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1 week ago | 
soccerjournal.com | Matthew Doherty
At the MLS Next Cup Playoffs this weekend in Tennessee, seven New England teams from four clubs represented the region on the league’s biggest stage at the U-15 to U-19 age groups. Reaching the playoffs is a major accomplishment for each team. But advancing in the single-elimination tournament is an even loftier achievement.
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2 weeks ago | 
laxjournal.com | Matthew Doherty
Dan Venezia of Billerica Memorial celebrates during his team's win over Reading Memorial in the MIAA D-2 final. (Brian Kelly photo)
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2 weeks ago | 
soccerjournal.com | Matthew Doherty
The recruiting period for Class of 2027 players opens on June 15, creating an exciting time on the calendar for high school athletes who will be juniors during the 2025-26 academic year. Starting on June 15, college coaches can officially contact Class of 2027 prospects through phone calls, emails and other electronic communication. From MLS Next to ECNL to prep school, New England is filled with talent in the Class of 2027.
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2 weeks ago | 
soccerjournal.com | Matthew Doherty
The recruiting period for Class of 2027 players opens on June 15, creating an exciting time on the calendar for high school athletes who will be juniors during the 2025-26 academic year. Starting on June 15, college coaches can officially contact Class of 2027 prospects through phone calls, emails and other electronic communication. From MLS Next to ECNL to prep school, New England is filled with talent in the Class of 2027.
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3 weeks ago | 
gocollect.com | Matthew Doherty
The Arrival of DoomWhen Doom released in December 1993, developers id Software knew they had an instant classic on their hands. The unbelievable extent of the influence that the title would have over gaming as a whole, though, couldn’t have been predicted by anyone.
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3 weeks ago | 
soccerjournal.com | Matthew Doherty
The MLS Next regular season is over. After nine months of exhilarating action throughout the region, the regular season slate for the seven New England clubs wrapped up this past weekend. However, a few fortunate teams still have postseason soccer on the horizon. Seven New England teams from the U-15 to U-19 age groups qualified for the MLS Next Cup Playoffs, held June 14 to June 22 at the Richard Siegel Complex in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Qualifying for the Cup is a major accomplishment.
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3 weeks ago | 
soccerjournal.com | Matthew Doherty
PORTLAND, Conn. — The Bayside FC U-17 squad is headed to the MLS Next Cup Playoffs. In a winner-takes-all match on Saturday afternoon, Bayside scored twice in the first half and then held off a furious comeback attempt from Oakwood to secure a 2-1 victory and punch the final postseason ticket from the Northeast Conference. Bayside players fell to the ground, hugged each other and posed for pictures after the final whistle blew at rainy Oakwood Soccer Park in the regular season finale.
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1 month ago | 
soccerjournal.com | Matthew Doherty
The final national showcase of the ECNL Boys’ regular season occurred this past weekend in Virginia. ECNL Virginia was held from May 24-26 at River City Sportsplex in Midlothian, Va., and featured 150 teams from the U15-U17 age groups, including three New England clubs. FSA FC, Connecticut FC and FC Stars competed at ECNL Virginia and performed admirably against the top teams in the country. Across the 2008 and 2009 age groups, FSA, CFC and FC Stars combined for a 12-5-1 record.
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1 month ago | 
soccerjournal.com | Matthew Doherty
BOYDS, Md. -- We’ve already unveiled our positional standouts from MLS Next Flex. But several other players impressed at the premier five-day tournament (May 9-13) at the Maryland SoccerPlex. They deserve to be highlighted for their contributions. These under-the-radar players showcased versatility, did the dirty work and, most importantly, contributed to winning. Many of these players have caught my eye throughout the MLS Next season, and it’s time to shout them out.
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1 month ago | 
soccerjournal.com | Matthew Doherty
BOYDS, Md. -- MLS Next Flex is an important tournament for club teams as they try to punch their ticket to the MLS Next Cup Playoffs next month. But the five-day event (May 9-13) at the Maryland SoccerPlex also provides a valuable opportunity for players to showcase their skills in front of college coaches. With hundreds of colleges in attendance, the tournament is a critical part of the recruiting calendar, especially for uncommitted players in the Class of 2026 and 2027.
