Why MLS NEXT . . .

Westside Metros FC believes that the MLS Next is the future and has made the decision, with adidas support, to move forward with the MLS Next. We believe for our club to be on the ground floor of the expansion and the opportunities that this will provide for our players is the best choice.

Additionally, the MLS Next is in direct collaboration with the Girls Academy, where our top girl’s teams already participate.

We hope you are as excited for the 2025/2026 season as we are.

Westside Metros has a history of developing players to the highest level, and with our addition to the MLS Next will continue to promote our players to both top college and professional opportunities.

Westside Metros FC has also had the most players of any club in Oregon selected to the Timbers Academy

Some of players that went on to play professional . . .

Steven Evans - University of Portland - Portland Timbers

Erik Hurtado - University of Santa Clara - DC United, Vancouver Whitecaps

Rubio Rubin - straight to Pros - FC Utrecht, Real Salt Lake,

Danny Mwanga - Oregon State - #1 in Draft to Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers

Chad Barrett - UCLA, #3 in Draft to Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders

Nick Scardina - University of Washington, Charlotte FC

MLS NEXT 'Competitive Tier' Clubs

Atletico FC Mt.
Rainier Futbol Club
Oregon Surf SC
Saints Academy
Seattle Celtic Soccer
Chance Academy
Sozo FC Valor Soccer
Washington East Surf SC
Washington Rush
Western Washington Surf SC
Westside Metros FC
Whatcom Rangers

MLS NEXT Information

If you are interested in learning more about the MLS NEXT Competition Tier
and Westside Metros please Register to receive updates.

We will also be holding an informational meeting register here to receive
information about the meeting.

What is the MLS NEXT?

Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. MLS Next is made up of MLS youth academies as well as top rated non-MLS affiliated clubs. The MLS Next replaced and is an upgraded version of the Developmental Academy (DA) and the highest level of Youth Soccer in America.

With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life.

The introduction of the MLS NEXT 'Competitive Tier' expands this vision and provides a regionalized level of competition and opportunities for player growth and development.

The vision this new Competitive Tier is to

Grow the Game

Spread the Net for more players

Develop the next generation of players

Providing a path for all our players to reach the highest level they individually aspire to both College and Professional.

MLS NEXT - WEB SITE

Events

MLS NEXT Fest

The MLS NEXT Fest Showcase is the #1 College showcase event in the country with 430 MLS NEXT teams from all High School age groups playing three games in four days, all at single location. Players will have the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of hundreds of colleges, national team staff, and many professional scouts and coaches. Hosted by the MLS, this is truly an unparalleled experience to anything else in the country.

U18/U19, U17, U16, U15 Teams

MLS NEXT Competitive Tier League - Pacific Northwest Division

Regular season play will begin in September 2025, which will be accompanied by regional tournaments and an opportunity to attend MLS NEXT national events. . Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer.

U18/U19, U17 U16, U15, U14, U13 Teams

National and Regiona Events

The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs later in 2026. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players

Pacific NW Division is paired with Cal North Division for Regional Event

MLS NEXT 2 Regional Qualifier for MLS NEXT 2 Cup