Post by notyetdesignated on Apr 25, 2024 16:01:36 GMT -5
MLS NEXT announced the addition of 8 expansion clubs for the 2024-25 campaign (https://www.soccerwire.com/news/mls-next-announces-addition-of-8-expansion-clubs-for-2024-25-campaign/)
There are no teams from the Atlanta area, and only 1, Carolina Core FC, seems headed to the Southeast Division, where the Atlanta area teams play. If this is indeed the case, I am wondering how much more competitive this division will be. I think not much, though admittedly I don't know much about the team, other that it can end up competing for talent with Triangle United.
Now, Carolina Core FC is only joining in U13 and U14... just like Nashville, Inter, AFC and NUSA. Still, by joining MLS Next, Carolina Core FC would be:
So, for the U13 and U14 Atlanta area MLS-N teams, it seems this addition translates into one additional overnight trip to face a team that is unlikely to be stronger than their current local competition, or stronger than most of the Atlanta area ECNL teams (NTH, Concorde Fire (x2), GSA, UFA, AFU). To be clear, I am not saying Carolina Core FC will be a mediocre team. No, no. And they have every right to join MLS Next and offer it as an option for their players. But I do wonder what is the benefit for the Atlanta area MLS Next teams, which could be facing some similar and probably some stronger competition with much less travel by going against the local ECNL teams.
But then again, why have a single league with all the top teams in it vying not to be relegated, when you can dilute the talent pool into multiple leagues, forcing players and parents into additional travel and expenses?
By the way, by my count, 7 of the 13 ECNL teams (54%) are located at least 2 hours away from Atlanta, so the problem of having to travel more than 2 hours each way for your kid to get some quality playing minutes is not unique to those in MLS Next.
There are no teams from the Atlanta area, and only 1, Carolina Core FC, seems headed to the Southeast Division, where the Atlanta area teams play. If this is indeed the case, I am wondering how much more competitive this division will be. I think not much, though admittedly I don't know much about the team, other that it can end up competing for talent with Triangle United.
Now, Carolina Core FC is only joining in U13 and U14... just like Nashville, Inter, AFC and NUSA. Still, by joining MLS Next, Carolina Core FC would be:
- The 5th team from NC, joining Queen City Mutiny, Charlotte FC, Wake FC, and Triangle United.
- The 10th out of 15 teams (67%) playing in any of the the U13-U19 age groups that is at least 2 hours away from Atlanta.
So, for the U13 and U14 Atlanta area MLS-N teams, it seems this addition translates into one additional overnight trip to face a team that is unlikely to be stronger than their current local competition, or stronger than most of the Atlanta area ECNL teams (NTH, Concorde Fire (x2), GSA, UFA, AFU). To be clear, I am not saying Carolina Core FC will be a mediocre team. No, no. And they have every right to join MLS Next and offer it as an option for their players. But I do wonder what is the benefit for the Atlanta area MLS Next teams, which could be facing some similar and probably some stronger competition with much less travel by going against the local ECNL teams.
But then again, why have a single league with all the top teams in it vying not to be relegated, when you can dilute the talent pool into multiple leagues, forcing players and parents into additional travel and expenses?
By the way, by my count, 7 of the 13 ECNL teams (54%) are located at least 2 hours away from Atlanta, so the problem of having to travel more than 2 hours each way for your kid to get some quality playing minutes is not unique to those in MLS Next.
