The excitement is brewing at Hofstra University as the inaugural MLS Next U13 and U14 teams prepare for their season openers on Saturday, September 7th. The Boys U13 MLS NEXT will face off against Beachside of Connecticut at 12 PM, followed by the Boys U14 MLS NEXT at 2 PM, showcasing the next generation of soccer talent in North America.
Coach Bryan Alcantara shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Our inclusion in MLS NEXT is not merely a milestone for our club’s pursuit of premier player development. It also heralds us as Long Island’s inaugural MLS NEXT club, establishing a new standard in youth soccer excellence.” This sentiment is echoed by Parker Donohue, a dedicated member of our U14 MLS Next squad, who remarked, “When I heard that I had been selected to play in LISC’s inaugural MLS Next season, I was excited and grateful for the opportunity to play at the highest level at the club. It’s an accomplishment to the club and all the players that LISC was selected to be a part of MLS Next. I’m looking forward to competing this fall.”
Tom Bowen, our MLS NEXT Player Development Director, underscores the new horizon dawning for our young athletes, “We’re excited for the new season with MLS NEXT, a leap forward in youth soccer and a chance for our players to shine. Under the guidance of coaches Bryan, Alcantara and Harry Morris, we’re ready for the opening games at Hofstra University, where our preparation meets opportunity. We’re eager to back our players as they show their skill and determination.”
Under the discerning leadership of Head Coach Bryan Alcantara, both the U13 and U14 teams have been meticulously prepared for a season that promises not only competitive success but also personal growth. A rigorous training regimen, designed to ready the players for the demands of high-level competition, is built around a strategy that champions ‘Possession with Purpose.’ This approach is about utilizing our collective strength to its fullest potential.
“Our team’s strength lies in its unity; each player contributes something special, creating a blend that is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s this synergy that amplifies our game,” elaborates Alcantara.
As we step into new territories, adaptability and game intelligence will be our guiding principles. Coach Alcantara is confident that through strategic preparation and leveraging the innate talent of our players, we will navigate these challenges successfully.
As we embark on this inaugural season, the Long Island Soccer Club extends an invitation to soccer enthusiasts and our wider community to join us in this thrilling chapter. The upcoming matches are a showcase not just of our young talent’s potential, but of our collective spirit and dedication to the beautiful game. Together, let’s celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in Long Island’s soccer narrative.
