Preview: UPSL Spring 2022 in Southern California
04.03.2022
As the UPSL fall 2021 season concluded earlier this month, the spring season is ready to kick off, and in sunny southern California, teams from the UPSL premier and Division 1 are prepared for what is next. We sent out a survey to clubs from San Bernardino County to San Diego County to see what they expect in March and how last season shaped their outlook for this season.
Lobos II (D1 SoCal East)
As part of the larger FC Lobos organization that fields teams in multiple UPSL divisions in southern California and South Carolina, this Lobos team competed in the SoCal east last season for the first time. Based in San Bernardino, the boys in white and blue ended in fifth place and missed out on the promotional playoffs. What was notable about their first season was that they looked to be the favorites to win the automatic spot in the first place as they were at the top of the table for the first half of the 12 week season. Their first three games were all wins and tallied 11 goals. However, the turning point was an uneventful tie against 2nd placed storm United in a 0-0 draw on match week 4. Following that, they got their first loss against MAFO II in their fifth game, 3-0, and the match week after, a 4-1 loss to FADP. They then couldn't reach the top after that. Below is how their head coach Edgar Coronado visions this upcoming season.
What are your goals for the season?
Make it to the playoffs.
What are some positives from last season that you want to continue?
It was our first season.
Newport FC (D1 SoCal South)
The beach city team from orange county ended their fall season in third place of the SoCal south division, clinching promotional playoffs where they were paired up with SoCal north side Culver City in the quarterfinals. They sadly fell 1-0 to the team from LA. Below is how center-back Angel Valentin (who runs the team's social media) visions this upcoming season.
What are your goals for the season?
Of course our goal for this season is to win the league and get promoted to the UPSL Premier division.
What are some improvements that you want to implement from last season?
I think one thing we've been working on and improving from last season is playing out the back. We don't want to be a team that just kicks it out. We want to play on the ground with good transitioning and also being more clinical in front of the goal.
What are some positives from last season that you want to continue?
Our biggest achievement from last season was finishing 3rd place for the first time in the club's history and qualifying for the playoffs.
Who is one team that you'll pay extra attention to?
We don't have a team, in particular. We know every team in this division is very strong and competitive. They want to win always, so do we, so it's going to be a very competitive season, but our boys are ready for it. We've been working very hard in preseason, so we're confident we will do good.
Anaheim Legacy FC (D1 SoCal South)
Another Orange County team in fall 2021, Anaheim Legacy, finished 2nd place in their division. They rank 2nd in goals scored and in the south with 37 goals scored and 12 allowed and advanced to the promotional playoffs. They went past Disciples 1-0 in the quarterfinals, blanked Toros Neza USA 2-0 in the semifinals but lost to Culver City FC 2-1. Below is how Head Coach Ivan Bastida visions this upcoming season.
What are your goals for the season?
To compete for promotion.
What are some improvements that you want to implement from last season?
Field trainings and squad depth
What are some positives from last season that you want to continue?
Attitude, hard work, commitment to the team's goals
Who is one team that you'll pay extra attention to?
Newport FC
Escondido Mayas (Premier SoCal South)
In a very competitive region of the San Diego metro area is the Mayas, who last season finished top of the table. They recorded only one loss, allowed nine goals in the ten-game season, and outscored their competitors with 37 goals. Unfortunately, they fell to Rebels SC in the SoCal south championship, ending their hot streak. Outside of the UPSL, they punched their ticket to the US Open Cup first round, the club's first-ever appearance at that tournament stage. They face San Fernando Valley FC on March 23rd. Below is how Mayas' owner's thoughts on next season.
What are your goals for the season?
Make nationals
What are some improvements that you want to implement from last season?
A better system of play
What are some positives from last season that you want to continue?
Team chemistry
Who is one team that you'll pay extra attention to?
All rivals are not to be underestimated
Rebels SC (Premier SoCal South)
A notable youth club organization that fields their adult side in the UPSL, Rebels SC is another team that makes the San Diego metro area so competitive. Finishing 2nd place in the fall behind Escondidos, they finished with only one loss in the regular season and went through the SoCal playoffs with that win over Mayas to go to the UPSL national playoffs. Sadly, they played a tough FC Arizona team who dominated the scoreline with a 4-0 win, ending the Rebel's playoff run. Here is how their general manager responded to the survey.
What are your goals for the season?
Repeat as Divison champions and advance past the round of 32.
What are some improvements that you want to implement from last season?
Better fan experience at home games.
What are some positives from last season that you want to continue?
Advance past the round of 32.
Who is one team that you'll pay extra attention to?
Any team in our division and successful teams in the league.
This Saturday, Anaheim Legacy starts their season vs. MAFO Los Angeles while Newport FC faces AMSG Elite Sunday.
Lobos start their season this Sunday vs. La Maquina, and both Escondido Mayas and Rebels SC begin their spring season on March 26th.
