The second half of the MLS NEXT fall season kicks off this weekend as New England-area clubs continue jockeying for position in the standings before the winter break.
The U-16, U-17 and U-19 age groups have local clubs near the top of the table, but a clearer picture of the region's top teams will emerge with several intriguing matchups on tap in October and November. The ultimate goal is to qualify for the MLS NEXT Flex in May, making every match significant during the upcoming stretch run.
MLS NEXT Fest, a six-day showcase featuring every MLS NEXT team from U–15 to U-19, is also on the horizon. The event will be held Dec. 6 - 11 in Indio, Calif.
But first, let’s look at what’s happened so far. Here’s a look at standout teams and storylines from the first half of the fall campaign.
