Anonymous
Post 03/28/2025 12:36     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Doesnt MLS Next limit the playing of other sports or is that just a rumor that i have heard many people say. If true it probably doesn't make a difference to a 15 year old who has decided on soccer only but could be a deciding factor for a rising u13 that still would like to play other sports for fun with his friends.
MLSNEXT players are not allowed to play HS sports. If caught club gets fined and multiple times comes with bigger penalties. MLSNEXT2 they can play HS.


MLS Next players cannot do HS or middle school soccer, but there is nowhere in the rules (at least that I can find) about kids playing other school sports. You'll have a bigger issue internally with the club missing practices when you have HS lacrosse/basketball/etc games. The exceptions for HS soccer are 1) if you're designated a "Future" player on roster, which puts a limit on how many regular season MLS Next matches you can play and 2) if you get a waiver, which mostly has to do with acceptance or financial aid at a private HS based on playing soccer there

https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/resources/rules-and-regulations/
Anonymous
Post 03/28/2025 09:42     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
MLS Next is better than ECNL. Unless you are the 2008 VDA who whooped SYC 11-0.
Anonymous
Post 03/28/2025 01:21     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Anonymous wrote:Adam Baumgardner is the coach..st james springfield was mentioned but good idea to confirm
lol good Ole AB. Fired from SYA for being a Ahole.
Anonymous
Post 03/28/2025 01:20     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Anonymous wrote:Doesnt MLS Next limit the playing of other sports or is that just a rumor that i have heard many people say. If true it probably doesn't make a difference to a 15 year old who has decided on soccer only but could be a deciding factor for a rising u13 that still would like to play other sports for fun with his friends.
MLSNEXT players are not allowed to play HS sports. If caught club gets fined and multiple times comes with bigger penalties. MLSNEXT2 they can play HS.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 23:00     Subject: Re:which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Don’t fall for it. mLS Next 2 is not the same as being on ECNL or MLS NeXT

It’s the second d team and you will be playing ECNL RL or NAL or EDP level teams.


When the option is between the local EDP teams or driving 2.5 hours to the closest ECNL teams, then the MLS 2 team isn't a bad option.


If the OP is considering St James the closest ECNL or Next team is not 2.5 hours away so this makes no sense. There are at least 7+ other options within 30 -45 minute radius of St James.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 22:47     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What about mlsnext2 vs ECNLRL? About equivalent as a second tier team at any of the larger clubs?


Is this a question? MLSN2, all day, provides much better competition and exposure.


MLSN2 hasn’t even started. I think judgment on quality needs to be reserved until after there has been at least one full season under this new tier.


These are teams in MLSN2. I think the list do tell you the quality for next year. Some of these clubs are first teams.

Mid-Atlantic
Operated by National Academy League

Alexandria SA
Baltimore Armour
Bethesda SC
Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth
Coppermine SC
FC DELCO
Keystone FC
Loudoun Soccer Club
McLean Youth Soccer
PA Classics
PA Classics Harrisburg
PDA Hibernian
Players Development Academy
Real Futbol Academy
Sporting Athletic Club
Springfield SYC
Virginia Revolution SC
West Virginia Soccer


So if MLS Next 2 players can play in HS, how do they plan to schedule things when the PA, MD and NJ teams play in the fall and VA teams plays in the spring?
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 22:42     Subject: Re:which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Anonymous wrote:Don’t fall for it. mLS Next 2 is not the same as being on ECNL or MLS NeXT

It’s the second d team and you will be playing ECNL RL or NAL or EDP level teams.


When the option is between the local EDP teams or driving 2.5 hours to the closest ECNL teams, then the MLS 2 team isn't a bad option.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 21:45     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Great responses. Thx
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 21:22     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Anonymous wrote:Adam Baumgardner is the coach..st james springfield was mentioned but good idea to confirm


Adam is most likely the "placeholder coach" until the actual coach is confirmed later. If the team location is at the St James, I think you can expect 2 practices there and 1 at George Mason.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 20:11     Subject: Re:which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Don’t fall for it. mLS Next 2 is not the same as being on ECNL or MLS NeXT

It’s the second d team and you will be playing ECNL RL or NAL or EDP level teams.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 13:52     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
This one will be the weaker team in the league. Pass.
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 13:24     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Adam Baumgardner is the coach..st james springfield was mentioned but good idea to confirm
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 13:21     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Anonymous wrote:My player got an invite to STJames MLSN2 team. Smash or Pass?


Run......

did they tell you the coach or the practice location in the invite?
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 13:13     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
Anonymous wrote:My player got an invite to STJames MLSN2 team. Smash or Pass?


hard pass
Anonymous
Post 03/27/2025 13:09     Subject: which is better - ecnl or mlsnext?
My player got an invite to STJames MLSN2 team. Smash or Pass?