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Northern California Spring Soccer Updates – A Season of Change and Intrigue
The last four months have brought some of the most compelling developments in Northern California soccer in recent memory. Below are a few highlights to spark discussion as we look ahead to the 25–26 season:
In: Newark FC 1974, SF Glens
Out: Los Gatos United, SF Elite, West Coast SC
Los Gatos United and San Francisco Elite are making a strategic gamble by leaving Girls Academy in hopes of securing ECNL Girls promotion. On the other hand, West Coast SC is attempting to rebuild after being removed from the GA—this time without the ability to add guest teams and players. While the Girls Academy holds some national relevance, its reputation in Northern California continues to lag behind ECNL Girls and fails to even rival the new ECNL RL.
MLS Next Tier 3 coming soon.
It’s been a chaotic but fascinating spring across Northern California soccer. The 2025–26 season promises even more drama, disruption, and opportunity. If we missed anything, drop it in the comments. Buckle up.
This post, written by SoccerGPT, is intended for anyone bored enough to need soccer gossip in their life. The accuracy of these statements is purely coincidental and mostly based on first-hand (maybe second- or third-hand—but definitely not fourth-hand) conversations.
The last four months have brought some of the most compelling developments in Northern California soccer in recent memory. Below are a few highlights to spark discussion as we look ahead to the 25–26 season:
Old NPL Rebranded as New & Improved ECNL RL:
Like an Oprah Christmas Special, ECNL-RL status has been handed out generously to everyone this cycle. Not far behind, several new clubs also joined the NPL ranks, reflecting Norcal Premier’s ever-expanding branding strategy. Same old soccer—but new patches and higher costs coming.Girls Academy: Shake-Ups and Strategy
The Girls Academy isn’t dead—yet. Significant changes are underway:In: Newark FC 1974, SF Glens
Out: Los Gatos United, SF Elite, West Coast SC
Los Gatos United and San Francisco Elite are making a strategic gamble by leaving Girls Academy in hopes of securing ECNL Girls promotion. On the other hand, West Coast SC is attempting to rebuild after being removed from the GA—this time without the ability to add guest teams and players. While the Girls Academy holds some national relevance, its reputation in Northern California continues to lag behind ECNL Girls and fails to even rival the new ECNL RL.
ECNL Girls – National Showcase Access
San Francisco Elite, Los Gatos United, and Stanislaus United have secured access to ECNL National Showcases—despite not being full ECNL member clubs. Leaving the Girls Academy clearly came with perks.ECNL Girls Confirmations for 2026–27: Not Yet!
Despite what some clubs are claiming, no formal approvals have been granted for ECNL Girls participation in the 26–27 season. As a result, the ECNL RL landscape is more competitive than ever as club look to gain promotion for 26-27:- Former GA clubs SF Elite and Los Gatos will need to prove themselves against top-tier opposition.
- Walnut Creek Surf and Folsom Surf look to join the promotion race, this time under full ECNL RL competition.
- Stanislaus United must succeed locally without the benefit of a GA SVSA partnership or player-loan pipeline.
- Burlingame, Association FC and Livermore have a track record of putting very good teams on the field. They will compete well.
MLS Next Expansion – Quantity Over Quality
Congratulations—everyone made it. MLS Next has shifted from quality to quantity. Competitive integrity has taken a backseat to brand exposure and registration metrics. Many players will never face an actual MLS Academy opponent, but that’s beside the point—it’s about keeping MLS, adidas, and sponsors happy.MLS Next Tier 3 coming soon.
DPL – Best Patch in the Market
Welcome to the Development Player League (DPL), also known as the sixth tier of girls’ elite soccer in Northern California. (Kidding—but not by much.) Despite its competitive shortcomings, DPL stays relevant thanks to arguably the best patch in youth sports and a sharp marketing team. DPL also run GA Aspire—don’t be surprised if current DPL clubs become GA Aspire 26–27 in Northern California.MLS Next Tier 2 – Marketing Over Substance
"MLS Next Tier 2" might be the best branding sleight of hand yet. In reality, it’s Cal North’s attempt to repackage CCSL-level soccer under a prestige label. Parents are being misled into thinking their kids are in MLS Next—while they’re actually playing the San Mateo Seals at public park fields.Stanislaus United – Leadership Struggles
There are rumors of internal conflict between founding leaders (TI & TM) and the girls’ side directors. Upon research, Stanislaus United is not a registered nonprofit—despite claims in their bylaws. The current word is that JA may break away to launch a new Girls club and distance himself from the existing leadership. This might be in the works already. (See attachment.) Looking forward to the next “New Club Announcement.”MVLA East – Power Move
MVLA East has swiftly dismantled full Modesto Ajax Girls teams, which is undoubtedly due to the strong coaching influence. In response, Norcal Premier has mandated that all operations, training sessions and games must be held exclusively in Turlock. However, MVLA East is reportedly continuing sessions in Modesto and Stockton. This bold move by MVLA East is even more extraordinary when considering the actions of the parents who are fully supporting it. Hopefully, all these girls will be rewarded by playing ECNL at MVLA Central one day.MVLA to MLS Next?
JC’s prior MLS Next efforts failed, but rumor has it he’s making another run. MVLA has reportedly been warned that any affiliation with MLS Next could jeopardize their ECNL Girls status. A creative rebrand—perhaps Skyline Football Academy—may be on the table.Breakers FC Financial Turmoil
Breakers FC is reportedly facing serious financial instability. The club’s primary backer has allegedly pulled out after substantial losses in the millions, coaches have gone unpaid for months, and players have scattered. On the upside, there are whispers of a new MLS Next Academy forming in the region within the next year.Monterey Union FC Eyes MLS Next (26–27)
Monterey Union FC may be preparing a bid for MLS Next status in 2026–27. If fully funded, they could become a legitimate regional contender—especially as ECFC risks losing talent to them. However, if it morphs into another pay-to-play model, expectations should be tempered. Their senior team still struggles for local support—perhaps a youth pipeline will change that.De Anza Force & AC Marin
De Anza Force attempted to partner with AC Marin to form an MLS Next Tier 2 pathway. However, the deal reportedly fell apart and Force allegedly took over email lists, contacted parents directly, and bypassed AC Marin. Not coincidentally, AC Marin has since been granted ECNL RL status.It’s been a chaotic but fascinating spring across Northern California soccer. The 2025–26 season promises even more drama, disruption, and opportunity. If we missed anything, drop it in the comments. Buckle up.
This post, written by SoccerGPT, is intended for anyone bored enough to need soccer gossip in their life. The accuracy of these statements is purely coincidental and mostly based on first-hand (maybe second- or third-hand—but definitely not fourth-hand) conversations.
