MLS Next: U17, U19 first round predictions
Photo credit: Barca Academy AZ Twitter
The postseason nears for the first MLS Next campaign, bringing to an end the inaugural season of a new league.
Under-17 and Under-19 teams begin the knockout tournament on Saturday, June 26, with a 32-team competition ending on July 3 and crowning a winner.
It’s a big opportunity for players looking to be scouted by colleges, whether it’s 2021 or 2022 graduates. The competition in Frisco is one of the first major national events after the recruiting dead period finally ended on May 31.
Below is a quick overview of the U17 and U19 age groups, and a prediction of all first-round matches.
U17
Perhaps the most interesting of the age groups when considering players for either pro future or even college chances. It also features plenty of pro sides, both from the USL Championship and Major League Soccer. So who are the favorites? The Philadelphia Union are excellent and should bring plenty of quality. The Seattle Sounders have been aggressive about promoting players, but still have enough to be dangerous. Powerhouse sides like FC Dallas and LA Galaxy can’t be overlooked. LAFC has been excellent with the players coming through that are eligible. New York City FC has a rich talent pool, but could be out early with a first-round game against FCD. Academy newcomers Charlotte FC brings quality in the form of players like Chris Thaggard and Bryce Swinehart.
Whichever side wins the first-round matchup between De Anza Force and Bethesda SC can’t be overlooked; both are storied sides that make the most of the talent on the roster. One of the best players from outside pro academy sides is IMG Academy’s Nathan Richmond, who will look to make the most of a tough matchup with Sacramento Republic. Either of Solar SC or Albion SC draw from deep parts of the country and could go on a run after their first round matchup.
Met Oval vs. PDA, 9 a.m.
Predicted winner: PDA
Orlando City SC vs. New England Revolution, 10 a.m.
Predicted winner: New England Revolution
Shattuck St. Mary’s vs. Tampa Bay United, 10 a.m.
Predicted winner: Tampa Bay United
Chicago Fire FC vs. Vardar, 10 a.m.
Predicted winner: Chicago Fire
Philadelphia Union vs. Total Futbol Academy, 10 a.m.
Predicted winner: Philadelphia Unon
Sacramento Republic vs. IMG Academy, 11 a.m.
Predicted winner: IMG Academy
De Anza Force vs. Bethesda SC, 11 a.m.
Predicted winner: De Anza Force
RSL-AZ vs. Indiana Fire Academy, 12 p.m.
Predicted winner: Indiana Fire Academy
Seattle Sounders FC vs. FC Delco, 12 p.m.
Predicted winner: Seattle Sounders FC
Albion SC vs. Solar SC, 12 p.m.
Predicted winner: Albion SC
LAFC vs. Oakwood SC, 12 p.m.
Predicted winner: LAFC
Real Colorado vs. LA Galaxy, 12 p.m.
Predicted winner: LA Galaxy
Atlanta United vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 6 p.m.
Predicted winner: Atlanta United
Charlotte FC vs. St. Louis FC, 6 p.m.
Predicted winner: Charlotte FC
FC Dallas vs. New York City FC, 6:05 p.m.
Predicted winner: FC Dallas
Cedar Stars Bergen vs. Colorado Rapids, 8 p.m.
Predicted winner: Cedar Stars
U19
Projecting this group is difficult, and not just down to the lack of information but more down to which players participate. In the oldest age group, some players will sit out before heading to school in the fall, some pro teams will keep their academy players up with USL teams if they are still amateurs. Some signed Homegrowns will play down, of course.
It's also big for some 2021 graduates maybe still looking to latch on with a program for the fall, and with this being one of the first big scouting events for DI programs, a huge opportunity for the 2022 graduates.
There’s a long list of contenders to look for in this one, from independent sides such as Bethesda SC, Barca Academy, Sockers FC, Solar or even a program like Shattuck St. Mary’s or IMG Academy.
There are fewer pro sides at this age group, as several have scrapped Under-19 outfits and simply promoted eligible players to USL teams as amateurs, or signed them to homegrown deals. The Portland Timbers have a sneakily solid roster featuring several DI-bound players; New England Revolution are solid at this age, though face a tricky first-round matchup against Atlanta United. Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids and LAFC are worth watching as well.
Cedar Stars Bergen vs. Bethesda SC, 10 a.m.
Predicted winner: Bethesda SC
Atlanta United vs. New England Revolution, 10 a.m.
Predicted winner: Atlanta United
FC Boston Bolts vs. Sporting KC, 10 a.m.
Predicted winner: FC Boston Bolts
Chicago Fire vs. Beachside SC, 10 a.m.
Predicted winner: Chicago Fire
Shattuck St. Mary’s vs. Real Colorado, 10 a.m.
Predicted winner: Real Colorado
Chargers DA vs. De Anza Force, 11 a.m.
Predicted winner: De Anza Force
Los Angeles United Futbol Academy vs. FC United, 12 p.m.
Predicted winner: Los Angeles United Futbol Academy
Sockers FC vs. Tampa Bay United, 12 p.m.
Predicted winner: Sockers FC
Barca Academy-AZ vs. Miami Rush Kendall SC, 12 p.m.
Predicted winner: Barca Academy-AZ
Sacramento Republic FC vs. Baltimore Armour, 12 p.m.
Predicted winner: Baltimore Armour
PDA vs. SC del Sol, 6 p.m.
Predicted winner: PDA
FC Cincinnati vs. Jacksonville FC, 6 p.m.
Predicted winner: FC Cincinnati
Indiana Fire Academy vs. Colorado Rapids, 8 p.m.
Predicted winner: Indiana Fire
LAFC vs. Florida Rush, 8 p.m.
Predicted winner: LAFC
IMG Academy vs. Portland Timbers, 8 p.m.
Predicted winner: IMG Academy
Solar SC vs. Saint Louis FC, 8:35 p.m.
Predicted winner: Solar SC
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