Chicago Nation FC (Chicago, IL) vs. Queensboro FC II (New York, NY)
This weekend, two of the best teams in the country face off in what will be a tightly contested match between last season’s national runner-up Chicago Nation FC and USL Championship affiliated- side Queensboro FC II.
Queensboro FC II (8-1-1) are the Northeast American Conference Champions and finished the Spring season undefeated at home. Forward Jonathan Santillan has been averaging almost a goal a game and will look to add to his tally after scoring two goals against Rochester City Boom (NY) in the Round of 16.
Based in Queens, NY the team serves as the second team for USL Championship side Queensboro FC and are the only pro academy team left in the competition. Diego Gomez, head coach of Queensboro II explains what this UPSL season has been like for the USL club.
“We are very happy about this season, very strong opposition. The objective goal is to get to Columbus. We are a USL championship team, so these players are being prepared for the pro-level and we want them to make that jump. This competition simulates the pro game, and we’ve had very tough games against teams with pro coaches and former pro players.
Chicago Nation FC (7-1-2) consider themselves veterans in the competition after going all way to the National Finals last year. They finished the spring season as the Midwest Central South Conference Champions and have one of the best defensive records in the country, conceding only 6 goals in 10 games. Incredibly, they have yet to be scored on this post-season.
“Last year we made it all the way to the finals, so of course the motivation was to come back and win it all. We’re ready for Queensboro, we have guys that played NCAA Division 1 and have experience playing overseas, so we’re a very competitive team. We know the UPSL competition very well and were ready” Head Coach, Garrett Hayward explained.
“These final eight teams are some of the best semi-pro teams in the county, knocking out professional MLS reserve teams. I think this shows that we are at a similar level to professional teams in this country.”
Queensboro FC II and Chicago Nation kick off this Saturday at 7:00PM. Watch for free, live on the official UPSL YouTube.
Watch Live
Chicago Nation FC (Chicago, IL) vs. Queensboro FC II (New York, NY)
7:00PM EST / 4:00PM PST (7/24)