BOYDS, Md. – As the 2023 MLS NEXT Flex begins, Tormenta FC Academy’s U15, U16 and U19 teams are gearing up to represent South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina in the annual MLS NEXT Flex Tournament.
MLS NEXT Flex will occur May 12-16 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Maryland, featuring the best 256 teams in MLS NEXT looking to clinch a berth in the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
The U15 group has been placed in Group F, where the team will face Minnesota United, South Florida Football Academy and the Portland Timbers. The U15 group begins play against Minnesota United on Saturday, May 13, at 11 a.m. ET. South Georgia will then take on South Florida FA the following day and end the group stage phase against the Portland Timbers on Tuesday, May 16.
The U16 group is set to compete in Group K, where they will take on Alexandria SA, FC Boston Bolts and SC Del Sol. The U16’s open play this Friday when they take on Alexandria SA in the first match of the group stage. The U16s then take on the Boston Bolts the following day at 3 p.m. ET. South Georgia closes out the group stage on Monday, May 15, when the team takes on SC Del Sol in what will be an important game for the young side.
Tormenta FC’s U19 team will compete in group J against the Players Development Academy, FC Dallas and Murrieta Soccer Academy. Tormenta FC’s U19 team debuts in this year’s MLS NEXT Flex tournament this Friday at 4:30 p.m. ET, when the team takes on the Players Development Academy. On Sunday, South Georgia takes on FC Dallas and will close the group stage against Murrieta Soccer Academy on Monday. The U19 group is confident in its abilities and is ready to take on any challenge that comes its way.
The MLS NEXT season concludes with the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, which will be held June 17-25 at Toyota Soccer Center and MoneyGram Soccer Park in Dallas-Fort Worth.
For the single-elimination competition, 32 teams per age group will qualify based on regular-season play or by winning their group at MLS NEXT Flex. Teams that do not qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs can participate in the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase, which will be held at the same venue.
MLS NEXT Flex will also provide an opportunity for North America’s top youth talent to be seen by college, youth national team and professional coaches, as well as scouts and evaluators, in a single location. The MLS Match Evaluator program, which features former professional players who are trained on-site to identify top talent, will continue at both MLS NEXT Flex and in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
Committed to raising the level of soccer locally and across the country, Tormenta FC Academy has programs for ages two to 19. It is the only youth academy in South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina with a path to the professional ranks. Follow Tormenta FC Academy on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for other Academy news and content.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.
