New Jersey Open Cup Redefines Youth Soccer Competition
A new open-format high level youth soccer competition in New Jersey is proving that elite players and teams exist far beyond MLS NEXT and ECNL — and the results on the field speak loudly.
An Open Cup Moment for the Youth Game
For years, youth soccer conversations in the United States have revolved around league branding. MLS NEXT. ECNL. National League. The assumption — often unspoken but widely accepted — is that the best players are concentrated inside these prestigious platforms.
This winter in New Jersey, that assumption has been challenged on the field.
The inaugural NJYS Open Cup, launched by New Jersey Youth Soccer, is delivering a simple, powerful truth: elite youth soccer talent exists across every competitive level — not just within the most visible leagues.
Modeled after the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the NJYS Open Cup introduces a truly open format where teams from MLS NEXT, ECNL, USYS National League, NAL, USL Academy, and independent competitive leagues have the opportunity to meet head-to-head. The NJYS Open Cup featured more than 60 teams across U13, U14, and U19 boys divisions.
Clean, open competition showcasing real passion for the game.
The Story Behind the NJYS Open Cup
The idea for the NJYS Open Cup didn’t start as a bold reinvention. It began as a response to the every shifting and fragmented youth soccer reality.
According to Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer, participation in NJYS State Cups surged last summer to nearly 1,000 teams across all age groups. At the same time, changes in eligibility rules meant that some clubs accepted into MLS NEXT were no longer able to participate in their State Cup Competitions — and a few of those teams wanted a solution.
Former NJYS Director of Operations & Strategy Ryan Foley proposed an alternative: an open-format competition that would serve the entire youth soccer community.
“This competition aligns with our mission to connect and empower the youth soccer landscape,” Dabby said. “It required listening, flexibility, and quick response.”
Interest was initially slow until the momentum shifted after discussions with Luis Robles, MLS NEXT Technical Director, who helped bridge the gap between NJYS and MLS NEXT clubs.
“Luis saw the vision,” Dabby said, “and helped make this competition a reality.”
Early Results That Tell a Bigger Story
The Open Cup launched with 61 teams across three age groups (U13, U14, U19 boys) — drawing participation from nearly every competitive platform in New Jersey.
And the early matches have already reinforced the tournament’s core message.
Competitive balance has been evident from the opening round. And, soon youth soccer players from independent clubs will have the opportunity to be matched against MLS NEXT Homegrown Division teams on the pitch.
These outcomes aren’t unique upsets — they’re evidence. America is a huge country. Talent is not exclusive to league labels.
Why Open Competition Matters for Player Development
From a development perspective, exposure to unfamiliar opponents matters.
“Meaningful local competition is essential to player development,” said Luis Robles, MLS NEXT Technical Director. “By providing opportunities for MLS NEXT clubs to face strong opponents from different platforms, this tournament challenges players in new ways and fuels development on and off the field.”
New Jersey’s depth of talent — including stars Michael Bradley, Carli Lloyd, Tony Meola, John Harkes and Tab Ramos — makes it an ideal testing ground for an open-format competition.
“New Jersey is widely recognized as a hotbed of talent, home to some of the most competitive teams and top-tier player development programs in the country.” said Paul Nash, New York Red Bulls Head of Development Phase. ““The New York Red Bulls are delighted to participate in the NJYS Open Cup. The NJYS Open Cup represents an innovative new format that provides clubs, players, and coaches with a unique opportunity to come together, compete, and accelerate player development in the state.”
The NJYS Open Cup complements existing league play by introducing pressure-driven, unfamiliar matchups — environments where adaptability, problem-solving, and resilience become the differentiators.
“PDA was very excited to compete in this year’s NJYS Open Cup with our MLS NEXT Homegrown teams,” said Tyler Stakiwicz, PDA Boys Academy Director: “Showcasing our best players against some of the best teams across the various platforms in the state is going to be a welcome addition to our calendar and a fun development opportunity.”
Those qualities matter at every level of the game and New Jersey is a great benchmark.
READ: Leading by Listening: Evan Dabby Is Growing U.S. Soccer Through Collaboration
Youth Soccer Clubs Across Leagues Agree
Support for the Open Cup has come from across the youth soccer spectrum.
“Torpedoes SC is delighted to take part in the newly formed NJYS Open Cup,” said Andy Meaney, Director of Coaching. “This is a great opportunity for players to compete and prove themselves against the best in the state.”
For Cedar Stars Academy, competition is central to development.
“Bringing together the best clubs from across New Jersey can only benefit player development,” said Anthony Nixon, Executive Director.
“The Football Academy NJ is excited to participate in this inclusive format,” added Mark Cassidy, club president. “It raises the standard and allows players to prove themselves against the best teams and players in New Jersey.”
MLS NEXT programs see the value as well.
Clubs including PDA and TSF clearly see the value of challenging players against unfamiliar opponents outside their regular league calendar.
“This Open Cup will be one of the highest competition platforms for youth boys in the country,” said Steve Amorin, Ironbound SC Academy Technical Director.
Derek Ogden, TSF Zone 2 Director and U19 MLS Homegrown Head Coach agrees and said, “We are excited about this opportunity for our TSF teams to compete against all of the high level teams in New Jersey.”
More Than a Tournament
At its core, the NJYS Open Cup is about access — for players to enjoy the game of soccer, take pride in competitions, and to breaking down walls that do not benefit the growth of the game.
A total of 61 teams are registered in the 13U, 14U and 19U boys age groups:
- 23 MLS NEXT Academy teams
- 22 MLS NEXT Homegrown teams
- 7 NAL teams
- 5 NL teams
- 3 ECRL teams
- 1 EDP team
Development is not linear and it is not confined to a single youth soccer league. Competition should be on the field … not the branding of a league.
NJYS has already confirmed its commitment to exploring a similar competition for girls.
NJYS Open Cup 2025 Final Score Update:
NJYS Open Cup 2025 Final Score for the games completed through December 14th (winners are in bold):
- 13U Boys: Monmouth United SC – Premier NL defeated Ironbound SC – MLS NEXT Academy 1 – 0
- 13U Boys: TSF – MLS NEXT Academy defeated Soccer Association of Fairview EDP 3 – 0
- 14U Boys: Lacey Soccer Club – Cedar Stars Ocean NL defeated Real FA – MLS NEXT Academy 1 – 0
- 14U Boys: Westfield SA – Union County FC Go Ahead Eagles NAL defeated TSF Academy – MLS NEXT Academy 2 – 1
- 13U Boys: Westfield SA – Union County FC Santos NAL defeated The Football Academy Black Academy 2 – 0
- 14U Boys: Ironbound SC – MLS NEXT Academy defeated Kearny Thistle FC – I NAL 1 – 0
- 19U Boys: FC Copa Academy ECNL RL defeated Trenton City SC MLS Next Academy 1 – 1
- 13U Boys: Rahway Youth Soccer JFC Barcelona NAL defeated Real FA MLS Next Academy 5 – 1
- 14U Boys: Marlboro SA Spartans Blue NL defeated Trenton City SC MLS Next Academy 3 – 0
For now, the message is clear. New Jersey’s Open Cup shows multiple pathways offer develop for elite players. Open competition strenghtens youth soccer and enables more players to have development opportunities.
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Players in White Jerseys Team Photo Info: 13U Boys Monmouth United SC – Premier NL who won their first round game in the 2025 NJYS Open Cup.
Players in Blue Jerseys Team Photo Info: Rahway JFC Barcelona NAL 13U boys who won their first round game in the 2025 NJYS Open Cup.
MLS NEXT team images courtesy of MLS Soccer.
NJYS Open Cup local team images courtesy of New Jersey Youth Soccer.
