A full weekend of UPSL action and lots of goals. Corinthians, Runners and Samba all had matches, combining for 21 goals and we had our first inter-city derby between UPSL Central Conference Heart division rivals.
San Antonio Corinthians
The Corinthians, on Saturday, played their first match since May 4th and found a themselves in a match up at home with Athletic Katy. Corinthians on the positive note scored 3 goals but fell short against Athletic Katy 5-3 at home. Goals for Athletic were recorded by Divid Imbachi (2), Francisco Navas (1), Sergi Gutierrez (1), Walid Bnider (1). With the loss, the Corinthians are in 4th place in the Heart Division at 4-0-2 with 12 points, 4 points behind first place Houston FC.
Up Next for the Corinthians: May 25th, 7:00 PM at Home vs Texas International FC (4-0-3, 12 PTS)
https://corinthiansacademysa.com/corinthians-fc
“El Clasico” Inter-city Derby
San Antonio Runners SC and Samba FC San Antonio met for the first time in the UPSL regular season. It was also the first edition of the San Antonio Derby with the first chapter of the rivalry taking place on the campus of UTSA. It was a high scoring affair with lots of goals, both clubs combined for 14 goals in this one. The Runners came out on top of this San Antonio shoot-out 10-4.
Samba had goals from Lubomir Bogdanov, Chester Gotay, Gordinho and Eric Flores.
The Runners goals came from Reis Woolley (hat trick), Keegan Woolley (brace), Carlos Guerra (brace), Daniel Johns (brace), Frederick Kumassi (1)
Next derby will be on June 22nd at 7:00 PM. The regular season finale will take place at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex.
Samba FC San Antonio
Samba FC is now 2-0-2 with 6 points in the Heart Division with 4 matches in hand against the teams above them in the table, averaging 3.5 goals per match. Up next for Samba will be on the road versus 1st place FC Waco and the next home match will be June 1st at Wheatley Heights Sports Complex against FC Knights.
San Antonio Runners SC
The Runners had a busy schedule over the weekend with back to back matches. Along with Saturday’s derby, the Runners traveled to face Coyotes FC in Killeen for a Sunday afternoon match. The Runners came out on top 4-3 after it was 0-0 at half. Goals were scored by Ali Bohan, Luis Green (brace), Luis, Himat Kamal. The Runners were able to fend off two good clubs, on back to back days, in the summer heat to gain 6 points and score 14 goals over the weekend.
Runners are now in 2nd place in the Heart Division with a 6-1-1 record and 19 points, only 3 points behind first place FC Waco. Next match is at home vs Round Rock SC at the UTSA Campus Recreation Field – South on Saturday May 25th at 7:00 PM.
Coach Rankin’s thoughts: “It was a great weekend for growth and team development, we got great new kits that everyone was excited about so that played a factor. We overcame quite a few obstacles and we are getting better every day. If anyone is looking for excitement, come out and watch these local legends prove themselves by performing fabulous feats of fury on their path to pro! Everyone’s improvement from the beginning of the season has been amazing, and we are excited for the rest of the season to see what we can accomplish!”
Commissioner’s Corner
Thoughts on the UPSL with Matt Kalha Jr, National Director of UPSL. https://twitter.com/MattKahlaJr
1. Thoughts on Florida Soccer Soldiers run in the US Open Cup.
The league is very excited about Florida Soccer Soldiers making it into the next round of the Open Cup. We think not only does it bring great recognition to the UPSL, but also Amateur Soccer in general.
2. Thoughts on mycujoo and live streaming matches, has it opened the door to the league to get more exposure? Has there been any matches that drew a lot of viewership?
Mycujoo has been the best thing for our league and we love the partnership that we,the UPSL, have with them. The goal of the week has gotten some of the teams we have set up that have climbed through our pro rel National Recognition. Also what a great way to bring a sponsor in with the ad placements that mycujoo has integrated.
Our National Championship drew quite a few viewers, some of the established teams are bringing in great numbers as well.
3. What should we look for as the UPSL women’s schedule gears up?
I think for the Women’s Division we have set up a competitive yet regional type of division, and as we grow we can start the National Playoffs for Women as well, which we are looking forward to.
4. UPSL continues to grow with recent news of expansion teams throughout the country. Is there a cap on how many UPSL clubs will be in the league? What is the long term objectve for the UPSL?
I get asked this question a bit, and with Promotion Relegation implemented into our league, I don’t see a cap. I see a Soccer League that strives on starting teams that want a fighting chance into a 3rd or even 4th division and working their way up into the Premier Division (1st)
The long term objective is to really grow soccer starting with our youth division, and working its way up on all aspects, so that way in the end the UPSL can have a hand in getting our National Teams and our country to new heights that the American soccer landscape hasn’t seen before.
The latest standing in the UPSL:
Soy San Antonio Fútbol 