US Soccer’s decision to split the Boys Development Academy Under-19 system into two tiers this season has stirred much debate in youth soccer circles.



MLS clubs participate in the US Soccer developmental system by fielding academy teams across age groups from U-13 to U-19. Four MLS clubs — FC Cincinnati, Minnesota United, Los Angeles FC and the Chicago Fire — will not field teams in the U-18/19 division this season. The three expansion teams may not have a fully developed academy system for the oldest age group and the Fire submitted a successful petition to US Soccer that allowed them to forego U-18/19 for one season.



Fire president and general manager Nelson Rodriguez explained the team’s reasoning to The Athletic this week.



“The decision goes back a few years,” Rodriguez said. “About three years ago, we had some changes in our coaching staff and one of the coaches went to another club in Chicago and virtually...