Boston Bolts forward Michael Balleani dribbles upfield against the Revolution Academy. (Evan Scales/NESJ)
In the old U.S. Soccer-run Development Academy, teams anxiously anticipated the playoff/showcase event each June in Oceanside, Calif., a city just north of San Diego.
That concept is being replicated in the first-year MLS NEXT league, as it was announced Wednesday that their 10-month season will be capped by a playoff/showcase event in Dallas, Texas.
Thirty-two teams across each of the four oldest age groups (U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-19) will convene for a single-elimination competition that unfolds from June 25 through July 3.
