Former UPSL Premier Division, Atlanta United U19 Defender Caleb Wiley Named MLS Player of the Matchday
After his two-goal performance against Charlotte FC, former Atlanta United U19 and UPSL Premier Division player Caleb Wiley has been named to the MLS Team of the Week, as well as the MLS Player of the Matchday. The defender last played in the UPSL in 2021, before securing a homegrown contract with the Atlanta United first team in January 2022, and subsequently scoring on his MLS debut 4 weeks later.
Atlanta United U19 UPSL Head Coach Ricky Davie spoke about the club’s pride surrounding Caleb Wiley’s development through the academy and UPSL, and how quickly he’s adapted to the pro-level.
“Caleb is a prime example of being intrinsically motivated. He’s been at the club since he was a U12 and has always gone about his business in the same manner. Whether training or playing, he always brings the same focus. He’s competed in the UPSL and USL Championship at a young age, and still, he remains humble and one of the hardest workers.”
At 18 years and 79 days old, Wiley became the 6th youngest player in MLS history to record at least three goal contributions in a single match and the 6th youngest player to ever win the Player of the Matchday award. Wiley is also the youngest player in Atlanta United history to score at least two goals in a game.
While with the Atlanta United U19’s in the UPSL Premier Division, Wiley spent time with the Atlanta reserve side in the USL Championship, featuring for both teams frequently at left back throughout the year at just 17 years old. This flexibility to move players between the U19s and the reserve side is something that Head Coach Ricky Davie says is integral to his club’s development strategy.
“The UPSL offers us several different things; the UPSL Georgia Premier Division is super competitive with diverse talent. There are very experienced players in this division. These top young players and former pros in the UPSL help give our players the preparation they need for the next level. No one is surprised to see Caleb excelling at this level. It’s important for us to celebrate these moments for Caleb, the academy and all the young players putting in the hard work.”
Atlanta returns to MLS action this Saturday when it hosts Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 7:30pm EST. The Atlanta U19’s are set to return this Spring season and compete for another Georgia Premier Division title after finishing last year in first place, with 8 wins and 28 goals scored in 10 games.
About United Premier Soccer League
The UPSL was formed in 2011 and occupies the unofficial fourth tier of US Soccer. Across its Premier, Division 1 and Womens leagues there are more than 400 teams competing nationwide. The UPSL is now the largest Pro Development League in North America and is a National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated. UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league’s affiliation with USSF.
More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).
Contact UPSL: [email protected] / Media: [email protected]