UPSL National Quarterfinal (East Region) Preview – Detroit United (Detroit, MI) vs. Santa Cruz FC (Boston, MA)
This weekend, two of the best teams in the country face off in what is expected to be a tightly contested match between one the Midwest’s top teams Detroit United and New England’s best, Santa Cruz FC.
Detroit United (6-0-2) are the current Midwest East Conference Champions and finished the Fall regular season undefeated at home. With 11 goals scored in their past three matches alone, Detroit United will look to continue their recent impressive form after taking down Fall 2021 National Runner-up, Chicago Nation in the Round of 16.
Detroit United head coach Marsel Cilla explains his team’s mindset ahead of their first National Quarterfinals appearance. “We believe we can beat anyone. We study our opponents and rely on our game plan. We studied Chicago Nation, one of the best teams in the country and were able to advance. We intend to fight for the result and take risks to create chances to score. Our midfield will be the key to winning this game.”
Santa Cruz FC (8-0-2) will provide a tough test for Detroit, and may even consider themselves favorites after taking down New England conference regular season champions Ole FC and several other top teams this post-season. Santa Cruz FC are currently undefeated away from home, and will look to attack early and often—having scored a stunning 15 goals in their previous five matches.
Santa Cruz coach Tyler Silva explains “We intend on playing the same way we have played all season, the same system that has brought us success so far. Detroit are a strong side with plenty of experience, and we will look to press and stay organized. The key to winning here will be our organization. The mentality from the boys all season has been impressive, this group always wants to keep pushing. Our goal at the beginning of the season was championship or bust, we’re not happy with just the league title or winning regional. We want to go all the way.
The UPSL National Quarterfinal (East Region) match will be broadcast live this Sunday at 3:30pm (EST) / 12:30pm (PST) on VYRE Network. You can find VYRE on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Android, iPhone, or your Smart TV by downloading the VYRE Network app for free or on their website at www.vyre.tv.
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]