Rank	Team	2017	Next Week	Summary
1	Charlotte Eagles	Record: 9-3-2 2nd in South Atlantic	vs. Myrtle Beach Mutiny May 12 7 p.m. ET	The 2017 PDL Champions begin the year on top until proven otherwise. They'll face an immediate test, opening against the Mutiny, who bested the Eagles for the South Atlantic Division crown last season.
2	New York Red Bulls U23	Record: 12-1-1 1st in Mid Atlantic	vs. Long Island Rough Riders May 12 7 p.m. ET	The Red Bulls U23 finished with a 12-1-1 record and a PDL Regular Season Championship in their 2017 campaign. They'll open with a challenge against the Rough Riders, who make their return to the Mid Atlantic division this season.
3	Myrtle Beach Mutiny	Record: 10-1-3 1st in South Atlantic	at Charlotte Eagles May 12 7 p.m. ET	While the Eagles won the PDL Championship, the Mutiny finished first in the South Atlantic last season. They'll have a chance to knock off the champs on the road in match number one.
4	Seacoast United Phantoms	Record: 11-1-2 1st in Northeast	at GPS Portland Phoenix May 19 6 p.m. ET	After capturing the Northeast Division crown in 2017, the Phantoms will have their work cut out for them in 2018. They'll enjoy a bye before launching their title defense in week three.
5	Reading United AC	Record: 12-2-0 2nd in Mid Atlantic	at Lehigh Valley United May 12 7 p.m. ET	Despite not winning a title in 2017, Reading United was the second-best team in the Eastern Conference last year, behind only the Red Bulls U23. They'll look to back that up with silverware this year, and open that quest with a match away at Lehigh Valley United.