UPSL Spring 2023 National Finals Preview – CD Delfines De Abasolo
With the UPSL National Finals set to kick off this weekend, the stakes could not be higher for all four teams competing for their first-ever UPSL national championship. One of the teams set to compete this weekend is top semi-pro side, CD Delfines De Abasolo from Phoenix, Arizona.
CD Delfines De Abasolo (8-1-1) finished the regular season as Arizona Premier conference champions and scored an impressive 42 goals in 10 games. En route to the National Finals, the team was able to get crucial wins over undefeated California top-teams Valley 559 and Chiriaco FC. Led by Head Coach Sadam Cruz, the team has acquired several talented Mexican-born players this past year to help compete for a National Championship. So far, the recruitment strategy has worked out well for Cruz and his group.
“To have a successful Spring season and get to this stage took overcoming a lot of obstacles and hardships. Everything so far has made us stronger and more than just a team, where we are right now is because of the trust that we have for each other and every player on the team.”
“In every playoff matchup so far this season we were considered underdogs, and now we are a top four team. This has been an incredible journey and the perfect ending to this story would be a national championship for this club.”
On Friday, CD Delfines will take on Sporting Wichita SC from Kansas in what will be a tough matchup against another top, undefeated opponent. The team will also be missing out on forward Bryan Medina, who, after a 16-goal season, misses this match through a one-game suspension.
The team’s sturdy backline, having played almost every game this season together, remains unchanged and will look to get their third clean sheet in six playoff games.
The CD Delfines de Abasolo vs Sporting Wichita SC can be viewed live this Friday on the official UPSL YouTube channel. Match coverage begins at 8:10pm EST / 5:10pm PST. The National Championship match is set for this Sunday, August 6th with coverage beginning at 3:10pm EST / 12:10pm PST.
For more information regarding the National Playoffs please visit www.premier.upsl.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]