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Chris Rael
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The American Pro Development Ecosystem Includes UPSL Talent
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.
The 2021 United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) season has kicked off and is providing an opportunity for American entrepreneurialism to flourish on the soccer pitches across the USA. With highly competitive teams connecting America from coast to coast, the UPSL offers soccer players, coaches and club owners the opportunity to be an integral part of the world’s favorite sport—without the high costs or restrictions of many other leagues.
With over 300 teams playing in the league, there are many with big dreams of becoming professionals, and now the UPSL is being recognized as a viable pathway.
“We are very excited about the 2021 spring season finally kicking off in multiple markets across the US as we have many new expansion clubs that have come in to the mix to battle for the chance to hoist the UPSL Championship trophy and be part of our final four competition where we will award $30,000,” said Yan Skwara, UPSL Commissioner.
“Players in top form in the UPSL are being recognized at a faster pace as our league continues to solidly its position in the US Soccer Pro Development ecosystem,” said Skwara.
UPSL NEWS HIGHLIGHTS: Week 4 of the 2021 United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) Season came to an exciting, action packed close on Sunday.
The weekend recap comes following the announcement of Villarreal Las Vegas Academy, an official affiliate of La Liga’s Villarreal CF, as a UPSL expansion club.
In a weekend stacked with competition, the league welcomed 10 California teams that competed in season openers. Founded in the Golden State, the UPSL has over 60 clubs functioning in California. The UPSL Mountain Premier Division also kicked off this past weekend.
UPSL Player of the Week:
Noel Roman was named Player of the Week for his performance with Pumas Premier (Paduca, KY). Roman recorded a hat-trick and an assist in the club’s UPSL Expedition Division debut. The Mayfield, KY, native was formerly team captain at Georgetown College, KY (NCAA).
UPSL’s Notable Weekend Scores:
On Sunday, Cal FC defeated LA 10 FC, 2-1, at Orange County Great Park in Irvine, CA.
UPSL expansion club FC Barcroft (Virginia) recorded a 2-1 victory against AC Commonwealth (Virginia), 2020 Beltway Division champs, over the weekend.
UPSL UPDATE: Villarreal Las Vegas Academy Expansion
On Friday, April 9, the UPSL announced Villarreal Las Vegas Academy as an expansion club for the spring season. Owned by Jordan Greenway, the official partner of La Liga’s Villarreal CF will compete in the Southwest Conference Arizona/Nevada Division. The club will host games at The Las Vegas Sports Park and Kellogg Zaher Soccer Complex.
Philip Nantas will serve as head coach.
“We know how much dedication and passion Jordan [Greenway] has for soccer, so it is fair to say that that we are all very excited for the addition of Villarreal Las Vegas Academy to the UPSL,” said UPSL Commissioner Yan Skwara. “It is a very good time for clubs to join the league in Las Vegas, and we are confident that this team will help develop new players in the region.”
Greenway and his coaching staff plan to work closely with the Spanish club to incorporate its methodologies and fundamentals.
“It was the best time to join the UPSL as we believe it is the best league to develop our Under-19 players,” said Greenway. “Scouting and player development are the most important aspects of joining a soccer club. By having our top Under-19 players competing in the UPSL, we know that our kids will be pushed to their limits and challenged by such amazing teams.”
UPSL Player From Week 3:
The United Premier Soccer League (#UPSL) 2021 Spring Week 3 (March 22-28) Player of the Week is Bowling Green FC’s Fahrudin Dervisevic!
All UPSL teams are individually owned and operated.
Media Credit: UPSL
The post UPSL MENS SOCCER ROUND UP WITH HIGHLIGHTS AND PLAYER OF THE WEEK appeared first on SoccerToday.
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