whatithink
GOLD
On the boys side, the ECNL is not very strong. Those teams are being regularly beaten in tournaments and showcases by non-ECNL teams. The very best of them may be an exception, but generally speaking its not a high standard.Why would you go MLS Next over ECNL for boys?
From what I understand about MLS Next is a funnel for professional teams not college. Pro Soccer pays 40k-80k on average.
If Boys/Mens college recruiters are going to ECNL events getting a scholarship seems like a better deal than professional soccer. Also you can play pro after college.
College coaches will look to recruit from MLS Next teams. If you are on one of those and you haven't made it to an actual MLS academy by U15, you are looking for college looks, not pro.
The days of college kids going pro is gone or just about gone. All the MLS teams have academies now and are working with players from 14 and up. That's where they are putting their money. There is no way a kid from college should be able to trump kids from their academies who they are looking to bring in from 17/18 onwards.