Sophomore Radeen Alavi and junior Luca Conigliaro are playing for the highest level of soccer in high school, MLS Next, for the second year in a row. They are dedicated to improving their skills, developing a strong bond with their teammates and coaches, and striving to play at the collegiate level.
MLS Next is a league run by Major League Soccer with teams for age groups U13 to U19. Members are usually unable to play for their high school teams due to the high level of commitment to their clubs. Alavi plays for the U16 age group, while Conigliaro plays U17. Both athletes play for New England Futbol Club (NEFC), so they often scrimmage each other. Conigliaro, a defender, and Alavi, a midfielder, are determined athletes who hope to reach the playoffs in the spring.
Alavi’s fall season began on a rough note with several early losses. Last year, Alavi’s team was much stronger, losing only a couple games over the course of the season.
“This season, the start hasn’t been that good since we lost a lot of games,” Alavi said. “We improved over time and currently have a winning record.”
Despite the initial struggles, Alavi’s team finished with a final record of 14-6-1.
Similarly, closing out with a 10-2-3 record, Conigliaro’s team was strong. Like last year, when they advanced to the playoffs but were defeated by a competitive Philadelphia Union team, his team is intent on securing a postseason berth.
“We are looking to punch our ticket to the playoffs like last year,” Conigliaro said.
At the MLS Next level, it is important to develop a strong bond with teammates and coaches. Both Conigliaro and Alavi say they have relationships with them as they all share the same passion to succeed on the pitch. However, there are times when their opinions may not align.
“My teammates are very aggressive and are always making risky tackles, even at practice,” Conigliaro said. “That can sometimes be a good thing, but it also puts us at risk of injuries which can harm the team.”
In their relationship with their coaches, Alavi and Conigliaro both stress the need of finding a balance between strictness and support, which they believe is crucial towards their development as athletes.
“[My] coach knows we are at a high level and have a lot of potential, so he pushes us to our best,” Alavi said.
Conigliaro’s team shares a common drive for achievement that makes them enjoy the difficulties, even though his coach can be strict at times.
“We like it when our coaches push us because we are all passionate and love to play and succeed on the pitch,” Conigliaro said. “My old coach was way too strict. There was a point where we were shoveling snow in 20 degree weather. However, our new coach is a lot better at keeping a fair balance.”
At the MLS Next level, the players cannot compete on their high school teams. Both players share ambivalence towards this situation. They want to play for their high school teams, but need to make the decision they feel is best for them.
“I have played club and town soccer with a lot of my high school friends for a while, so a part of me wants to play with them,” Alavi said. “Another part of me has allowed me to make a tight bond with my teammates and I feel as though it is best that I pursue my future interests.”
Conigliaro played for Algonquin’s varsity soccer team his freshman year. After his club offered him a spot on the MLS Next roster, he made the decision to play at the higher level. He still lives by his decision, but is frequently tempted to return to high school soccer.
“I really want to play with my friends again like I did freshman year,” said Conigliaro. “However, I also need to focus on what is best for me and my future, and I feel that MLS Next will give me the most opportunities.”
Playing at this high level of soccer is both taxing and rewarding. Both players have an incredible opportunity to proceed to play four more years of collegiate soccer. While sacrifices have to be made to achieve this goal, both are determined to proceed in their soccer careers, and aim to climb up the ranks while individually improving as players.
