The inaugural season of the girls’ Development Academy officially is wrapped up — but not without some controversy.
FC Stars of Massachusetts, one of three New England-based sides, announced in April it is departing after one season to go “all in” with the Elite Clubs National League. In its stead, Seacoast United (New Hampshire) will join the girls’ DA in 2018-19, completing a regional trio alongside Boston Breakers (Massachusetts) and Oakwood (Connecticut).
Despite the comings and goings, the 2017-18 season was a promising one in New England, with six teams making the playoffs in Oceanside, Calif. The Northeast Division certainly was top heavy at the U-15, U-17 and U-19 levels, with lopsided scorelines unfolding often. In a burgeoning league without the history of the ECNL or National Premier League, talent levels could waver.
To see the bigger picture, New England Soccer Journal chronicled the year for each local club.
