TRIANGLE UNITED
"MLS NEXT is a new paradigm for player development. A platform that will transform the way players learn and grow. Building on where we’ve been, but looking ahead to the future. Shaking up the system to bring more access, collaboration, and diversity to the sport of soccer. Creating the best environment for young players to reach their full potential, whatever their aspiration. Setting new standards to develop the next generation of talent for the U.S., Canada, and the world.
We are focused on delivering world-class player development for the top talent in the U.S. and Canada. This requires a commitment to the central areas of player development. An often-overlooked segment of elite player development in youth sports is the implementation of plans for individual growth. MLS NEXT clubs are encouraged to develop holistic and individualized plans for the growth of each player, including technical, tactical, physical, mental, academic, and college placement.
MLS NEXT understands the importance of the college pathway and appreciate that participation in our platform provides a unique opportunity for talented players and college coaches to better evaluate this decision". To read further about MLS NEXT, go to this link here
If you have further questions, please contact our MLS NEXT Director, Luis Satorra, by emailing lsatorra@triangleunited.org
Field Player Uniforms
Goalkeeper Uniforms
MLS NEXT Academy Director
Luis Satorra
16U and 19U Head Coach
Email Luis: lsatorra@triangleunited.org
Staff Coach
Diego Walsh
13U and 14U Head Coach
Staff Coach
Sam Thomas
15U NEXT 2 Head Coach
Staff Coach
Kyle Johnston
MLS NEXT GK Coach
Duke Univ. Sports Medicine
Ryan Kimball
Duke Univ. Sports Performance
Glenn Clarke
Duke Univ. Sports Medicine
Michelle Roberts
Triangle United and our MLS NEXT program are excited about our partnership with Duke University and their Sports Sciences Institute. Players in the MLS NEXT Program have access to some of the best Specialists in the World. The FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence at Duke Sports Medicine will be conducting Sports Performance Assessments for MLS NEXT teams.
The testing will include assessments of:
VALD Performance technology will be used for these assessments, which is the same technology used in MLS, EPL, UEFA, and other top-level soccer leagues and organizations throughout the world. Results from testing will then be compared to and benchmarked against age-matched male soccer players from across the globe. Each athlete will receive an individualized electronic report with interpretation of results.
In addition to testing, Duke will also provide athletic trainers at our training, conduct concussion testing (via ImPACT), and work with our players on proper nutrition.
Triangle United has joined up with KORU mindfulness, a program developed at the student counseling center at Duke University, to target the developmental needs and interests of young adults. This spring, our MLS NEXT players are taking part in this program.
Koru has been empirically tested in a randomized, controlled trial and found to have significant benefits on sleep, perceived stress, mindfulness, and self-compassion.
Koru Mindfulness is an evidence-based curriculum specifically designed for teaching mindfulness, meditation, and stress management to college students and other young adults.
Teams are formed through a variety of ways. Throughout the year the club will be identifying players we feel are MLS NEXT level. Teams will also be formed through Tryout Invites as well as through Open Tryouts.
For the 2024-2025 season, we will have 6 MLS NEXT teams. We will have the 13U (2012), 14U (2011), 15U (2010), 16U (2009), 17U (2008), and 19U (2007/2006).
Luis Satorra is the MLS NEXT Director and will oversee the entire program on the field. He will be assisted by staff coaches from within the club.
The MLS NEXT Season will run from mid August through mid June. Games will take place from September - November and February - May. There are showcase events in December (MLS NEXT FEST), May (MLS NEXT FLEX), and June (MLS NEXT Playoffs/Showcase).
Players in this program will train 4x a week, with 1 of the days being a Sports Performance/Recovery day run by Duke University Sports Medicine.
Goalkeepers will train 2x a week with a TU GK trainer. Typically there will be 1x/week solely focused on the GK and their technique. The other training will be more team based, where the GK Trainer can work on spacing, being connected, angles, etc...
The current teams we would play are as follows. AFC, SSA, Inter, HVS, Atlanta United, Nashville SC, Charlotte FC, Queen City Mutiny, Tormenta, Wake FC, KSA, Lanier, and new for 2024-2025, the Carolina Core (NC).
Teams typically will train at either Cedar Falls Park, Herndon Park, Meadowmont, or Southern Village.
