December 9 – The United Soccer League (USL) continues to provide healthy competition to Major League Soccer despite its second tier status, and that crosses over into the youth game.
With multiple pathways for youth players in the United States, the USL Academy system finds itself going head-to-head with MLS Next Pro in the race to the professional ranks.
MLS Next Pro has the advantage of a funnel to MLS clubs, however, the USL Academy offers more flexibility, and many would say it has a higher level of play with more mature and physically developed players.
Ultimately, both leagues provide valuable opportunities for youth soccer development, and the “better” option will depend on the specific needs and aspirations of each player.
Making news in the USL Academy League was the crowning of the Indy Eleven as champions after a 2-0 victory over AC Connecticut at the IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida). This victory earned Indy its second title in the tournament’s four-year history.
Levi Dewey was the star of the show with both assists scored by Jake Alb and Victor Aguilar respectively.
Indy first won the title in 2021, and Alb recognised the legacy saying: “We have to give all thanks to them. They started this, and they helped us along the way to know how we perform. They help us get in this rhythm that we do every tournament to get these wins. And a big thanks to our coaches. They always believe in us. They always know what we can be capable of, and it’s just a big thanks to them. We always come in here and we do what we do, we do what we need to do.”
For Dewey, the emotions were clear as the youngster has fought his way back to fitness after a serious knee injury 12 months ago saying: “I’ve played with a bunch of people that won the first one, and they told us it was a different type of feeling than the other Academy Cups. The Final is a different beast, and I’m glad to walk away with it.”
In this ever-convoluted market, the USL Academy League stands out as a potential goldmine for the next rising stars of American soccer.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734878615labto1734878615ofdlr1734878615owedi1734878615sni@o1734878615fni1734878615