
U17 Academy Team Qualify for MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in Dallas
June 25, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release
CHARLOTTE - The U17 Academy have qualified for the inaugural MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, which will take place in the Dallas Metroplex from June 26-July 3.
The top 128 teams in the country will participate in the championship tournament across four age groups. Charlotte FC's U17 squad will feature in a 32-team single-elimination tournament, which is being held at FC Dallas' facility in Frisco, Texas.
"It's been a really good first year for us, and the Playoffs are a fantastic final test" says Academy Manager and U17 Head Coach Dan Lock.
"With a brand-new Academy set-up and all the challenges that Covid has presented, it's been a very successful year for our players."
Charlotte FC finished second in the MLS NEXT Southeast U17 division in its first-ever season and qualified for the Playoffs on a points-per-game basis as 10th seed.
The team will face St. Louis FC in the opening match on June 26. The winner of that match will progress to the Round of 16, and will play either NYCFC or hosts FC Dallas.
Twenty-five matches will be live-streamed on MLSsoccer.com, with six matches taking place on FC Dallas' stadium field in Frisco.
"We're a young team: the majority of our players are U16, and we have two U15s playing regularly for the U17s," says Lock. "To qualify for playoffs is a great achievement, but we want to take that a step further and go as far as we can."
• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...
Major League Soccer Stories from June 25, 2021
- Lions Secure Nine-Point Week with 2-1 Win over Inter Miami CF - Orlando City SC
- Kickoff for Timbers Saturday Home Match against Minnesota United FC Moved to 8:30 PM (Pacific) - Portland Timbers
- Inter Miami CF to Donate $10,000 to Surfside Relief Fund - Inter Miami CF
- Come to Nashville SC's Pre-Match Party on Saturday at Hard Rock Cafe - Nashville SC
- Nashville SC Looks to Carry Momentum into Saturday's Match against CF Montréal - Nashville SC
- Revolution's Carles Gil with Historic Start in Playmaking: Week 10 News and Notes - MLS
- D.C. United Loan Kimarni Smith to Loudoun United FC - D.C. United
- Preview: Sporting KC to Host LAFC on Saturday - Sporting Kansas City
- Three Points: Houston Dynamo FC Close Three-Game Stretch in Utah - Houston Dynamo FC
- #DALvNE: Five Facts You Need to Know - FC Dallas
- MLS Disciplinary Committee Decisions Announced - MLS
- Real Salt Lake Returns Home to Host Houston Dynamo FC - Real Salt Lake
- Sporting KC Launches Fundraising Raffle for the Victory Project - Sporting Kansas City
- Earthquakes Acquire Brazilian Defender Nathan - San Jose Earthquakes
- U17 Academy Team Qualify for MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in Dallas - Charlotte FC
- Three New England Revolution Academy Teams Bid for Championships at MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs in Frisco, Texas - New England Revolution
- Columbus Crew Announces Frictionless Matchday Experience at Lower.Com Field - Columbus Crew SC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Charlotte FC Stories
- Charlotte FC to Play D.C. United in Round of 16: 2025 U.S. Open Cup
- Kerwin Vargas Is Third Player to Reach 100 Appearances for Charlotte FC
- CLTFC advances to Round of 16 and will face D.C. United
- Clip Notes: Charlotte FC Secure Place in Round of 16: 2025 U.S. Open Cup
- Match Preview: Charlotte FC at North Carolina FC: U.S. Open Cup Round of 32

