Watering down is bc some better kids go MLSN2 instead to play HS or don’t want the excessive travel or care about a pro pathway #realitycheck #watereddown

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like the MLSNext talent pool gets watered down as the top talent goes to the academies. So tier 1 and tier 2 are really tier 2 and tier 3. How is this supposed to be better quality than ECNL?

I don’t think one or two academies per metro area or region can absorb all top talent in their areas. Some top talent with EU or other passports are probably avoiding MLS academies as well and hoping to jump abroad.

Also random comparison with ECNL. ECNL would be tier 2 behind MLSNext 1.

Eh- not really. They sort of serve different audiences. The best Next teams might be better overall but the best ECNL clubs are better than the middling and low tier next clubs. Let's take VDA, Pipeline, and Richmond vs. WVA and Alexandria Achilles as just a few local examples

Looking at QoP rankings for Mid-Atlantic for U13 and out of 18 teams, Alexandria is #5 and Achilles #9. In front of them are MLS academies NY Red Bulls and Phili Union, along with FC Delco and SYC.





So no, VDA, Pipeline and Richmond would not have a walk in the park against Alexandria or Achilles — at least in the age bracket I saw. The quality of teams and players are stronger across the board at MLSNext.

Many of these clubs faced off in the Copa Rayados last fall. ECNL did well against MLSN in the U13/14 age group.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570

Looks like Richmond beat Alexandria 6-0 at the U15 level. Not sure where the idea that the local MLSN teams are better than ECNL comes from but the facts don't seem to support that. Pipeline, VDA, Arlington, Richmond, NCFC are all very competitive with MLSN teams.

NCFC, VDA and Richmond, yes. That leaves 12 mid to dumpster fire teams.

Let's see what the only head to head game results show about how bad ECNL teams in DMV suck compared to Next teams.

U-16
SYC Next lost to VDA ECNL
SYC Next TIED Arlington's 3rd team
Alexandra Next lost to Celtic ECNL
Alexandria Next lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to Pipeline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to VDA ECNL

U-17
SYC U-17 lost to VDA by 10 goals, lost to SUSA ECNL, and barely beat a EC Regional league team in head to head.
Alexandria U-17 lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda tied FVU ECNL

U-18
SYC Next lost to Arlington ECNL
Arlington ECNL lost to Alexandria ECNL

Common sense tells us that if the ECNL teams in this area suck, then the Next teams must suck worse since they can't beat them head to head....Now can we stop telling tall tales and just agree that the data suggests that both Next and ECNL in this area aren't that much different in the end.

came w recipts

When did these imaginary games take place?

These are all recent games in the past 12-24 months.

I mean all you need to do is look at the app if you want proof. it’s right there in Black and white unless you think it’s all a conspiracy and we are making this data up? Next teams suck worse than ECNL around DMV apparently.

I know some of these so-called results are 100% fake since one club for sure didn't play against opponents listed

Nice try...google is your friend. How about I list them for you...this time with dates.

U-16 Next vs. ECNL at Best of the East
January 25, 2025: SYC played VDA and lost
January 25th 2025 Bethesda played Pipeline and lost

U16 Next vs. ECNL at the Bethesda Showcase
November 23, 2024: Bethesda played VDA and lost

U-16 Next vs. ECNL at the Feature Weekend Showcase
February 2, 2025, Alexandria played Celtic and lost

U-16 Next vs. ECNL at Copa Reyados
August 25, 2024 Alexandria played Skyline and lost
August 24th, 2024 Armour played VDA and lost
August 25 2024, Bethesda played Arlington and won

U16- Next vs. ECNL at the VA Elite Soccer Tournament:
May 26, 2025- SYC played Arlington's U-17 3rd team and tied

I can continue across each age group...but you get the point. No matter how loud you shout, it cant change posted results. This isn't that complicated to be honest. #waterdown

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like the MLSNext talent pool gets watered down as the top talent goes to the academies. So tier 1 and tier 2 are really tier 2 and tier 3. How is this supposed to be better quality than ECNL?

I don’t think one or two academies per metro area or region can absorb all top talent in their areas. Some top talent with EU or other passports are probably avoiding MLS academies as well and hoping to jump abroad.

Also random comparison with ECNL. ECNL would be tier 2 behind MLSNext 1.

Eh- not really. They sort of serve different audiences. The best Next teams might be better overall but the best ECNL clubs are better than the middling and low tier next clubs. Let's take VDA, Pipeline, and Richmond vs. WVA and Alexandria Achilles as just a few local examples

Looking at QoP rankings for Mid-Atlantic for U13 and out of 18 teams, Alexandria is #5 and Achilles #9. In front of them are MLS academies NY Red Bulls and Phili Union, along with FC Delco and SYC.



So no, VDA, Pipeline and Richmond would not have a walk in the park against Alexandria or Achilles — at least in the age bracket I saw. The quality of teams and players are stronger across the board at MLSNext.

Many of these clubs faced off in the Copa Rayados last fall. ECNL did well against MLSN in the U13/14 age group.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570

Looks like Richmond beat Alexandria 6-0 at the U15 level. Not sure where the idea that the local MLSN teams are better than ECNL comes from but the facts don't seem to support that. Pipeline, VDA, Arlington, Richmond, NCFC are all very competitive with MLSN teams.

NCFC, VDA and Richmond, yes. That leaves 12 mid to dumpster fire teams.

Let's see what the only head to head game results show about how bad ECNL teams in DMV suck compared to Next teams.

U-16
SYC Next lost to VDA ECNL
SYC Next TIED Arlington's 3rd team
Alexandra Next lost to Celtic ECNL
Alexandria Next lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to Pipeline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to VDA ECNL

U-17
SYC U-17 lost to VDA by 10 goals, lost to SUSA ECNL, and barely beat a EC Regional league team in head to head.
Alexandria U-17 lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda tied FVU ECNL

U-18
SYC Next lost to Arlington ECNL
Arlington ECNL lost to Alexandria ECNL

Common sense tells us that if the ECNL teams in this area suck, then the Next teams must suck worse since they can't beat them head to head....Now can we stop telling tall tales and just agree that the data suggests that both Next and ECNL in this area aren't that much different in the end.

came w recipts

When did these imaginary games take place?

These are all recent games in the past 12-24 months.

I mean all you need to do is look at the app if you want proof. it’s right there in Black and white unless you think it’s all a conspiracy and we are making this data up? Next teams suck worse than ECNL around DMV apparently.

I know some of these so-called results are 100% fake since one club for sure didn't play against opponents listed

Next sucks just as bad during the 2024-2025 season. Across. All. Age. Groups.

U-16
Spring 2025- SYC Next lost to VDA ECNL
Spring 2025- SYC Next TIED Arlington's 3rd team (U17)
Spring 2025- Alexandra Next lost to Celtic ECNL
Spring 2025 Alexandria Next lost to Skyline ECNL
Spring 2025 Bethesda Next lost to Pipeline ECNL
Fall 2024 Bethesda Next lost to VDA ECNL

U-17
Spring 2025- SYC U-17 lost to VDA by 10 goals, lost to SUSA ECNL, and barely beat a EC Regional league team in head to head.
Fall 2024 -Alexandria U-17 lost to Skyline ECNL
Fall 2024 Bethesda tied FVU ECNL

U-18
Fall 2024- 2025 SYC Next lost to Arlington ECNL
Fall 2024- Arlington ECNL lost to Alexandria ECNL

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like the MLSNext talent pool gets watered down as the top talent goes to the academies. So tier 1 and tier 2 are really tier 2 and tier 3. How is this supposed to be better quality than ECNL?

I don’t think one or two academies per metro area or region can absorb all top talent in their areas. Some top talent with EU or other passports are probably avoiding MLS academies as well and hoping to jump abroad.

Also random comparison with ECNL. ECNL would be tier 2 behind MLSNext 1.

Eh- not really. They sort of serve different audiences. The best Next teams might be better overall but the best ECNL clubs are better than the middling and low tier next clubs. Let's take VDA, Pipeline, and Richmond vs. WVA and Alexandria Achilles as just a few local examples

Looking at QoP rankings for Mid-Atlantic for U13 and out of 18 teams, Alexandria is #5 and Achilles #9. In front of them are MLS academies NY Red Bulls and Phili Union, along with FC Delco and SYC.



So no, VDA, Pipeline and Richmond would not have a walk in the park against Alexandria or Achilles — at least in the age bracket I saw. The quality of teams and players are stronger across the board at MLSNext.

Many of these clubs faced off in the Copa Rayados last fall. ECNL did well against MLSN in the U13/14 age group.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570

Looks like Richmond beat Alexandria 6-0 at the U15 level. Not sure where the idea that the local MLSN teams are better than ECNL comes from but the facts don't seem to support that. Pipeline, VDA, Arlington, Richmond, NCFC are all very competitive with MLSN teams.

NCFC, VDA and Richmond, yes. That leaves 12 mid to dumpster fire teams.

Let's see what the only head to head game results show about how bad ECNL teams in DMV suck compared to Next teams.

U-16
SYC Next lost to VDA ECNL
SYC Next TIED Arlington's 3rd team
Alexandra Next lost to Celtic ECNL
Alexandria Next lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to Pipeline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to VDA ECNL

U-17
SYC U-17 lost to VDA by 10 goals, lost to SUSA ECNL, and barely beat a EC Regional league team in head to head.
Alexandria U-17 lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda tied FVU ECNL

U-18
SYC Next lost to Arlington ECNL
Arlington ECNL lost to Alexandria ECNL

Common sense tells us that if the ECNL teams in this area suck, then the Next teams must suck worse since they can't beat them head to head....Now can we stop telling tall tales and just agree that the data suggests that both Next and ECNL in this area aren't that much different in the end.

came w recipts

When did these imaginary games take place?

These are all recent games in the past 12-24 months.

I mean all you need to do is look at the app if you want proof. it’s right there in Black and white unless you think it’s all a conspiracy and we are making this data up? Next teams suck worse than ECNL around DMV apparently.

Past 24 months? Please sit down.

Actually they are all from this 2024-2025 season. Though if you go back to last season it’s the same thing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like the MLSNext talent pool gets watered down as the top talent goes to the academies. So tier 1 and tier 2 are really tier 2 and tier 3. How is this supposed to be better quality than ECNL?

I don’t think one or two academies per metro area or region can absorb all top talent in their areas. Some top talent with EU or other passports are probably avoiding MLS academies as well and hoping to jump abroad.

Also random comparison with ECNL. ECNL would be tier 2 behind MLSNext 1.

Eh- not really. They sort of serve different audiences. The best Next teams might be better overall but the best ECNL clubs are better than the middling and low tier next clubs. Let's take VDA, Pipeline, and Richmond vs. WVA and Alexandria Achilles as just a few local examples

Looking at QoP rankings for Mid-Atlantic for U13 and out of 18 teams, Alexandria is #5 and Achilles #9. In front of them are MLS academies NY Red Bulls and Phili Union, along with FC Delco and SYC.



So no, VDA, Pipeline and Richmond would not have a walk in the park against Alexandria or Achilles — at least in the age bracket I saw. The quality of teams and players are stronger across the board at MLSNext.

Many of these clubs faced off in the Copa Rayados last fall. ECNL did well against MLSN in the U13/14 age group.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570

Looks like Richmond beat Alexandria 6-0 at the U15 level. Not sure where the idea that the local MLSN teams are better than ECNL comes from but the facts don't seem to support that. Pipeline, VDA, Arlington, Richmond, NCFC are all very competitive with MLSN teams.

NCFC, VDA and Richmond, yes. That leaves 12 mid to dumpster fire teams.

Let's see what the only head to head game results show about how bad ECNL teams in DMV suck compared to Next teams.

U-16
SYC Next lost to VDA ECNL
SYC Next TIED Arlington's 3rd team
Alexandra Next lost to Celtic ECNL
Alexandria Next lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to Pipeline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to VDA ECNL

U-17
SYC U-17 lost to VDA by 10 goals, lost to SUSA ECNL, and barely beat a EC Regional league team in head to head.
Alexandria U-17 lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda tied FVU ECNL

U-18
SYC Next lost to Arlington ECNL
Arlington ECNL lost to Alexandria ECNL

Common sense tells us that if the ECNL teams in this area suck, then the Next teams must suck worse since they can't beat them head to head....Now can we stop telling tall tales and just agree that the data suggests that both Next and ECNL in this area aren't that much different in the end.

came w recipts

When did these imaginary games take place?

These are all recent games in the past 12-24 months.

I mean all you need to do is look at the app if you want proof. it’s right there in Black and white unless you think it’s all a conspiracy and we are making this data up? Next teams suck worse than ECNL around DMV apparently.

Past 24 months? Please sit down.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like the MLSNext talent pool gets watered down as the top talent goes to the academies. So tier 1 and tier 2 are really tier 2 and tier 3. How is this supposed to be better quality than ECNL?

I don’t think one or two academies per metro area or region can absorb all top talent in their areas. Some top talent with EU or other passports are probably avoiding MLS academies as well and hoping to jump abroad.

Also random comparison with ECNL. ECNL would be tier 2 behind MLSNext 1.

Eh- not really. They sort of serve different audiences. The best Next teams might be better overall but the best ECNL clubs are better than the middling and low tier next clubs. Let's take VDA, Pipeline, and Richmond vs. WVA and Alexandria Achilles as just a few local examples

Looking at QoP rankings for Mid-Atlantic for U13 and out of 18 teams, Alexandria is #5 and Achilles #9. In front of them are MLS academies NY Red Bulls and Phili Union, along with FC Delco and SYC.



So no, VDA, Pipeline and Richmond would not have a walk in the park against Alexandria or Achilles — at least in the age bracket I saw. The quality of teams and players are stronger across the board at MLSNext.

Many of these clubs faced off in the Copa Rayados last fall. ECNL did well against MLSN in the U13/14 age group.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570

Looks like Richmond beat Alexandria 6-0 at the U15 level. Not sure where the idea that the local MLSN teams are better than ECNL comes from but the facts don't seem to support that. Pipeline, VDA, Arlington, Richmond, NCFC are all very competitive with MLSN teams.

NCFC, VDA and Richmond, yes. That leaves 12 mid to dumpster fire teams.

Let's see what the only head to head game results show about how bad ECNL teams in DMV suck compared to Next teams.

U-16
SYC Next lost to VDA ECNL
SYC Next TIED Arlington's 3rd team
Alexandra Next lost to Celtic ECNL
Alexandria Next lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to Pipeline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to VDA ECNL

U-17
SYC U-17 lost to VDA by 10 goals, lost to SUSA ECNL, and barely beat a EC Regional league team in head to head.
Alexandria U-17 lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda tied FVU ECNL

U-18
SYC Next lost to Arlington ECNL
Arlington ECNL lost to Alexandria ECNL

Common sense tells us that if the ECNL teams in this area suck, then the Next teams must suck worse since they can't beat them head to head....Now can we stop telling tall tales and just agree that the data suggests that both Next and ECNL in this area aren't that much different in the end.

came w recipts

When did these imaginary games take place?

These are all recent games in the past 12-24 months.

I mean all you need to do is look at the app if you want proof. it’s right there in Black and white unless you think it’s all a conspiracy and we are making this data up? Next teams suck worse than ECNL around DMV apparently.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like the MLSNext talent pool gets watered down as the top talent goes to the academies. So tier 1 and tier 2 are really tier 2 and tier 3. How is this supposed to be better quality than ECNL?

I don’t think one or two academies per metro area or region can absorb all top talent in their areas. Some top talent with EU or other passports are probably avoiding MLS academies as well and hoping to jump abroad.

Also random comparison with ECNL. ECNL would be tier 2 behind MLSNext 1.

Eh- not really. They sort of serve different audiences. The best Next teams might be better overall but the best ECNL clubs are better than the middling and low tier next clubs. Let's take VDA, Pipeline, and Richmond vs. WVA and Alexandria Achilles as just a few local examples

Looking at QoP rankings for Mid-Atlantic for U13 and out of 18 teams, Alexandria is #5 and Achilles #9. In front of them are MLS academies NY Red Bulls and Phili Union, along with FC Delco and SYC.



So no, VDA, Pipeline and Richmond would not have a walk in the park against Alexandria or Achilles — at least in the age bracket I saw. The quality of teams and players are stronger across the board at MLSNext.

Many of these clubs faced off in the Copa Rayados last fall. ECNL did well against MLSN in the U13/14 age group.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570

Looks like Richmond beat Alexandria 6-0 at the U15 level. Not sure where the idea that the local MLSN teams are better than ECNL comes from but the facts don't seem to support that. Pipeline, VDA, Arlington, Richmond, NCFC are all very competitive with MLSN teams.

NCFC, VDA and Richmond, yes. That leaves 12 mid to dumpster fire teams.

Let's see what the only head to head game results show about how bad ECNL teams in DMV suck compared to Next teams.

U-16
SYC Next lost to VDA ECNL
SYC Next TIED Arlington's 3rd team
Alexandra Next lost to Celtic ECNL
Alexandria Next lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to Pipeline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to VDA ECNL

U-17
SYC U-17 lost to VDA by 10 goals, lost to SUSA ECNL, and barely beat a EC Regional league team in head to head.
Alexandria U-17 lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda tied FVU ECNL

U-18
SYC Next lost to Arlington ECNL
Arlington ECNL lost to Alexandria ECNL

Common sense tells us that if the ECNL teams in this area suck, then the Next teams must suck worse since they can't beat them head to head....Now can we stop telling tall tales and just agree that the data suggests that both Next and ECNL in this area aren't that much different in the end.

came w recipts

When did these imaginary games take place?

So many insecure parents in this forum. 🙄

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like the MLSNext talent pool gets watered down as the top talent goes to the academies. So tier 1 and tier 2 are really tier 2 and tier 3. How is this supposed to be better quality than ECNL?

I don’t think one or two academies per metro area or region can absorb all top talent in their areas. Some top talent with EU or other passports are probably avoiding MLS academies as well and hoping to jump abroad.

Also random comparison with ECNL. ECNL would be tier 2 behind MLSNext 1.

Eh- not really. They sort of serve different audiences. The best Next teams might be better overall but the best ECNL clubs are better than the middling and low tier next clubs. Let's take VDA, Pipeline, and Richmond vs. WVA and Alexandria Achilles as just a few local examples

Looking at QoP rankings for Mid-Atlantic for U13 and out of 18 teams, Alexandria is #5 and Achilles #9. In front of them are MLS academies NY Red Bulls and Phili Union, along with FC Delco and SYC.



So no, VDA, Pipeline and Richmond would not have a walk in the park against Alexandria or Achilles — at least in the age bracket I saw. The quality of teams and players are stronger across the board at MLSNext.

Many of these clubs faced off in the Copa Rayados last fall. ECNL did well against MLSN in the U13/14 age group.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570

Looks like Richmond beat Alexandria 6-0 at the U15 level. Not sure where the idea that the local MLSN teams are better than ECNL comes from but the facts don't seem to support that. Pipeline, VDA, Arlington, Richmond, NCFC are all very competitive with MLSN teams.

NCFC, VDA and Richmond, yes. That leaves 12 mid to dumpster fire teams.

Let's see what the only head to head game results show about how bad ECNL teams in DMV suck compared to Next teams.

U-16
SYC Next lost to VDA ECNL
SYC Next TIED Arlington's 3rd team
Alexandra Next lost to Celtic ECNL
Alexandria Next lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to Pipeline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to VDA ECNL

U-17
SYC U-17 lost to VDA by 10 goals, lost to SUSA ECNL, and barely beat a EC Regional league team in head to head.
Alexandria U-17 lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda tied FVU ECNL

U-18
SYC Next lost to Arlington ECNL
Arlington ECNL lost to Alexandria ECNL

Common sense tells us that if the ECNL teams in this area suck, then the Next teams must suck worse since they can't beat them head to head....Now can we stop telling tall tales and just agree that the data suggests that both Next and ECNL in this area aren't that much different in the end.

came w recipts

Anonymous wrote:Outside of the fully funded academies, what big purpose is there for the other leagues MLSNext/ECNL, other than rich families showing off a patch? This is a serious question. Can pay for play boys get a pro contract or scholarship to college? If not, is this just an expensive recreational youth sport?

Wut. What a dumb question. Of course they can.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like the MLSNext talent pool gets watered down as the top talent goes to the academies. So tier 1 and tier 2 are really tier 2 and tier 3. How is this supposed to be better quality than ECNL?

I don’t think one or two academies per metro area or region can absorb all top talent in their areas. Some top talent with EU or other passports are probably avoiding MLS academies as well and hoping to jump abroad.

Also random comparison with ECNL. ECNL would be tier 2 behind MLSNext 1.

Eh- not really. They sort of serve different audiences. The best Next teams might be better overall but the best ECNL clubs are better than the middling and low tier next clubs. Let's take VDA, Pipeline, and Richmond vs. WVA and Alexandria Achilles as just a few local examples

Looking at QoP rankings for Mid-Atlantic for U13 and out of 18 teams, Alexandria is #5 and Achilles #9. In front of them are MLS academies NY Red Bulls and Phili Union, along with FC Delco and SYC.

So no, VDA, Pipeline and Richmond would not have a walk in the park against Alexandria or Achilles — at least in the age bracket I saw. The quality of teams and players are stronger across the board at MLSNext.

Many of these clubs faced off in the Copa Rayados last fall. ECNL did well against MLSN in the U13/14 age group.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570

Looks like Richmond beat Alexandria 6-0 at the U15 level. Not sure where the idea that the local MLSN teams are better than ECNL comes from but the facts don't seem to support that. Pipeline, VDA, Arlington, Richmond, NCFC are all very competitive with MLSN teams.

NCFC, VDA and Richmond, yes. That leaves 12 mid to dumpster fire teams.

Yes, please enjoy the soccer armpits called West Virginia, Achilles, Keystone, etc.

It’s ECNL. Dumpster fire teams prop up those three. Didn’t ECNL finish their soft season 3 weeks ago?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like the MLSNext talent pool gets watered down as the top talent goes to the academies. So tier 1 and tier 2 are really tier 2 and tier 3. How is this supposed to be better quality than ECNL?

I don’t think one or two academies per metro area or region can absorb all top talent in their areas. Some top talent with EU or other passports are probably avoiding MLS academies as well and hoping to jump abroad.

Also random comparison with ECNL. ECNL would be tier 2 behind MLSNext 1.

Eh- not really. They sort of serve different audiences. The best Next teams might be better overall but the best ECNL clubs are better than the middling and low tier next clubs. Let's take VDA, Pipeline, and Richmond vs. WVA and Alexandria Achilles as just a few local examples

Looking at QoP rankings for Mid-Atlantic for U13 and out of 18 teams, Alexandria is #5 and Achilles #9. In front of them are MLS academies NY Red Bulls and Phili Union, along with FC Delco and SYC.



So no, VDA, Pipeline and Richmond would not have a walk in the park against Alexandria or Achilles — at least in the age bracket I saw. The quality of teams and players are stronger across the board at MLSNext.

Many of these clubs faced off in the Copa Rayados last fall. ECNL did well against MLSN in the U13/14 age group.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570

Looks like Richmond beat Alexandria 6-0 at the U15 level. Not sure where the idea that the local MLSN teams are better than ECNL comes from but the facts don't seem to support that. Pipeline, VDA, Arlington, Richmond, NCFC are all very competitive with MLSN teams.

NCFC, VDA and Richmond, yes. That leaves 12 mid to dumpster fire teams.

Let's see what the only head to head game results show about how bad ECNL teams in DMV suck compared to Next teams.

U-16
SYC Next lost to VDA ECNL
SYC Next TIED Arlington's 3rd team
Alexandra Next lost to Celtic ECNL
Alexandria Next lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to Pipeline ECNL
Bethesda Next lost to VDA ECNL

U-17
SYC U-17 lost to VDA by 10 goals, lost to SUSA ECNL, and barely beat a EC Regional league team in head to head.
Alexandria U-17 lost to Skyline ECNL
Bethesda tied FVU ECNL

U-18
SYC Next lost to Arlington ECNL
Arlington ECNL lost to Alexandria ECNL

Common sense tells us that if the ECNL teams in this area suck, then the Next teams must suck worse since they can't beat them head to head....Now can we stop telling tall tales and just agree that the data suggests that both Next and ECNL in this area aren't that much different in the end.

ECNL sucks.

The lcoal NL teams are all ready losing bad to MLSN2 team in my zip code.

Its just the start too.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seems like the MLSNext talent pool gets watered down as the top talent goes to the academies. So tier 1 and tier 2 are really tier 2 and tier 3. How is this supposed to be better quality than ECNL?

I don’t think one or two academies per metro area or region can absorb all top talent in their areas. Some top talent with EU or other passports are probably avoiding MLS academies as well and hoping to jump abroad.

Also random comparison with ECNL. ECNL would be tier 2 behind MLSNext 1.

Eh- not really. They sort of serve different audiences. The best Next teams might be better overall but the best ECNL clubs are better than the middling and low tier next clubs. Let's take VDA, Pipeline, and Richmond vs. WVA and Alexandria Achilles as just a few local examples

Looking at QoP rankings for Mid-Atlantic for U13 and out of 18 teams, Alexandria is #5 and Achilles #9. In front of them are MLS academies NY Red Bulls and Phili Union, along with FC Delco and SYC.

So no, VDA, Pipeline and Richmond would not have a walk in the park against Alexandria or Achilles — at least in the age bracket I saw. The quality of teams and players are stronger across the board at MLSNext.

Many of these clubs faced off in the Copa Rayados last fall. ECNL did well against MLSN in the U13/14 age group.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33570

Looks like Richmond beat Alexandria 6-0 at the U15 level. Not sure where the idea that the local MLSN teams are better than ECNL comes from but the facts don't seem to support that. Pipeline, VDA, Arlington, Richmond, NCFC are all very competitive with MLSN teams.

NCFC, VDA and Richmond, yes. That leaves 12 mid to dumpster fire teams.

Yes, please enjoy the soccer armpits called West Virginia, Achilles, Keystone, etc.