INDIO, Calif -- One of my biggest takeaways from MLS Next Fest was how well the New England clubs performed against the top teams in the country.
Just look at the standings.
The FC Greater Boston Bolts U-17 team outscored opponents, 16-0, to finish first out of 108 teams in their age group. IFA New England was right behind, finishing second in U-17 after compiling a 14-1 goal differential in three runaway victories. At the U-19 level, IFA ranked first out of 98 teams thanks to three shutouts and the Bolts were fourth after also recording three shutouts.