Welcome to Next XI, the youth soccer newsletter spotlighting scores, highlights, and rising players across NYC, Long Island, and the Tri-State.
Each week you’ll find recaps, standout performances, and updates from local tournaments and league play. Our goal is simple: to give youth athletes, clubs, and families the recognition they deserve.
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The Race Is On
Competition across the Northeast is hitting full stride — from SUSA’s unbeaten run in EDP to FSA Nirvana’s dominance in NAL and tight battles across ECNL brackets, one thing’s clear: the girls’ game is thriving at every level.
Let’s dive into who’s climbing, challenging, and setting the pace heading into the midseason stretch.
Table of Contents
ECNL Girls Snapshot: Tight Races Up North
FC Delco ECNL G13 sits atop the North Atlantic Division, but PDA Blue G13 is right on their heels — just one loss and a +22 goal differential keep things close.
World Class FC ECNL G13 continues to dominate in the New England Division, holding strong at the top.
The ECNL U14 New England Division is tight: East Meadow, FC Stars, and World Class FC are separated by just one point in the race for first.
In the ECNL 2012s, Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals hold the top spot thanks to a head-to-head edge over PDA Blue, though PDA’s +21 goal differential shows their power on both sides of the ball.
Girls Academy Snapshot: Leaders Holding Strong
The Northeast U13 GA bracket is stacked: Seacoast United, Rhode Island Surf, and NEFC Red lead the way, each with eight wins in 10 matches.
In the U14 bracket, STA 12G sits first, but NEFC Red and Seacoast United remain close — both with more wins but two extra matches played.
EDP Girls Spotlight
SUSA Leads the Pack in U11 Eastern Bracket A
It’s been all SUSA FC G16 so far — a perfect 5–0–0 record and a +19 goal differential have them firmly on top of the table.
Just behind, Long Island SC 2015 Academy and Commack Cyclones G15 are neck and neck on 13 points apiece, both showing balance and consistency in attack and defense.
SUSA FC G15 Blue rounds out the top four with 12 points and strong form through five matches, while East Meadow White and Albertson White battle in the mid-table mix.
At the lower end, East Coast Surf G2015 and Gold Coast FC Wimbledon continue to push for results as they look to build momentum in the second half of the season.
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NAL Girls U14 – New England
Top Trio Turning Heads. The SFC New England 2012G NAL Elite squad sits on top after a strong 5–1–0 start, but Seacoast United and New England Surf Sky are right there in the chase — each showing sharp form and serious defensive discipline.
FC Stars round out the top four, keeping pressure on the leaders with a +5 goal differential and points in four of five outings. It’s a tight race up north, and every weekend’s turning into a statement game.
NAL Girls U13 – Northeast
FSA U13 Nirvana. Image courtesy of Instagram: @foxsocceracademyny & @fsa_nirvanasoccer
FSA Nirvana on Fire
No one’s touching Fox Soccer Academy Premier (FSA Nirvana U13) right now — unbeaten through seven with 37 goals and a massive +29 differential.
FC Somers Roma and NESA 2013 Elite are keeping things competitive in the top three, each showing strong balance and resilience early in the campaign. FC Westchester stays close behind, unbeaten in five of six as they look to climb.
Plenty of quality across the bracket — every weekend’s a test with heavy hitters up and down the table.
Beyond the Scoreboard: Some Parents Get First Email About the New Age Groups
I got my first club email this week announcing tryout dates under the new August–July age groups. Official. Real.
For months, the age-group change was just talk — a policy headline or a social post. But now it’s showing up in inboxes and tryout flyers. That email made one thing crystal clear: this shift isn’t coming someday — it’s already shaping how clubs plan for next season. Read more online. . .
What’s your take on the switch to the new age group calendar (August–July)?
