Charlotte FC's Academy squads are set to travel to Boyds, Maryland from May 9-13 to compete in the 2025 edition of MLS NEXT Flex, where teams will be able to showcase their talents and clinch a playoff berth in the 2025 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. Check back in to this live blog to see score and group updates throughout the event.
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 currently sits in sixth place in the Southeast Division with a 6W-4L-1D record (19 points) through 11 matches. With Division leaders Atlanta United FC out of reach (34 points, 13 matches played), Flex will be crucial for the U-15s if they want to make a push for playoff qualification.
The U-16s find themselves in fourth place in the East (South) Division with a 6W-6L-4D record through 16 matches. After making their deepest run yet in Generation adidas Cup last month, the 16s will need to perform well in a competitive group if they wish to qualify for postseason play this year.
Charlotte's U-18 also sit in fourth place in the East (South) Division with a 4W-8L-4D record (16 points) after 16 matches played. Similarly to the U-15s and U-16s, the U-18 squad will need to top their group at Flex in order to reach the playoffs.
U-15 Schedule and Results:
Saturday, May 10: Charlotte FC vs. Orlando City SC @ 4:30 p.m. ET
Sunday, May 11: Charlotte FC vs. Michigan Wolves @ 3:15 p.m. ET
Tuesday, May 13: Charlotte FC vs. Blau Weiss Gottschee @ 8:30 a.m. ET
U-16 Schedule and Results:
Saturday, May 10: Charlotte FC vs. Baltimore Armour @ 11:30 a.m. ET
Sunday, May 11: Charlotte FC vs. Austin FC @ 8:30 a.m. ET
Tuesday, May 13: Charlotte FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC @ 1:00 p.m. ET
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 @ 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13: Charlotte FC vs. LAFC @ 8:30 a.m.
