MONTREAL – The U15 and U17 squads of CF Montréal’s Academy are set to kick off their 2022-2023 MLS NEXT seasons with a home opener this Sunday, September 18, against the New England Revolution, at Centre Nutrilait.
The U17s will begin at 10am followed by the U15s at 12:30pm. This will be the Club's second appearance in the competition since its creation three years ago.
“When it comes to player development, one of the key factors is the competition platform and we are very fortunate to be playing in what is considered the highest level of youth soccer in North America: MLS NEXT,” said CF Montréal Academy Director Marinos Papageorgopoulos. “I wish our boys and coaches a great season.”
The U15 technical staff will be composed of head coach Esteban Landazabal and his assistant Steven Weston. Head coach Maxime Leconte and his assistant Felix Brillant will manage the U17s. In addition, Pierre Bézy will oversee physical preparation accompanied by Vanessa Contenta, head athletic therapist.
“We are excited to start the season, especially a full one, as we were not able to play all our matches last year due to COVID,” said U17 head coach Maxime Leconte. “We have prepared well against Quebec-based teams. The group is now looking ahead to facing other academies.”
“The players and I are looking forward to beginning,” said U15 head coach Esteban Landazabal. “Even though there are still things to work on, I feel the team is quite ready for these first games. The group has been well prepared, and I am confident that we will accomplish great things this season.”
Both teams are entering a season that will take them to the MLS NEXT Cup from June 17-25 in Dallas, Texas. CF Montréal will play in the East (North) Division where it will compete against both private and MLS academies in two separate tables: the Pro Player Pathway (MLS academies only) and the MLS NEXT Flex (MLS academies and private academies).
In addition to the 24 regular season matches, both teams will also play in the following tournaments: the MLS NEXT Fest (December 2-8, in California), the Generation adidas Cup (April 1-9, in Florida) and the MLS NEXT Flex (May 12-16, in Maryland).
The two regular season standings and the results earned in MLS NEXT Flex will qualify the top 32 teams for the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs. Teams which fail to qualify will attend the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase concurrently.
