Club Preview: Bayside FC sets sights on MLS Next Flex berths

Bayside FC opened the spring with two wins and a draw against the Revolution. (Bayside FC)

Bayside FC was involved in two of the best moments from last year’s MLS Next season.

The first came at MLS Next Fest, when the club’s U-19 team embarked on an upset-filled, spirited run to the Generation Adidas Cup Qualifying semifinals — a crowning achievement for the Rhode Island-based club.

A few months later, Bayside’s U-17 team added another high-water mark. After winning just three games during the fall, the U-17s rattled off four straight wins in the spring, including a winner-take-all match at Oakwood to qualify for the MLS Next Cup Playoffs.

What heroics will 2026 bring for Bayside? The club’s goal is to qualify for MLS Next Flex at three high school age groups, and if Sunday’s results against the New England Revolution are any indication, the club is on the right path. They opened the spring by beating the Revolution at the U-16 (2-1) and U-17 (3-0) levels, plus a 2-2 draw at U-19.

Momentum is on their side. As the spring MLS Next season begins, here are the teams and players to know from Bayside FC.