Jorge Ruvalcaba Shining with UNAM Pumas after UPSL Side Mafo FC (Los Angeles, CA)
Making it all the way to Liga MX is no easy feat. To do so for one of the best teams in the league having only played college soccer and in the UPSL in the years prior seems even more difficult. That’s exactly what Jorge Ruvalcaba, now on his second season with UNAM Pumas, has accomplished.
“My dream from when I first started playing was always to one day go to a professional team in one of Europe’s top five leagues. And to play in the World Cup with either the United States or Mexico.”
Born and raised in a Mexican household in a suburb of San Bernardino County, California, Ruvalcava always dreams of one day playing in front of friends and family for one of the MLS teams in Los Angeles. His love for the Los Angeles-area and the local soccer community is what drove him to play in the UPSL after his time at Cal State.
“I was introduced to the UPSL two years ago by my agent who recommended I join to help me stay sharp and in shape for professional teams looking for players. He really emphasized the importance of playing in the league and what it meant for my development.”
“The UPSL allowed me to grow, it allowed me to develop as a player, I really enjoyed my time there. We were one of the youngest teams in the league, and we had some tough games. The beginning was definitely a learning experience.”
Now at UNAM Pumas, one of Mexico’s most historic teams with 7 Liga MX titles and 3 CONCACAF Champions Cups, Ruvalcaba knows the pressure that comes with the territory. Playing in the same Pumas shirt worn by legends such as Hugo Sanchez and Jorge Campos, Ruvalcaba remains grounded and focused on his approach to the professional game.
“Everybody’s journey is different, and you shouldn’t compare yourself with anyone else. You have to be ready and prepared when your opportunity comes, because it could come at any moment. Many people think being a professional is all fun and games, but the journey has only gotten harder and harder as I move up. Learn to appreciate every second and don’t give up on your passion”
Now on his second year with UNAM Pumas, Ruvalcaba continues to feature more and more for the first team. After finishing last season on 12 appearances and 3 goals for Pumas, he currently sits at 11 appearances with 1 goal. After a bright start to preseason, a run of draws and losses has seen the team end up near the bottom of the Liga MX table. They will hope to turn things around in the coming games.
About the UPSL
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]