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MLS NEXT May 09, 2023

Top 64 MLS NEXT teams set to compete in MLS NEXT Flex event in Maryland

NEW YORK – The top 64 teams in the U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19 age groups that qualified based on their points-per-game rank in the 2022-23 MLS NEXT regular season division standings descend upon the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md. for MLS NEXT Flex, with the opportunity to clinch a postseason berth in the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

Qualifying teams were drawn into sixteen groups of four, and the winners of each of these groups will automatically qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. The 80-minute U-15 matches and 90-minute U-16, U-17, and U-19 matches that end regulation in a draw will move to penalty kicks. The winner of penalty kicks will earn two points, while the loser will take home one point.

(View the MLS NEXT Flex schedule | LINK)

Eighteen MLS NEXT Flex games will stream live on MLS Season Pass, the subscription service from Apple and Major League Soccer on the Apple TV app, available in more than 100 countries and regions. All matches will feature MLS academies against non-MLS academies in the U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19 age groups. MLS Season Pass marks the official kickoff of the 10-year partnership between MLS and Apple, a historic first for a major professional sports league.

“The excellent quality of play at MLS NEXT Flex provides a unique opportunity for players and teams to compete against the best clubs from all over the country,” said MLS Vice President of Player Youth and Development Fred Lipka. “With postseason berths at stake, this event demonstrates the rich talent and heightened level of competition that is evident throughout each age group in MLS NEXT.”

The MLS NEXT season concludes with the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs at Toyota Soccer Center and MoneyGram Soccer Park in Dallas-Fort Worth from June 17-25, 2023. A single-elimination competition, 32 teams per age group will qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs based on their regular season play or by winning their group at MLS NEXT Flex. Teams who do not qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs participate in the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase, which will be held at the same venue.

MLS NEXT Flex Broadcast Schedule
Date Time (in ET) Age Group Home Team Away Team
May 12 9:00 AM U-16 Atlanta United Murrieta Soccer Academy
May 12 11:30 AM U-16 LA United Futbol Academy FC Dallas
May 12 2:00 PM U-16 Inter Miami CF San Francisco Glens
May 12 4:30 PM U-19 City SC Sporting Kansas City
May 13 9:00 AM U-15 Wake FC Vancouver Whitecaps FC
May 13 11:30 AM U-17 New England Revolution FC DELCO
May 13 2:00 PM U-17 Chicago Fire FC BW Gottschee Academy
May 13 4:30 PM U-17 Nashville SC New York Soccer Club
May 14 9:00 AM U-17 RSL Arizona Colorado Rapids
May 14 11:30 AM U-17 Michigan Jaguars Charlotte FC
May 14 2:00 PM U-17 Sacramento Republic Philadelphia Union
May 14 4:30 PM U-15 Real Salt Lake Real Colorado
May 15 8:30 AM U-19 Columbus Crew Met Oval
May 15 11:00 AM U-19 Vardar Toronto FC
May 15 1:30 PM U-19 Miami Rush Kendall SC FC Cincinnati
May 16 8:30 AM U-17 Orlando City SC Sockers FC
May 16 11:00 AM U-17 ALBION SC San Diego CF Montréal
May 16 1:30 PM U-17 Barca Residency Academy Seattle Sounders FC

MLS NEXT Flex will also provide an opportunity for North America’s top youth talent to be seen by college, youth national team and professional coaches, as well as scouts and evaluators, in a single location. The MLS Match Evaluator program, which features former professional players who are trained on-site to identify top talent, will continue at both MLS NEXT Flex and in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.

Below are details on how to qualify for the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in each age group, which can be found in more detail HERE.

Under-15 Age Group

32 total teams will qualify for the U-15 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Eight non-MLS academies and eight MLS academies will qualify based on regular season performance in their division. Sixteen additional teams will qualify through MLS NEXT Flex, the competition at the Maryland SoccerPlex from May 12-16.

CLICK HERE for U-15 MLS NEXT regular season standings and results

Under-16 Age Group

32 total teams will qualify for the U-16 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Sixteen teams will qualify based on regular season performance in their division. Sixteen additional teams will qualify through MLS NEXT Flex, the competition at the Maryland SoccerPlex from May 12-16.

CLICK HERE for U-16 MLS NEXT regular season standings and results

Under-17 Age Group

32 total teams will qualify for the U-17 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Eight non-MLS academies and eight MLS academies will qualify based on regular season performance in their division. Sixteen additional teams will qualify through MLS NEXT Flex, the competition at the Maryland SoccerPlex from May 12-16.

CLICK HERE for U-17 MLS NEXT regular season standings and results

Under-19 Age Group

32 total teams will qualify for the U-19 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Sixteen teams will qualify based on regular season performance in their division. Sixteen additional teams will qualify through MLS NEXT Flex, the competition at the Maryland SoccerPlex from May 12-16.

CLICK HERE for U-19 MLS NEXT regular season standings and results

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