Charlotte FC's Academy squads traveled to Boyds, Maryland to compete in the 2025 edition of MLS NEXT Flex, where teams showcased their talents and had an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth in the 2025 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
What is MLS NEXT Flex?
Held at the Maryland SoccerPlex, the event will feature 232 teams across the U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19 age groups. Each team qualified based on their points-per-game ranking in the 2024-25 MLS NEXT regular season division standings. The qualifying teams in each age group were drawn into groups of four and the winners of each group will automatically qualify for the 2025 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
What does MLS NEXT Flex mean for Charlotte FC?
As the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season winds down, teams are looking to make one final push to finish atop their division to secure qualification to MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. MLS NEXT Felx becomes vital for clubs whose division titles are out of reach, as a club can clinch their spot no matter their position in the table. Clubs can also secure extra security for those in a close battle down the final stretch of the season.
Charlotte FC's U-15 squad finished its Flex run atop their group with a 1W-0L-2D record, beating out Orlando City SC, Blau Weiss Gottschee and the Michigan Wolves, clinching qualification in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs this year in Nashville. Flex was crucial for the 15s, as they currently sit in sixth place in the Southeast Division with a 6W-4L-1D record (19 points) through 11 matches.
The U-16s also found themselves atop their group at Flex with a 3W-0L-0D record, beating out Baltimore Crmour, Austin FC and Phoenix Rising FC, punching their ticket to MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in June. Sitting below the playoff line at fourth place in the East (South) Division with a 6W-6L-4D record through 16 matches this season, the U-16s needed to continue its good run of form after making their deepest run yet in Generation adidas Cup last month.
Charlotte's U-18 team unfortunately finished second in its group at Flex, missing playoff qualification after falling just behind an undefeated LAFC, having posted a 2W-1L-0D record in the competition. In regular season play, the 18s sit in fourth place in the East (South) Division with a 4W-8L-4D record (16 points) after 16 matches played.
U-15 Schedule and Results:
Saturday, May 10: Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City SC - W, 3-1
Sunday, May 11: Charlotte FC vs. Michigan Wolves - D, 2-2 (PK Shootout W, 4:3)
Tuesday, May 13: Charlotte FC vs. Blau Weiss Gottschee - D, 3-3
U-16 Schedule and Results:
Saturday, May 10: Charlotte FC vs. Baltimore Armour - W, 2-0
Sunday, May 11: Charlotte FC vs. Austin FC - W, 2-1
Tuesday, May 13: Charlotte FC vs. Phoenix Rising - W, 2-0
U-18 Schedule and Results:
Saturday, May 10: Charlotte FC vs. Midwest United FC - W, 2-1
Sunday, May 11: Charlotte FC vs. Dallas Hornets - W, 3-0
Monday, May 12: Charlotte FC vs. LAFC - L, 4-1
