ATL Standard

Atlanta United Academy teams have concluded the 2023-24 regular season, with three squads set to begin postseason play this weekend. The U-15 and U-16 teams will participate in the 2024 MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase starting Saturday, June 15.

The U-15 team opens its playoff run against New York Red Bulls U-15 at 5:45 p.m. ET on Saturday. They finished second in the East (South) Division with an 11-4-3 record (36 points) and secured postseason qualification through MLS NEXT Flex in May after topping their group with a 2-1-0 record. Will Bates, a former University of Virginia standout and Seattle Sounders SuperDraft selection, will coach the U-15s during their postseason campaign.

The Atlanta United U-16 squad will face Strikers FC U-16 on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. ET. The team earned its spot in the playoffs by finishing first in the Southeast Division with a 13-2-1 record (40 points). Bruno Ramos, former Director of Futsal and Advanced Development Program at Richmond Strikers, will lead the U-16s.

The U-19 team begins its UPSL Playoff run against UMA FC at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET. They secured a postseason berth after an 8-3-1 record in the Spring season. Steve Covino, an original member of the 2016 Atlanta United Academy staff, will coach the U-19s.

Twenty-two MLS NEXT Cup Playoff games, including all four championship matches, will stream live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Matches across four age groups include two round-of-32 games, two round-of-16 games, six quarterfinals, and eight semifinals available for viewing on Apple TV.

The full schedule for the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase is available online along with final league standings for the 2023–24 season.

The MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs feature top teams from four age groups (U–15, U–16, U–17, U–19), each qualifying based on league results or by winning their group at MLS NEXT Flex held from May 10–14. Matches are set for either 80 or 90 minutes depending on age group; tied matches proceed to penalty kicks except for championship matches which include extra time before penalties if necessary.

Teams not qualifying for playoffs can join the MLS NEXT Cup Showcase offering players exposure to collegiate, international, and professional scouts. Teams eliminated early from playoffs may also participate in this showcase event.