UPSL Announces Spring 2024 Premier Division Coach of the Season

August 27th, 2024

The United Premier Soccer League is thrilled to announce the recipient of the Spring Premier Division Coach of the Season award. In a Spring season full of top performances from some of the nation’s best semi-pro teams, the Coach of the Season award came down to five exceptional head coaches.  

The UPSL Coach of the Season award is selected based on total points, wins, clean sheets and goals scored—as well as disciplinary history and adherence to league minimum standards—in the regular season, up until the National Round of 16.  

The Spring Premier Division Coach of the Season is New York Renegades (New York City, NY) Head Coach Christian Turizo.   

 
View the Top 5 UPSL Spring Premier Division Coach of the Season Finalists  

  1. NY Renegades – Christian Turizo (Northeast American): 14 Games – 14 Wins, 0 Draw, 0 Losses – 59 Goals, 12 GA, 47 GD – 6 Clean Sheets  
  1. Detroit United – Beni Tetaj (Midwest East): 14 Games- 12 wins, 2 Draws, 0 Loss- 49 Goals, 20 GA, 29 GD – 5 Clean Sheets 
  1. Soda City FC – George Trifos (Mid-Atlantic): 16 Games – 13 wins, 2 Draws, 1 Loss – 55 Goals, 19 GA, 36 GD – 6 Clean Sheets  
  1. Valley 559 FC – Milton Blanco (NorCal South): 14 Games – 13 wins, 0 Draws, 1 Losses – 53 Goals, 13 GA, 40 GD – 6 Clean Sheets  
  1. Dodge City Toros – Raul De La Torre (Midwest South): 13 Games – 9 wins, 2 draws, 2 Losses – 56 Goals, 23 GA, 33 GD – 3 Clean Sheets 

Head Coach Christian Turizo shared his thoughts on winning Coach of the Season and insight into his team’s Spring season.   

“The spring season had a lot of ups and downs, because of the obstacles that we were able to overcome every day. Starting preseason early helped the players understand the system and style of play we wanted to implement. Even though we came up just short from winning the national title, I’d like to say the commitment from everyone, owner, coaching staff and players was incredible. We all made each other better every day. 

“For me this is recognition for all the hard work we have done these past few months. This means we’re on the right track to becoming the best semi-pro in the area and one day, why not one of the best professional teams in the New York-area.” 

“I believe that for all coaches at this level you must study the game as it’s evolving all the time. Set high standards for yourself and be open to new ideas. Most importantly, listen and learn what the game tells you while you’re out there on the field with your team every day. 

The winner of the Coach of the Season award is chosen based on a ranking system that ranks all Premier Division teams by total points per game, win/loss record, total clean sheets and goal differential from start of regular season up until National Round of 8, with slight adjustment for strength of conference.    

The New York Renegades and Head Coach Turizo were one of the only undefeated teams in the regular season and finished the Spring as one of the highest-scoring teams in the UPSL Premier Division with 59 goals in 14 games. The team then continued their scoring streak in the post-season and were able to defeat Northeast powerhouses New England’s Ole FC and the DMV South’s Virginia Dream FC. The team then only fell to a 2-1 defeat after a late goal from Rochester NY FC in the UPSL National Quarter Finals. Still seeking their first UPSL National title the team continues to make huge strides every year. 

The UPSL Premier Division kicks off this month as top semi-pro teams around nation begin their Fall season. To stay up to date with the action of the upcoming Fall season, follow along on social @upslsoccer or upsl.com. To view upcoming Spring schedules and fixtures, please visit premier.upsl.com/schedule.