MLS NEXT Flex occurred from May 12-16 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Maryland, featuring the best 256 teams in MLS NEXT looking to clinch a berth in the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
Charlotte FC U17 Academy Team won all three MLS NEXT Flex matches, leading them to clinch 1st place in group H and qualify for the MLS Next Cup Playoffs in June 2023.
MATCHES:
3-1 WIN vs. Miami Rush Kendall SC
5-2 WIN vs. Michigan Jaguars
3-0 WIN vs. Cedar Stars Academy - Monmouth
Teams & rules
The event included 64 teams in each of the U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19 age groups that qualified for the competition based on their points-per-game rank in the 2022-23 MLS NEXT regular-season division standings. Qualifying teams were drawn into 16 groups of four, and the winners of each of these groups automatically qualified for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs
The MLS NEXT season concludes with the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, which will be held June 17-25 at Toyota Soccer Center and MoneyGram Soccer Park in Dallas-Fort Worth.
For the single-elimination competition, 32 teams per age group will qualify based on regular-season play or by winning their group at MLS NEXT Flex. Teams that do not qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs can participate in the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase, which will be held at the same venue.
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.
Learn more about Charlotte FC's Academy:
CHARLOTTE FC ACADEMY
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