Live Blog: Atlanta United Academy teams compete in MLS NEXT Flex

Atlanta United Academy teams are scheduled to travel to Boyds, Maryland to compete in the MLS NEXT Flex from Friday, May 10 through Tuesday, May 14. Fans can come back to this live blog to follow this weekend’s results.

What is MLS NEXT Flex?MLS NEXT Flex is a qualifying competition for the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs. The U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-19 age groups will each feature 64 teams battling for a spot in playoffs thanks to their performances. The top seed from each group of four teams will advance to the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, the highlight of the season. MLS NEXT Flex participants will qualify and be seeded based on their performance in championship matches from September 2023 to March 2024.

What does MLS NEXT Flex mean for Atlanta United?
As the MLS NEXT season comes to a close, teams will look to make one last push to finish on top of their division and secure a playoff spot. MLS NEXT Flex becomes crucial for clubs where the division title is out of reach, as it can guarantee a playoff spot no matter where a club finishes in the division. Finishing top seed in Flex can also mean added security for those engaged in a tight battle in the latter part of the season.

The Atlanta United U-15s currently sit in pole position in the East (South) division with a record of 10-3-3 and 33 points. The U-15s are just three points ahead of Orlando City and can secure their place in the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs with a top seed in their group this weekend.

The U-16 team also sits atop the Southeast Division standings with a 13-2-1 record (40 points). Like the U-15s, the U-16 team is separated by just three points with second place Queen City Mutiny.

Atlanta’s U-17 team currently sits in fourth place in the East (South) division with a record of 5-9-3 (19 points). Inter Miami CF currently leads the group with 29 points. With a playoff spot in the division seemingly out of reach, MLS NEXT Flex will be crucial to the U-17s and their playoff aspirations.

U-15 calendar:
Saturday May 11: Atlanta United U-15 vs. San Francisco Glens – 1 p.m. ET
Sunday May 12: Atlanta United U-15 vs. Sporting Kansas City – 11 a.m. ET
Tuesday May 14: Atlanta United U-15 vs. Met Oval – 10:45 a.m. ET

U-16 calendar:
Friday May 10: Atlanta United U-16 vs. Strikers FC – 2:30 p.m. ET
Saturday May 11: Atlanta United U-16 vs. Baltimore Armor – 9:00 a.m. ET
Sunday May 13: Atlanta United U-16 vs. Oakwood Soccer Club – 10:45 a.m. ET

U-17 calendar:
Saturday May 11: Atlanta United U-17 vs. De Anza Force – 3 p.m. ET
Sunday May 12: Atlanta United U-17 vs. Ventura County Fusion – 3 p.m. ET
Tuesday May 14: Atlanta United U-17 vs. Sporting Kansas City – 8:30 ETA The full U-15 schedule can be found HERE.

A full Under-16 schedule is available HERE.
The full Under-17 schedule is available HERE.
A full Under-19 schedule is available HERE.