Latest UPSL Action Across the U.S.
The 2021 UPSL Season is underway across the United States with over 300 teams lacing up their boots each weekend. Formed in 2011, the UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America with a track record of helping amateur players attract pro offers. Here is a recap of the recent men’s soccer action in the UPSL.
UPSL NEWS HIGHLIGHTS: Week 9 of the 2021 United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) Season came to an exciting, action-packed close on Sunday. In SoccerToday’s latest UPSL coverage, we provide a recap of the most notable games from the weekend and other recent news from across the league.
New UPSL Regional Cups
The UPSL recently announced new post-season tournaments designed to provide the league’s best teams with opportunities to compete against opponents from outside their divisions. Each Regional Cup will feature eight teams and a $2,000 winner-takes-all prize. The tournaments will be played over consecutive weekends from July 10 to July 31, with every championship final aired live on MyCujoo.tv.
Weekend Highlights
In a Midwest Conference Central Division matchup, Peter Sanger and Logan Farrington each tallied a goal and assist as Milwaukee’s Bavarian Majors (1-0-1) defeated regional rivals Mad City FC (Madison, WI) 4-0.
Daniel Hernandez scored twice in AFC South Bay’s (5-0-1) 4-2 victory versus previously unbeaten Acoreano Sport. The Western Conference South Division matchup was played at Morgan Hill’s Outdoor Sports Center in Northern California last Saturday.
UPSL Expansion
Long Island will welcome an additional UPSL club to the city, with Suffolk County Football Club set to compete in the Northeast Division 1 for the 2021 Fall Campaign. The East Islip, NY, club is led by owner Carlos Beltran.
“Suffolk County Football Club selected the UPSL chiefly for its well-known platform and open-play system. An open system provides an environment for growth and exposure of member players while increasing competition on level in the league,” said Beltran. “The UPSL is the only Pro Development league in the nation with a promotion/relegation system. Our mission at SCFC is to create a competitive program where our players can consistently learn and be guided in their process to become top-class footballers.”
Christian Garavito will serve as the club’s General Manager. Salvatore Calio, David Calvache, Michael Coby and Jasper Ernhart round out the Suffolk County FC front office and coaching staff.
“We are happy to see Suffolk County FC join the UPSL’s American Division,” said Paul Konneh, UPSL Northeast Conference Division Manager. “Clubs are growing depite the pandemic and it’s great to see Suffolk County take that next step. It takes a real vision to compete successfully at the UPSL level. Suffolk County has made the necessary moves to create a winning environment. We’re looking forward to watching their journey in the UPSL.”
The team will play its home games at Westbrook Sports Complex in Great River, NY.
UPSL Player of the Week
Rodrigo Garcia was named Player of the Week following a hat-trick performance in an 8-1 victory for Pumas Premier. The win over Saints FC keeps Pumas Premier undefeated (4-0-1) in 2021. The Kentucky native’s latest feat was in a UPSL Georgia Division. Garcia graduated from Graves County HS in Mayfield, where he scored 141 goals and was the unanimous Kentucky Player of the Year in 2016. Garcia is the second Pumas Premier player selected UPSL Player of the Week this season, joining Noel Roman (Week 4).
Media Credit: UPSL