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The top 64 teams in the U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19 age groups that qualified based on their points-per-game rank in the 2022-23 MLS NEXT regular season division standings descend upon the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md. for MLS NEXT Flex, with the opportunity to clinch a postseason berth in the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
Qualifying teams were drawn into sixteen groups of four, and the winners of each of these groups will automatically qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. The 80-minute U-15 matches and 90-minute U-16, U-17, and U-19 matches that end regulation in a draw will move to penalty kicks. The winner of penalty kicks will earn two points, while the loser will take home one point.
Eighteen MLS NEXT Flex games will stream live on MLS Season Pass, the subscription service from Apple and Major League Soccer on the Apple TV app, available in more than 100 countries and regions. All matches will feature MLS academies against non-MLS academies in the U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-19 age groups. MLS Season Pass marks the official kickoff of the 10-year partnership between MLS and Apple, a historic first for a major professional sports league.
“The excellent quality of play at MLS NEXT Flex provides a unique opportunity for players and teams to compete against the best clubs from all over the country,” said MLS Vice President of Player Youth and Development Fred Lipka. “With postseason berths at stake, this event demonstrates the rich talent and heightened level of competition that is evident throughout each age group in MLS NEXT.”
The MLS NEXT season concludes with the 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs at Toyota Soccer Center and MoneyGram Soccer Park in Dallas-Fort Worth from June 17-25, 2023. A single-elimination competition, 32 teams per age group will qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs based on their regular season play or by winning their group at MLS NEXT Flex. Teams who do not qualify for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs participate in the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase, which will be held at the same venue.
MLS NEXT Flex Broadcast Schedule
| Date | Time (in ET) | Age Group | Home Team | Away Team |
| May 12 | 9:00 AM | U-16 | Atlanta United | Murrieta Soccer Academy |
| May 12 | 11:30 AM | U-16 | LA United Futbol Academy | FC Dallas |
| May 12 | 2:00 PM | U-16 | Inter Miami CF | San Francisco Glens |
| May 12 | 4:30 PM | U-19 | City SC | Sporting Kansas City |
| May 13 | 9:00 AM | U-15 | Wake FC | Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
| May 13 | 11:30 AM | U-17 | New England Revolution | FC DELCO |
| May 13 | 2:00 PM | U-17 | Chicago Fire FC | BW Gottschee Academy |
| May 13 | 4:30 PM | U-17 | Nashville SC | New York Soccer Club |
| May 14 | 9:00 AM | U-17 | RSL Arizona | Colorado Rapids |
| May 14 | 11:30 AM | U-17 | Michigan Jaguars | Charlotte FC |
| May 14 | 2:00 PM | U-17 | Sacramento Republic | Philadelphia Union |
| May 14 | 4:30 PM | U-15 | Real Salt Lake | Real Colorado |
| May 15 | 8:30 AM | U-19 | Columbus Crew | Met Oval |
| May 15 | 11:00 AM | U-19 | Vardar | Toronto FC |
| May 15 | 1:30 PM | U-19 | Miami Rush Kendall SC | FC Cincinnati |
| May 16 | 8:30 AM | U-17 | Orlando City SC | Sockers FC |
| May 16 | 11:00 AM | U-17 | ALBION SC San Diego | CF Montréal |
| May 16 | 1:30 PM | U-17 | Barca Residency Academy | Seattle Sounders FC |
MLS NEXT Flex will also provide an opportunity for North America’s top youth talent to be seen by college, youth national team and professional coaches, as well as scouts and evaluators, in a single location. The MLS Match Evaluator program, which features former professional players who are trained on-site to identify top talent, will continue at both MLS NEXT Flex and in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs.
