not allow their MLS Next players to play for their club while also playing high school soccer.

MLS Next is not going SY. Surprised this is part of the conversation.

If a kid wants to do both will BSC allow a boy to play for his HS team in the fall and rejoin the MLS Next club for the remainder of the club season?

No. MLSN 1 player cannot be associated with another soccer team during the season. Problem is that club will have to remove club card and re-add if player returns. re-adding and submission process is pain.

BSC MLSN parent here. The previous post is false. Yes, if you want to play HS the Club will roster you on the MLSN team in the fall but you won't be allowed (by Club rule) to play in games or even practice until your HS season is over. Then, you can rejoin the MLSN team (and potentially even play in remaining fall games, depending on the team/coach, but definitely in the spring). I have seen it happen (and good for the kids who want to do that).

You need to have a specific waiver approved. without it, you cannot even be rostered so you can jump back into MLSN team.

Read section VII. OUTSIDE COMPETITION. https://images.mlssoccer.com/image/upload/v1754861547/assets/mls-next-resources/MLS_NEXT_HD_Rules_and_Regulations_2025-26_final_v2_-1_tjwk8c.pdf

BSC and a player can get into lots of trouble if someone reports a wrong doing.

They won't roster you, but yes you can play high school soccer and when it's over, you can play MLSn.