UPSL Spring 2023 National Finals Preview – Sporting Wichita SC
This weekend, the top four semi-pro teams in the country travel to Virginia to compete for a UPSL National Championship. One of the four teams set to travel is a top semi-pro program representing the Midwest South Conference and the state of Kansas.
Sporting Wichita SC (8-2-0) finished the regular season undefeated with a perfect record at home. The team had one of the best defenses in the league, conceding only four goals all regular season long. They then went on to concede only three goals in just five playoff games. Led by Brazilian Head Coach Ruy Vaz and several top Brazilian-born players, this organized, and technically strong side hopes to continue its fine form into this weekend.
“Every single one of us has sacrificed a lot to be here and put in so much work. We all know what it has taken to get here, and we have the potential to go all the way if we stay focused. What is so special about this group is the identity we have created on the field.”
Coach Vaz explains “The way we play is clear to everyone on the team and we will continue playing to our strengths. Our togetherness is what brought us this far.”
Ahead of this Friday’s National Semifinal match against CD Delfines de Abasolo from Arizona, Sporting Wichita expects to face a side just as well-organized and technically sound as they are. The togetherness and team chemistry that Coach Ruy Vaz highlights explains why most of the teams’ goals have been coming from positions all over the field. The team’s current top scorer is midfielder Vitor Geromel with 10 goals. Defender Gabrial Atenzia has also chipped in with three goals this season and has been leading their backline all season long.
The Sporting Wichita SC vs. CD Delfines de Abasolo match can be viewed live this Friday on the official UPSL YouTube channel. Match coverage begins at 8:10pm EST. The National Championship match is set for this Sunday, August 6th with coverage beginning at 3:10pm EST. 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]