Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United?

You also play 40% more games a year with MLSnext team over ECNL. Players are faster.

You play 40% more LEAGUE games. How many tournaments do the Bethesda MLS Next teams play in? Almost none. Not even their own tournament...because they think they are too good for it. Meanwhile, the ECNL teams are playing MLS Next and ECNL teams from all over the country in tournaments. Look at the entire house before you make a purchase. Some have great front rooms and rotted foundations. Some just have alot of cosmetics and no bones.

Not true- when BSC Teams miss their own tournament, it's due to MLS Next scheduling and not due to not wanting to play.

Really? So other MLS Next teams play in the Bethesda Cup, but Bethesda can't make a simple request to avoid that weekend? My son plays for Bethesda MLS Next. Last year the PA-based team we were playing that weekend asked us to reschedule because they wanted to play in the Bethesda Cup. Bethesda refused. Why would they do that? You tell me.

Because in the grand scheme of things, one tournament weekend means nothing.

"Our club's tournament is one of the top 5 tournaments in the nation! But our own club's teams are too busy to attend." Keep drinking the Kool Aid in Jonestown....errr, Coltontown.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United?

You also play 40% more games a year with MLSnext team over ECNL. Players are faster.

You play 40% more LEAGUE games. How many tournaments do the Bethesda MLS Next teams play in? Almost none. Not even their own tournament...because they think they are too good for it. Meanwhile, the ECNL teams are playing MLS Next and ECNL teams from all over the country in tournaments. Look at the entire house before you make a purchase. Some have great front rooms and rotted foundations. Some just have alot of cosmetics and no bones.

Not true- when BSC Teams miss their own tournament, it's due to MLS Next scheduling and not due to not wanting to play.

Really? So other MLS Next teams play in the Bethesda Cup, but Bethesda can't make a simple request to avoid that weekend? My son plays for Bethesda MLS Next. Last year the PA-based team we were playing that weekend asked us to reschedule because they wanted to play in the Bethesda Cup. Bethesda refused. Why would they do that? You tell me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United?

You also play 40% more games a year with MLSnext team over ECNL. Players are faster.

You play 40% more LEAGUE games. How many tournaments do the Bethesda MLS Next teams play in? Almost none. Not even their own tournament...because they think they are too good for it. Meanwhile, the ECNL teams are playing MLS Next and ECNL teams from all over the country in tournaments. Look at the entire house before you make a purchase. Some have great front rooms and rotted foundations. Some just have alot of cosmetics and no bones.

Not true- when BSC Teams miss their own tournament, it's due to MLS Next scheduling and not due to not wanting to play.

Really? So other MLS Next teams play in the Bethesda Cup, but Bethesda can't make a simple request to avoid that weekend? My son plays for Bethesda MLS Next. Last year the PA-based team we were playing that weekend asked us to reschedule because they wanted to play in the Bethesda Cup. Bethesda refused. Why would they do that? You tell me.

Because in the grand scheme of things, one tournament weekend means nothing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United?

You also play 40% more games a year with MLSnext team over ECNL. Players are faster.

You play 40% more LEAGUE games. How many tournaments do the Bethesda MLS Next teams play in? Almost none. Not even their own tournament...because they think they are too good for it. Meanwhile, the ECNL teams are playing MLS Next and ECNL teams from all over the country in tournaments. Look at the entire house before you make a purchase. Some have great front rooms and rotted foundations. Some just have alot of cosmetics and no bones.

Not true- when BSC Teams miss their own tournament, it's due to MLS Next scheduling and not due to not wanting to play.

Really? So other MLS Next teams play in the Bethesda Cup, but Bethesda can't make a simple request to avoid that weekend? My son plays for Bethesda MLS Next. Last year the PA-based team we were playing that weekend asked us to reschedule because they wanted to play in the Bethesda Cup. Bethesda refused. Why would they do that? You tell me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MLSNext is MUCH higher competition. But probably better for your son to start and play most of the game with ECNL team than play sparingly with MLSN team (not saying that is the case, obviously). If he can crack a starting lineup, make the switch.

This is false and misinformation. There is no information to support this claim. The level of competition between MLS Next and ECNL varies by team, region, and player development focus. Both leagues provide high-level competition, and the best environment for a player depends on individual goals and circumstances, not blanket statements like this.

MLS Next is Top Dog
MLS Next is the top of the pyramid league for boys. Period.
All USYNT players come from MLS Next or International Academy
(maybe 0.000001% exception)

Stop the false equivalence and comparisons nonsense because of your fragile ego and you don't want your baby to feel inferior.

Harvard, Yale, and Penn are the top dogs. All the US Presidents for the last 30 years came out of these schools. Nobody is looking at their other Ivy Leagues and certainly not the state schools. Maybe 0.0000001% exception.
That's basically what you're saying. Harvard and Yale aren't for everyone. And there are kids who come out of other schools, just like those that come out of ECNL, who will go on to have great careers...in soccer and other aspects of life.
If you are banking on your kid to get a $20 million contract in the Premier Leauge, then go ahead and empty all those eggs into your basket. But don't ridicule the rest of us who see that there are good players, good teams, and yes not so great players or teams (West Virginia / Achilles) in most every league.

ECNL being a lesser league is only an insult to your fragile ego

There are always leagues below the top league.

Oh, I forgot, everyone gets a participation medal and trophy in your world so your kids don't feel less than the team that won.

Here's hoping your son has a glorious career at Washington Adventist University or wherever he slides into irrelevance.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United?

You also play 40% more games a year with MLSnext team over ECNL. Players are faster.

You play 40% more LEAGUE games. How many tournaments do the Bethesda MLS Next teams play in? Almost none. Not even their own tournament...because they think they are too good for it. Meanwhile, the ECNL teams are playing MLS Next and ECNL teams from all over the country in tournaments. Look at the entire house before you make a purchase. Some have great front rooms and rotted foundations. Some just have alot of cosmetics and no bones.

Not true- when BSC Teams miss their own tournament, it's due to MLS Next scheduling and not due to not wanting to play.

Really? So other MLS Next teams play in the Bethesda Cup, but Bethesda can't make a simple request to avoid that weekend? My son plays for Bethesda MLS Next. Last year the PA-based team we were playing that weekend asked us to reschedule because they wanted to play in the Bethesda Cup. Bethesda refused. Why would they do that? You tell me.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MLSNext is MUCH higher competition. But probably better for your son to start and play most of the game with ECNL team than play sparingly with MLSN team (not saying that is the case, obviously). If he can crack a starting lineup, make the switch.

This is false and misinformation. There is no information to support this claim. The level of competition between MLS Next and ECNL varies by team, region, and player development focus. Both leagues provide high-level competition, and the best environment for a player depends on individual goals and circumstances, not blanket statements like this.

MLS Next is Top Dog
MLS Next is the top of the pyramid league for boys. Period.
All USYNT players come from MLS Next or International Academy
(maybe 0.000001% exception)

Stop the false equivalence and comparisons nonsense because of your fragile ego and you don't want your baby to feel inferior.

Harvard, Yale, and Penn are the top dogs. All the US Presidents for the last 30 years came out of these schools. Nobody is looking at their other Ivy Leagues and certainly not the state schools. Maybe 0.0000001% exception.
That's basically what you're saying. Harvard and Yale aren't for everyone. And there are kids who come out of other schools, just like those that come out of ECNL, who will go on to have great careers...in soccer and other aspects of life.
If you are banking on your kid to get a $20 million contract in the Premier Leauge, then go ahead and empty all those eggs into your basket. But don't ridicule the rest of us who see that there are good players, good teams, and yes not so great players or teams (West Virginia / Achilles) in most every league.

ECNL being a lesser league is only an insult to your fragile ego

There are always leagues below the top league.

Oh, I forgot, everyone gets a participation medal and trophy in your world so your kids don't feel less than the team that won.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United?

You also play 40% more games a year with MLSnext team over ECNL. Players are faster.

You play 40% more LEAGUE games. How many tournaments do the Bethesda MLS Next teams play in? Almost none. Not even their own tournament...because they think they are too good for it. Meanwhile, the ECNL teams are playing MLS Next and ECNL teams from all over the country in tournaments. Look at the entire house before you make a purchase. Some have great front rooms and rotted foundations. Some just have alot of cosmetics and no bones.

Not true- when BSC Teams miss their own tournament, it's due to MLS Next scheduling and not due to not wanting to play.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MLSNext is MUCH higher competition. But probably better for your son to start and play most of the game with ECNL team than play sparingly with MLSN team (not saying that is the case, obviously). If he can crack a starting lineup, make the switch.

This is false and misinformation. There is no information to support this claim. The level of competition between MLS Next and ECNL varies by team, region, and player development focus. Both leagues provide high-level competition, and the best environment for a player depends on individual goals and circumstances, not blanket statements like this.

MLS Next is Top Dog
MLS Next is the top of the pyramid league for boys. Period.
All USYNT players come from MLS Next or International Academy
(maybe 0.000001% exception)

Stop the false equivalence and comparisons nonsense because of your fragile ego and you don't want your baby to feel inferior.

Harvard, Yale, and Penn are the top dogs. All the US Presidents for the last 30 years came out of these schools. Nobody is looking at their other Ivy Leagues and certainly not the state schools. Maybe 0.0000001% exception.
That's basically what you're saying. Harvard and Yale aren't for everyone. And there are kids who come out of other schools, just like those that come out of ECNL, who will go on to have great careers...in soccer and other aspects of life.
If you are banking on your kid to get a $20 million contract in the Premier Leauge, then go ahead and empty all those eggs into your basket. But don't ridicule the rest of us who see that there are good players, good teams, and yes not so great players or teams (West Virginia / Achilles) in most every league.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MLSNext is MUCH higher competition. But probably better for your son to start and play most of the game with ECNL team than play sparingly with MLSN team (not saying that is the case, obviously). If he can crack a starting lineup, make the switch.

This is false and misinformation. There is no information to support this claim. The level of competition between MLS Next and ECNL varies by team, region, and player development focus. Both leagues provide high-level competition, and the best environment for a player depends on individual goals and circumstances, not blanket statements like this.

MLS Next is Top Dog
MLS Next is the top of the pyramid league for boys. Period.
All USYNT players come from MLS Next or International Academy
(maybe 0.000001% exception)

Stop the false equivalence and comparisons nonsense because of your fragile ego and you don't want your baby to feel inferior.

Harvard, Yale, and Penn are the top dogs. All the US Presidents for the last 30 years came out of these schools. Nobody is looking at their other Ivy Leagues and certainly not the state schools. Maybe 0.0000001% exception.
That's basically what you're saying. Harvard and Yale aren't for everyone. And there are kids who come out of other schools, just like those that come out of ECNL, who will go on to have great careers...in soccer and other aspects of life.
If you are banking on your kid to get a $20 million contract in the Premier Leauge, then go ahead and empty all those eggs into your basket. But don't ridicule the rest of us who see that there are good players, good teams, and yes not so great players or teams (West Virginia / Achilles) in most every league.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United?

You also play 40% more games a year with MLSnext team over ECNL. Players are faster.

You play 40% more LEAGUE games. How many tournaments do the Bethesda MLS Next teams play in? Almost none. Not even their own tournament...because they think they are too good for it. Meanwhile, the ECNL teams are playing MLS Next and ECNL teams from all over the country in tournaments. Look at the entire house before you make a purchase. Some have great front rooms and rotted foundations. Some just have alot of cosmetics and no bones.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United?

You also play 40% more games a year with MLSnext team over ECNL. Players are faster.

You play 40% more LEAGUE games. How many tournaments do the Bethesda MLS Next teams play in? Almost none. Not even their own tournament...because they think they are too good for it. Meanwhile, the ECNL teams are playing MLS Next and ECNL teams from all over the country in tournaments. Look at the entire house before you make a purchase. Some have great front rooms and rotted foundations. Some just have alot of cosmetics and no bones.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United?

You also play 40% more games a year with MLSnext team over ECNL. Players are faster.

You play 40% more LEAGUE games. How many tournaments do the Bethesda MLS Next teams play in? Almost none. Not even their own tournament...because they think they are too good for it. Meanwhile, the ECNL teams are playing MLS Next and ECNL teams from all over the country in tournaments. Look at the entire house before you make a purchase. Some have great front rooms and rotted foundations. Some just have alot of cosmetics and no bones.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So if someone had the choice of BSC or Achilles MLSNext versus MD United or Potomac ECNL it’s basically comparable? Only reason to really switch would be to go to DC United?

You also play 40% more games a year with MLSnext team over ECNL. Players are faster.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MLSNext is MUCH higher competition. But probably better for your son to start and play most of the game with ECNL team than play sparingly with MLSN team (not saying that is the case, obviously). If he can crack a starting lineup, make the switch.

This is false and misinformation. There is no information to support this claim. The level of competition between MLS Next and ECNL varies by team, region, and player development focus. Both leagues provide high-level competition, and the best environment for a player depends on individual goals and circumstances, not blanket statements like this.

MLS Next is Top Dog
MLS Next is the top of the pyramid league for boys. Period.
All USYNT players come from MLS Next or International Academy
(maybe 0.000001% exception)

Stop the false equivalence and comparisons nonsense because of your fragile ego and you don't want your baby to feel inferior.

Keep living in a fantasy world. You’re going to be one sad individual when reality sets in. All these “elite” leagues are the same, and USYNT selections are driven by politics. The player pool in the U.S. is too large for USYNT to truly represent the best talent across the country. What pyramid are you referring to? League hierarchies are subjective at best. It sounds like you’re defining your child’s ability based on a made-up league status, which points to a fragile ego. Like many others, you’ll learn the hard truth when things don’t pan out as you expect. But hey, at least they played in a ‘high-level’ youth league. The reality is, your kid isn’t special—we all pay to play. Focus on the quality of the program, not the league badge.

Then every true soccer country lives in a fantasy.
Because all their national youth teams players come from the league the top clubs academies play in as well.

You don't need to look all across the country when you know with high probability where the best talent gather.
MLS Next is the watering hole the USYNT hunters lay in wait.

Other countries invest heavily in developing players and structure their youth leagues based on regional geography to effectively identify talent. There’s no debate in those countries about which youth league is better—they focus on inclusivity, and many operate with promotion and relegation systems to ensure competitiveness.

For those of us who’ve been through the USYNT system, whether as “players” or parents, we’ve seen firsthand how things constantly change. US Soccer has restructured so many times that it’s hard to keep up, but we hope they eventually find a sustainable path forward.

The reality is we all pay-to-play, so we end up chasing leagues and “exposure” that may not reflect opportunities. But hey its the system we all pay for so we can't really complain.

We the majority are in Pay-to-Play

Are you saying any kid of any talent just walks up to Baltimore Armor or FC Delco with a check and gets placed on the roster for their U15 MLS Next teams?

Here’s a response that maintains professionalism while addressing the issues raised:

Not sure about Delco, but for BA, the answer appears to be yes—there are ways that go beyond pure talent. These teams aren’t consistently strong from top to bottom; there are clear major drop-offs in talent at certain points on the roster. We all see it and often wonder “how did he make the team or damn he never plays” It really depends on how naïve you are or if you know how to work the system.

Option 1: Some families manage to “pay” their way into top spots—whether through donations, direct cash exchanges, or signing up for private sessions with certain coaches. These behind-the-scenes actions can often secure roster spots.

Option 2: Others pay the same high fees but get misled—told they’ll play at a certain level (like NAL) bc those MLS NXT rosters are already full. They end up bouncing between rosters or only getting minutes here and there, with no guarantee of meaningful development.

In short, the system isn’t always based on merit. It often rewards those who understand how to navigate these informal pathways or leverage other means to secure opportunities.