UPSL Premier Division Spring 2023 Regular Season Top Goal Scorers
With the UPSL Premier Division playoffs well underway, plenty of attacking talent across the country will be on display in the coming weeks. As we build towards the UPSL National Finals, we congratulate all of our regular season top goal scorers from all four regions of the Premier Division.
We sat down with our Premier Division regional top goal scorers to hear about their Spring season.
Bruno Vargas (FUT Ohio) – Top Goal Scorer East Region – TIED with 15 goals
After nearly claiming the Ohio regular season title last season, UPSL veteran Bruno Vargas and his FUT Ohio team surged to the top of the table this Spring with only one loss and an undefeated home record. With 15 goals in just ten matches, more than twice the team’s next highest goal scorer, the Brazilian striker was his team’s main attacking threat all season long. The forward only failed to find the net in three games this Spring.
“This season I had so much more confidence and a much more positive mindset than last season. After winning a UPSL National Championship in 2020 with Atletico Atlanta, my goal this season was always to come back and try to win another title.”
“Coming from Brazil, to play soccer in this country is one of the greatest experiences of my life. Here in America, I have had the joy of playing in the UPSL Premier Division and fighting for a national championship. The atmosphere of playing in a national tournament is indescribable. “
Nathan Brown (Indy Gladiators) – Top Goal Scorer East Region – TIED with 15 goals
After a red-hot start to the Spring, in which he scored a brace in his first game, followed by a hat trick in the next, Brown was very active all season long. The Indiana-native failed to score in only a single game during the regular season, and spear-headed an attacking side that produced almost 40 goals.
“Being in a team that wants to see you succeed is a big part of it. I was frustrated at the end of the fall season and put in a lot of work this winter. My dream is to play professionally, and the UPSL is a great step for that.”
“My teammates make me better. And the fact that I have teammates and opponents in this league that have played professionally before gives me a great idea of where I am and where I need to be.”
Brandon Adderley (Total 90 Futbol Academy) – Top Goal Scorer Central Region – 20 goals
While in the midst of scheduling pro tryouts and competing with the Bahamas National team, Brandon Adderley spent most of the UPSL Spring season showcasing what he does best—scoring goals. After failing to find the net in his opening game, Adderley would score two braces in his next two games of the season. He then spent the Spring going on a scoring streak in which he would get goals in 7 straight matches as his team finished top of the OK/AR conference.
“The tactics of this team and the way the coach leads us—our gameplay is made for the attackers. I love the UPSL’s competition and that you can compete against teams all over the country. It’s a league that helps players to transition to a higher level.”
“I started playing beach soccer when I was 7 years old in the Bahamas, then I started playing soccer on grass at 10 years old. My background and playing experience growing up has helped make me the well-rounded player I am today.”
Juan Arpino (Homestead FC) – Top Goal Scorer Southeast Region – 21 goals
Boasting one of the best goal differentials in the Premier Division, Juan Arpino and Homestead FC finished the regular season as Florida South Regular season champions. With 21 goals in just ten games, the Argentine striker was able to find his scoring boots in his third match of the season and remained in red hot form throughout the rest of the season. He also put up big performances in crucial wins over top teams Florida Soccer Soldiers and City Soccer this Spring. Arpino finished the Premier Division regular season with three hat tricks.
“Without my teammates, coaches and the staff at the club none of this could have been possible. I don’t like to speak about myself as a player because this is a team sport— without them I wouldn’t have been top scorer.
We all play for the same reason; we play for each other. This is why we won games last season and were able to go to the semifinals of our conference. To be a successful attacker in this league you must also learn how to be dynamic, always looking for your teammates and for the goal.”
Marck Cruz Benito (San Diego International) – Top Goal Scorer USPL West Region – 24 goals
With an undefeated home record and one of the highest goals differentials in the Premier Division, Marck Benito leads the attacking line for one of the best offenses in the UPSL. After narrowly winning their opening match, Benito would go on to score two hat tricks in his first four games.
“The reason I was able to score so many goals due to the freedom that my team’s tactics has allowed me. Our goal was to isolate players in positions to create gaps in defenses.
What I love about the UPSL is the consistent, high-level local competition. The league gives me the opportunity to showcase what I can do and I plan on keeping up the performances in the playoffs.”
As the Spring season comes to an end, we build towards the UPSL National Finals, set to kick off August 4-6. To follow along with the action from the UPSL National Bracket, follow along on social @upslsoccer or visit upsl.com. To view the current UPSL National Bracket and standings, please visit premierupsl.com/playoffs.
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 Women’s leagues, more than 400 teams are 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 can 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.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook. Contact: [email protected] / Media: [email protected]