The 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs are just around the corner and the Charlotte FC U-15 and U-17 teams are looking to cap off an impressive season. The tournament features the best teams from U.S. and Canada in a single-elimination knockout tournament that will take place June 15-23 at Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Only 14 MLS clubs have representation in both "Pro-Pathway" age groups for this year's playoffs. A "testament to the coaches, players, and training environment," as described by Executive Director of Academy, Bryan Scales, “their body of work over the course of the season was really good."
Qualification
- All 128 teams qualified for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs based on results from league play or by winning their respective group at MLS NEXT Flex, a qualifying event that took place from May 10-14.
Reward for hard work means being tested against the best. A welcomed challenge.
“It [MLS Next Playoffs] gives us a variety of teams to compete against on a big stage with pressure,” said Scales, “and lots of eyeballs on the players.”
U-15 Schedule:
6/15 | 7:45PM vs. LA Galaxy
U-17 Schedule:
6/16 | 5:15PM vs. Barca Residency Academy
Survival is the name of the game for MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, where every game is a knockout match. This format inherently raises the stakes and intensifies the pressure, a crucial experience for Academy players to prepare them to compete at the highest levels.
Format
- MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs matches will be 80 minutes in the U-15 age group and 90 minutes in the other three age groups.
- If the match is tied at the end of regulation, all games will head to penalty kicks, except for the four championship matches, which will feature two five-minute periods of extra time.
- If the championship matches are still tied after the extra time periods, they will then head to penalty kicks to decide a winner.
Both teams will be looking to finish the season strong with the hopes of raising a trophy and marking a successful year at Atrium Health Performance Park.
“It's been an important season for us,” reflected Scales “we made a lot of progress this year. Qualifying for the playoffs is a testament to the hard work that the guys put in all season long and now they’ve earned a chance to compete for a championship.”
Make sure to wish our boys good luck and stay tuned to @academy_cltfc on X and Instagram for the latest details from the tournament.
How To Watch
- 22 MLS NEXT Cup Playoff games, including all four championship matches, will stream live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Across the four age groups represented in the playoffs, two round of 32 matches, two round of 16 matches, six quarterfinal games, and each of the eight semifinal contests will also be available to watch on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
