A New Pathway: UPSL to MLS
Courtesy: Chris Korte
The UPSL spring season came to a dramatic close as AS Frenzi (Lake Mary, FL) beat Sporting Wichita (Wichita, KS) in a highly-contested final where AS Frenzi came out on top 2-1 in extra time. With MLS clubs joining the UPSL leagues, the competition and opportunities for young players within the league will only be on an upwards trajectory.
Compared to Europe and South America, there are numerous ways that one can break in to the pro game in the United States. From MLS and USL academies, to college and open tryout successes, one cannot find a singular route to the pro game in America. With that being said, there are numerous talented players who fall through the cracks each year, unable to catch the attention of scouts and coaches that can take them to the next level.
Enter the UPSL
Since its inception in 2011, the league has grown to 400+ teams nationwide, providing the opportunity for both young and established players to compete at a high level. For AS Frenzi, a team comprised of high school boys from immigrant roots, the chance to compete for a national title against older competition is a critical part of the development of their players. Co-owner Wayne Dorman would elaborate on how important this match was for the club and the players.
#celebration
“This club came from a process where a lot of talented players were not getting the opportunity to showcase their true talent on a bigger stage. Once you leave club or high school, if you are not going to a D1 or going pro, seemingly there's no other place for opportunities. So, the UPSL provides a platform that can help these players get some notoriety.”
With talented young players such as 16 year old Yan Diomande, who was the Spring 2023 National Playoff Top Goal-Scorer, as well as Zion Coleman, Blair Dorman, and Charles Christian, there has been a host of MLS clubs on the trail of under these under the radar players. Several MLS clubs have also signed up their U18 squads to the UPSL in order to play against older, higher competition. DC United academy and Loudoun United scout, Mattar M’Boge, would elaborate on the benefits of UPSL.
“I am very impressed with the level, we're looking forward to the UPSL Fall season and making sure our players have a stage to develop on. The UPSL is giving our young guys more opportunities to play, more opportunities to develop. I think the transition now to a mens league (the UPSL). They're going to be pushed, they are going to be challenged and we are very much looking forward to that. For us, this league is a big opportunity for our players to grow and develop.”
#luck #pray
For the UPSL, the next step is to turn these talented young players into established pros at the highest level. Will we see UPSL players in the MLS soon?
"Yea I think so, I think you guys just keep doing the good work that you're already doing. It's not easy. The UPSL is setting a good standard here and every year, every season it's going to get better, as long as you keep doing the hard work more teams will see this league is an opportunity to grow and develop young players.”
With MLS clubs joining the league, there will be more eyes on the competition that they play against. It will not be long before we see MLS players playing against America’s best with established roots in the UPSL.
