MLS Next Flex Is Finally Here

64 spots to the MLS Next Cup playoffs will be booked this weekend, so all eyes will be watching as squads compete for an auto bid to the playoffs. Teams are also able to qualify for the playoffs through the MLS Next league format. The other 16 spots in each age group come from this, and this makes a 32 team field for the MLS Next Cup playoffs in June. These will be a lot of bright spots to watch this weekend, and it will be interesting to see what teams bring all of their top players to compete. Teams could look very different from what they looked like less than a month ago at the Generation adidas Cup, and this will most certainly play apart in the action. Some squads to watch from each age group will be Fc Cincinnati, RSL, FC Delco, and the Colorado Rapids.

FC Cincinnati’s academy has been rapidly growing over the past 2-3 years in terms of quality and development. There is no doubt that they will continue to do this in the coming years. For example they have just acquired El Salvador youth international Jarrell Bonilla. This is on top of brining in names like Jaylen Lester, Brendon Kristal, and both the Chirila brothers in the past. They will be dangerous across all of their age groups at MLS Next Flex, and are always a treat to watch. RSL is coming off the back of a big victory at Generation Adidas Cup, and they also boast a very strong U18 age group (which will be playing at the U19 level). RSL’s star names will look to show off again this weekend. Van Parker and Rylan Hasimoto were the two big names in the final for RSL at Generation adidas Cup. They will more than likely be showing out this weekend at MLS Next Flex as well. FC Delco U17s will have eyes on them this tournament as well. Last season they took home the MLS Next Cup trophy, and they will be back this year fighting for the crown. Their U17s are actually one of the first teams to play this weekend kicking off against FC Golden State at 9:45 AM EST. The Colorado Rapids are a very underrated squad in MLS Next. Their U18 are group boasts all sorts of star names. From Rogelio Garcia who has been on trial at Arsenal in England to guys like Zackary Campagnolo who has already picked up experience in MLS.

Summer Transfers Beginning Early?

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