In the spirit of full disclosure I was in Des Moines when the MRL was formed several years ago. The State Presidents challenged the State DOC's to find a league to compete with Super Y and US Club Soccer and we delivered. I also served on the League's Commission so my fondness for the MRL is personal. I am proud of the league and believe it to be the best run in the country. Our USYS teams will continue to participate in the league.
For those players that want to play at the highest level, it is important to understand the impact of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy on the Midwest Regional League. The following Region II clubs will be placing their top 40+ players in the USSDA and out of the MRL:
Chicago Magic
Sockers FC
Vardar
Michigan Wolves
Carmel United
Scott Gallagher
Internationals
CASA (Cleveland)
Crew Jr.
Metro United
FC Milwaukee
Ohio Elite
With many clubs carrying 20-25 players, a total 480-600 of the best players in the Region will not be playing in the MRL next year. The impact that will have on the competition for the top players not in the MRL cannot be overlooked.
Our final night of tryouts for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy are set for Friday night (U17/18- 5:30-7:00 & U15/16- 7:30-9:00). I am very excited about the number of players and talent level that has attended the first two nights. That said, the goal of the USSDA is to have the best 40+ players from Cincinnati in the Academy. If you are one of those players, I hope to see you on Friday! If you want to play against the top competition in the Region and in the Country, I hope to see you Friday!
