Inter Miami CF Play UPSL Select Team in Preseason Scrimmage
This Summer, select UPSL players were given the special opportunity to play in an offseason scrimmage match at the Inter Miami CF Training Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL in front of the club’s coaches.
The preseason scrimmage, held last year as well, serves as an opportunity for select Inter Miami prospects and potential college draft picks to test themselves against some of the UPSL’s best. The event is also an opportunity for UPSL players to been seen by Inter Miami coaches and staff.
The home side took the lead in the opening minutes, before Donja Smith (PSL United) scored for the UPSL Select team to make it 1-1 at half. At the start of the second half, Smith then provided the cross to his club teammate, Caio Bueno (PSL United), who scored from close range to put the UPSL team up 2-1.
Bueno spoke about the experience. “It was a good game, fast-paced game. The pace of the game was a just little faster than what we were used to, but not that much. Given the circumstances, we played a great game.
Fresh off his UPSL National Top-Scorer title with 22 goals in the spring regular season, Donja Smith continued his fine form with a goal and an assist in the game.
“It was a pretty good opportunity for us, we enjoyed it a lot. It was tough because they played well together and defended well together. The game was pretty even, I think. I’m grateful for this opportunity to showcase our talent. It helps us show to the coaches that are at a similar level.”
The team of college players and prospects assembled by Inter Miami was able to close out the game with two close-range finishes to get the win in the closing minutes. With the UPSL Select team leading at one point in the game, Inter Miami Academy Coach Pedro Cavalcanti spoke about the level of the UPSL players. “The level was very high in both phases, they attacked the goal with intent, they defended compactly and took their chances—that’s why they were able to score two goals which I thought was extremely positive. The players were very impressive.”
UPSL Vice-President, Christian Vallejos also spoke about the importance of the event.
“This is a great experience for our players, a great opportunity to get seen by local professional scouting. This is the second time we are hosting and it’s a very important for us to expose our top talent to the pro soccer level. We want to do more combines as our relationships with MLS clubs strengthen, we plan on hosting more opportunities for our players to showcase themselves at this level.”
As the UPSL continues working with MLS sides around the country, more showcase events like the Inter Miami CF select team friendly will be hosted. Currently 9 MLS clubs have academy teams a part of the UPSL.
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.staging.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).
Contact UPSL: [email protected] / Media: [email protected]