UPSL Premier Division Regular Season Top Goal Scorers
The 2022 UPSL Spring season was filled with plenty of attacking football and goals scored. Several Premier Division teams were able to score over 40 goals in 13 games or less, with Davis Legacy in North California scoring an incredible 74 in 12. D’Feeters Kicks SC came close to that feat with 62 goals scored in just 10 games in the Texas North conference.
We sat down with the top goal scorers from all four regions in the UPSL Premier Division to hear more about their spring season.
Donja Smith (PSL United) – Top Goal Scorer Overall UPSL Premier Division – 22 goals
“The secret to the 23 goals in 13 games was never settling and being happy with the score line. Our goal was to push the opposition and test them until the final whistle.”
With an average of about two goals a game, Smith goes on to explain the mentality required to successfully keep scoring goals at this level.
“Most of my goals came from build-up play and combinations. I always had one or two tricks up my sleeve and was able to combine with teammates at a very high speed of play. The focus was to remain sharp mentally and quick, not just with the ball, but without it as well. Two things we always focused on—speed of play and finding space—and that worked very well for us.
After previous callups to the Jamaican U20 National Team these, Smith plans to use this season’s achievements as a springboard to a pro contract in Europe and increase his involvement with Jamaican Football Federation. He already has tryouts lined up in Germany.
“I can’t wait to show these pro clubs what I’m made of”
Junior Rosero (Oyster Bay United) – Top Goal Scorer Northeast Region – 18 goals in 10 games
“Some of the goals were individual, but most of my goals were team goals. We were a very possession-based side, so dominating the opponent by keeping the ball was a big part of the success. Our coach knew what players he had, and we all enjoyed playing together. We also all respected and trusted our coach, and that helped a lot”
After some ups and downs to start the season, Rosero describes the turning point for Oyster Bay’s season.
“After losing to Hartford United (USL Championship) in the US Open Cup, we doubted ourselves a little bit, but we double down on our teamwork and attacking play and picked ourselves up.”
Rosero tells us about the mindset required to average almost two goals a game.
“For goal scorers is all about mentality and staying persistent. You have to keep working and searching for space, and that’s why a majority of my goals were scored from close distance.”
Cesar Romero (ADG FC) Top Goal Scorer West Region 17 goals in 10 games
“I guess it does come down to being in the right place at the right time to score so many, but equally important was the team chemistry. We had an overall great group of friends and teammates; we work for each other. Good relationships throughout”
With pro experience here in the US and overseas, Romero tells us what playing for his local UPSL club means to him.
“I’ve had a good football career at a competitive level, with MLS teams, Mexican teams, some European clubs, it’s beautiful to continue playing here. I’m San Diego born and raised, and I love representing my city playing for this club.”
“There’s no secret recipe but to work hard at the movements off the ball, even though they would consider me being one of the older players in the league, I work smarter now, not harder.”
Sinue Rodriguez (River Valley SC Bully’s) Top Goal Scorer Central Region 11 goals in 10 games
“For us, we’re a family. That’s why we were able to play well and win our conference. I’m so grateful to be a part of such a great club with such great teamwork.”
“As an individual I had 12 goals for the team, but I didn’t even score until the third game, but that game I had three. The next game I also had a hat trick and that’s when I began to grow confident in my game.”
Rodriguez emphasizes that all good goal scorers need to work hard for their team.
“Just as important as the goals was our clean sheets and defensive plays. We as a forward line were the first line of defense and everyone on the team played for the man next to him.”
At the conclusion of every regular season, the UPSL awards top goal scorer plaques to every region’s top goal scorer. Congratulations to the four top goal scorers for the Spring 2022 season.
As the UPSL Spring season comes to a close, we build towards the National Finals, set to kick off in Columbus, OH on August 5th. Here the very best team in the UPSL’s top division will be determined and crowned UPSL National Champion. Watch select UPSL Playoff matches live on the official UPSL YouTube channel and Facebook Live this post-season.
About United Premier Soccer League
The UPSL was formed in 2011 and currently includes more than 325 teams nationwide. The UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America. 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 the U.S. Soccer Federation (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).
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