MLS Next Pro Hits Century Mark in Games Played
By Anonymous (not verified), June 14, 2022
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From MLS:
MLS NEXT Pro Reaches 100 Match Milestone
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Announced by Major League Soccer in June 2021 and officially launched in March 2022, MLS NEXT Pro recently played its 100th match. St Louis CITY2’s 2-0 win over Houston Dynamo 2 on June 4 was the 100th match in MLS NEXT Pro history.
Close to 600 players from more than 70 countries make up the rosters in MLS NEXT Pro, with each individual athlete contributing to his club’s success and each with his own personal story. Coming from all walks of life: a newly sworn-in U.S. citizen; a son playing for his mom’s memory; a 17-year-old honored to play for his country ; among many others. One common trait among them all: the goal of playing at the highest level of soccer in the U.S. – Major League Soccer. Thirty-six players from MLS NEXT Pro received the call-up to MLS over the course of the first 100 matches.
Of the 21 clubs in MLS NEXT Pro, 40% are led by head coaches who previously played in MLS. The coaching ranks are diverse, with 25% of the clubs led by head coaches of color and 50% of assistant coaches of diverse backgrounds. The personal interests of these men are as diverse as they are, having shared elements of their lives ranging from their Ramadan rituals to their love of martial arts.
Clubs have averaged 3.2 goals per game and 97 of the first 100 matches saw at least one goal scored. There have been zero ties in MLS NEXT Pro, thanks to shootouts deciding matches. Games that remain tied at the end of regulation are decided using a traditional shootout of kicks from the penalty mark. While both clubs receive a point for the draw, the winner of the shootout receives an additional point.
Week 13 this weekend marks the halfway point of the inaugural season of MLS NEXT Pro. Each club plays 24 matches over the course of the 26-week regular season, with eight clubs – four from each conference – making the playoffs.
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