MLS NEXT Pro Invitational Preview

Academy

19 Jul 2023

Crystal Palace Under-21s begin their pre-season campaign by taking on Real Monarchs, TSG Hoffenheim U23s and Whitecaps FC 2 in the MLS NEXT Pro Invitational tournament - here's everything you need to know!

The MLS NEXT Pro Invitational

The MLS NEXT Pro Invitational pits the youth sides of MLS teams against European-based youth teams, with Palace being one of the two European sides involved in this iteration of the competition.

This is the second instalment of the tournament, after the inaugural version last season saw Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers compete against Real Monarchs, Toronto FC and eventual winners Colorado Rapids 2.

While the Eagles are competing in this tournament ahead of the 2023/24 season, Real Monarchs and Whitecaps FC 2 are midway through their seasons in the MLS NEXT Pro league.

Real Monarchs

The Monarchs are the youth side of Real Salt Lake. They're currently 18 games into the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season and sit in 12th place.

They are five points off the play-off places in the Western Conference - the second phase of the league which concludes after each side has played 24 games.

Real Monarchs are managed by former player Jámison Olave. The Colombian guided them to victory in the Western Conference play-offs and the USL Championship Cup.

TSG Hoffenheim U23s

Much like Palace, German outfit Hoffenheim are also in their pre-season as they prepare for 23/24. They compete in the Regionalliga Südwest, the fourth tier of German football.

Hoffenheim U23s are managed by former striker Kai Herdling. He took the reins in 2020 and has guided them to multiple mid-table finishes.

The German side finished third in their previous campaign, three points off the automatic promotion spot.

Whitecaps FC 2

Whitecaps FC 2 are the youth side of Vancouver Whitecaps, the Canadian-based MLS side.

After 19 games, they’re currently in fourth place on 30 points which puts them in contention for a Western Conference play-off spot.

They are currently managed former United States international Ricardo Clark and registered a seventh place finish in the previous campaign.

Fixture overview

Darren Powell’s side will play each of these teams on their pre-season tour and the games available to watch LIVE on mlsnextpro.com

MLS NEXT Pro Invitational 2023 Fixtures

Real Monarchs v Crystal Palace U21s
- Wednesday, 19th July 2023
- Kick-off: 20:30 MDT / 03:30 BST - Thursday, 20th
Crystal Palace U21s v TSG Hoffenheim U23s
- Friday, 21st July 2023
- Kick-off: 20:00 MDT / 03:00 BST - Saturday, 22nd
Whitecaps FC 2 v Crystal Palace U21s
- Tuesday, 25th July 2023
- Kick-off: 20:00 MDT / 03:00 BST - Wednesday, 26th)

Note: Local time in Salt Lake City is MDT (BST -7).

Academy
Pre-season
Under-21s

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