Player Pathway - Azzurri Storm

Our partnership with the Orlando City Youth Soccer Network has produced numerous opportunities for our players to be identified, including:

The November 2018 MLS Generation Adidas Cup in Atlanta, GA
A club-hosted DA Jamboree in 2019 between Orlando City DA, Weston DA, and Azzurri Storm at North Collier Regional Park in Naples
Numerous friendlies between our senior teams and Orlando City MLS Next teams
ID events hosted by Orlando City Academy
Multiple training sessions run by Orlando City Soccer School’s technical staff and scouts at our home fields

These initiatives have provided our players with opportunities to be scouted and developed by Orlando City Academy. For more information on academy opportunities, contact our director of coaching at cgores@azzurristorm.com or jgoreham@azzurristorm.com.

How does the new MLS Next Tier 2 league compare to other established leagues?

Azzurri Storm staff has received numerous questions about the MLS Next Tier 2 announcement in SWFL. MLS Next Tier 2 is not a new league. This is the National Academy League (NAL) that’s been rebranded under MLS Next. This is a regional league and equivalent to the E64 Regional League and ECNL Regional League. There is no promotion or relegation between Tier 2 and Tier 1 MLS Next. They are entirely separate leagues. Tier 2 is operated by the NAL and not MLS Next and will play in the Sunshine Division. MLS Next Tier 2 is a “pay to play” system, unlike an official MLS Next Academy with a direct route to the MLS professional first team.

How can my player get scouted for MLS Next through Azzurri Storm?

Azzurri Storm, as an Orlando City affiliate, has scouts regularly visit from the Orlando City Academy to observe our players. Players are also nominated by coaches to attend Orlando City Academy tryouts. Any player who wants to try out for an MLS Next Tier 1 team can do so with any Orlando City affiliate. The academy system is economically rational (no cost) to selected players under contract. For more information on scheduling a tryout, please contact your coach and director of coaching to see if you meet the qualifications for an evaluation.

Thomas Bowe (2006)

Orlando City Academy (2020-2023)

Orlando City B MLS Pro (2024)

TJ Jefferys (2006)

Orlando City Academy (2021-23)

Orlando City B MLS Pro (2024)

Matias Bustamante (2013)

Orlando City Academy (2024)

Lucas Smith (2011)

Orlando City Academy (2024)

Nikolai Pierre (2008)

Orlando City Academy (2023-current)

Haiti U17 N.T (2025)

MLS NEXT SIGNED/OFFERED 2019-2023

2002 Joaquin Acuna – UNF (D1) to MLS Draft Eligible to USL 1 AV ALTA
2004 Yonis Velasquez – Tampa Bay MLS Academy to collegiate (Stetson D1)
2005 Dylan Mendez – Tampa Bay MLS Academy to InterMiami CF II Pro (current)
2006 Santi Tarra – OC MLS Academy to collegiate (Manhattan U D1)
2006 Thomas Bowe – OC MLS Academy to OC B MLS Pro to USL 1 FC Naples
2006 TJ Jefferies (GK) – Weston MLS to OC MLS to OC-B MLS Pro to Dartmouth D1
2006 Max Bohemier – Weston MLS Academy to IMG Academy to Penn D1
2006 Oliver Ditheridge – Weston MLS Academy (retired)
2006 Kayman Dansey – West Florida Flames MLS Next / 2 x MLS All-star (current)
2006 Alex Dickson – IMG MLS Academy (current)
2006 Cole Dickson – IMG MLS Academy (current)
2007 Chris Bono (GK) – OC MLS Academy to Columbus Crew Academy (current)
2007 Wyatt Bono – OC MLS Academy
2007 Ty Collins – declined OC MLS offer (current ASSC player)
2007 David Velez – declined OC MLS offer (Azzurri & Colombia: part-time)
2007 Alex B.T. – Current player with several offers to play overseas after HS
2008 John-Henry Lodge (GK) – Miami Academy Rush MLS (current)
2008 Niko Pierre – Chargers MLS to Weston MLS to OC MLS Academy & Haiti U17 N.T. (current)
2008 Sean Dejthai – declined Chargers MLS Next offer
2011 Cristian Gonzalez – C.F. Monterrey Rayados Professional Team in Mexico (2023)

SIGNED IN 2024

2011 Lucas Smith – OC MLS Academy (current)
2013 Matias Bustamante – OC MLS Academy (current)

Santi Tarra (2006) & Thomas Bowe (2006)

Orlando City Academy (2020-2023)

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