So You Want To Play D1 College Soccer? The Recruiting Realities of D1 Soccer!

Special Wednesday Edition - Your Guide to the Northeast’s D1 Soccer Recruiting Landscape

February 19, 2025

In Today’s Edition

Welcome to our essential new blog series on college recruitment! Whether you're just beginning your journey or are already deep into the process, this series is designed with you in mind. We'll delve into crucial topics like crafting an impressive highlight video, developing a strategic college list, and mastering the art of securing scholarships. Regardless of where you stand, our series is filled with essential tips and guidance to propel you towards success. Join us every week as we equip you with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the recruitment landscape. 

  • Female Soccer - So You Want To Play Women's College Soccer in the Northeast?

  • Male Soccer - So You Want To Play Men's College Soccer in the Northeast?

  • Just Released! Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics Powered by Adidas

Discover How Your Club Team Shapes Your D1 Soccer Journey

Today's blog brings you a special feature that dives into an important question for aspiring college athletes: does your club team really matter when it comes to playing Division 1 soccer in the Northeast?

We analyzed the pathways of 105 male D1 players and 118 female D1 players from prominent schools in the region. The results? A fascinating look at how development platforms like MLS Next, ECNL, and others influence recruitment trends.

Our findings might surprise you. What role does your club team play in shaping opportunities at the collegiate level? How critical is the league or environment you compete in? Make no mistake—your pathway could make all the difference.

Read on to uncover the details and insights that can help guide your next steps toward achieving your college soccer goals!

Female Soccer - So You Want To Play Women's College Soccer in the Northeast?

Recruiting for women’s college soccer has always been an area of great interest for players, parents, and coaches alike. The Northeast, as a region, offers incredible opportunities for aspiring athletes aiming to make their mark at the collegiate level. However, understanding the recruiting landscape can help tremendously when charting your pathway.

Our two-year study, conducted on the 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes, sheds light on key trends in female soccer recruitment. We analyzed 118 announced commitments from nine notable Northeast programs, including Syracuse, Binghamton, Bryant, Villanova, Monmouth, Wagner, Holy Cross, Buffalo, and Colgate. What we uncovered provides valuable insights into where these players are coming from and which development platforms dominate the recruiting scene.

Breaking Down the Northeast’s Recruiting Trends

Here’s a snapshot of what the numbers tell us about the 118 women’s soccer recruits at these programs:

  • ECNL: 52 players (44%)

  • GA (Girls Academy): 43 players (37%)

  • Other Leagues/Pathways: 16 players (13%)

  • International: 7 players (6%)

Key Recruiting Insights

The trends reveal significant patterns that should catch the attention of any young player (and their parents) looking to play Division 1 soccer in the Northeast.

  • ECNL and GA Dominate the Scene
    Combined, players from the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and the Girls Academy (GA) make up a staggering 81% of all recruits. This statistic underscores the clear advantage these organizations provide in preparing players for success at the collegiate level. If you’re aspiring to play D1, participating in one of these competitive leagues may drastically improve your visibility.

  • Limited Representation Beyond ECNL and GA
    While many families wonder if it’s possible to reach college soccer without playing in ECNL or GA, the numbers make it clear that it’s the possible but more difficult. Only about 1 in 10 US-based recruits (13%) comes from outside of these pathways, encompassing players from leagues like EDP, DPL, and other independent teams. Compare that to less than 1% on the Male side.

  • International Talent Plays a Smaller Role
    While international recruits account for a larger share in men’s soccer, they only make up 6% of female college recruits in this study. Most of these players come from neighboring Canada, with minimal representation from other regions. The limited presence of international players highlights how the women’s recruiting scene relies heavily on domestic development networks.

What Does This Mean for Aspiring Players?

For players dreaming of making it to D1 college soccer in the Northeast, the takeaway is clear—the pathway you choose matters.

Focus on the Right Fit

Not everyone will have the opportunity to join an ECNL or GA club for various reasons, including location, finances, or personal circumstances. If you’re outside one of these leagues, aim to make the most of opportunities in tournaments, showcases, and ID camps that feature top collegiate programs. Highlighting your talent and standing out—even if you’re from a lesser-known team—can still lead to recruitment success.

Closing Thoughts

Women’s college soccer recruiting in the Northeast is competitive and heavily influenced by participation in top-tier leagues like ECNL and GA. If you’re serious about playing D1 soccer, aligning yourself with these pathways can be a deciding factor. At the same time, recruiting remains a holistic process. Players from outside these programs can and do find success—with persistence, dedication, and the right strategy.

The data provides a roadmap, but every player’s journey will be unique. Start by understanding the trends, identify your strengths, and create a plan that works for you. The Northeast is full of opportunities—make sure you’re ready to seize them when they come!

If you're curious about how a specific Northeast university recruits for soccer, we'd love to help! Send us an email with the schools you're interested in at [email protected], and we'll share the insights you need.

Male Soccer - So You Want To Play Men's College Soccer in the Northeast?

Tracking Division 1 men’s soccer commitments is no easy task. With most schools rarely announcing their recruiting classes publicly, piecing together a clear picture of where incoming talent comes from can be challenging. However, one notable exception is the Ivy League, which tends to provide more transparency in sharing their lists of recruits.

Through meticulous research, we’ve compiled a breakdown of 105 men’s soccer commitments for the 2024 season from over 17 programs in the Northeast. These players were analyzed and categorized by their development pathways, including MLS Next, ECNL, International, and other leagues. This data not only offers valuable insight into talent distribution but also highlights the most prominent routes players take to find success in collegiate soccer.

Commitments by League/Category with Percentages

  • MLS Next: 54 players (51.4%)

  • ECNL: 23 players (21.9%)

  • International: 18 players (17.1%)

  • USL 2: 3 players (2.9%)

  • Other – Barca Academy: 2 players (1.9%)

  • EDP: 1 player (0.95%)

Total: 105 players (100%)

A Top-Heavy Landscape for Men's Soccer Recruitment

The findings reveal a significantly top-heavy distribution in the talent pipeline when compared to other regions or the women’s game. For male players aiming to play Division 1 soccer in the Northeast, pathways like MLS Next and ECNL dominate the landscape. Together, these two leagues account for a staggering 73% of all commitments.

When International players are added to the mix, 90% of all recruits come from just three major categories. This creates a clear picture of where college programs focus their recruiting efforts. MLS Next and ECNL players represent the standout development platforms, while international players continue to play a key role in shaping rosters.

Meanwhile, alternative routes are far less common. For example:

  • USL 2 contributes only three players (2.9%) to the total pool.

  • Barca Academy accounts for two players (1.9%).

  • EDP has one lone representative (0.95%) among the 105 commitments. Compare that to almost 13% on the female side.

These numbers highlight how minimal the impact of recruiting from other leagues is in the grand scheme of Division 1 men’s soccer.

Final Thoughts

If you aspire to play men’s D1 college soccer in the Northeast, the data makes one thing clear—your development pathway is crucial. MLS Next and ECNL continue to be the top feeders for college programs, while international players remain a consistent source of talent. Other routes, while not impossible, are far less common and require significant effort to stand out.

Understanding the recruitment landscape is key to making informed decisions about your soccer career. Aligning yourself with the top platforms or taking a proactive approach to gain visibility at every opportunity will give you the best chance of reaching your collegiate goals.

Stay dedicated, work smart, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. D1 soccer is highly competitive so it’s equally important to remain realistic. Be sure to research D2 and D3 programs as well—these schools often provide outstanding opportunities to develop, compete, and achieve success on and off the field.

If you're curious about how a specific Northeast university recruits for soccer, we'd love to help! Send us an email with the schools you're interested in at [email protected], and we'll share the insights you need.

Stay tuned for more insights on recruiting trends and advice to help you achieve your collegiate soccer dreams!

Secure Your Spot at the Steve Coxon Soccer Network ID Clinics Powered by Adidas!

We’re thrilled to announce a unique chance to shine in front of college coaches.This spring, we’re hosting exclusive ID Clinics for both boys and girls at the brand-new Day Hill Dome in Windsor, CT. These clinics are the perfect chance to showcase your talent and elevate your game while connecting with top college coaches.

A Premier Showcase for Aspiring Players - Your opportunity to Shine and Get Noticed!

Whether you’re a male or female athlete, these clinics are designed to help you take a confident step toward your college soccer aspirations. We’ve invited college coaches from across New England and the Northeast, representing DI, DII, and DIII programs, making this an incredible opportunity to get noticed by the best in the game.

With only 50 player spots available per clinic, space is very limited. Don’t wait—secure your spot today and make the most of this exciting event!

Don’t Miss Out – Register Now

This is your chance to shine and take your skills to the next level. Slots are filling up fast, so don’t delay! Register today to lock in your place and ensure your spot at this high-profile event.

🔗 Boys (Only 33 spots remain)- Reserve your spot now!

🔗 Girls (Only 29 spots remain) - Reserve your spot now!

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About: Steve Coxon College Soccer Network

Steve has 20 years of college-level experience, 17+ years in D1 as the Head Recruiter. He has facilitated more than $30 million in college scholarships.

Location - Connecticut, USA