What is the UPSL?
The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is the largest and most competitive pro-development league in North America, with over 400 clubs competing nationwide. The UPSL is the 4th Tier of the US Soccer Pyramid, just below the three professional tiers (MLS, USL 1, & USL2). The league offers players an opportunity to compete at a high level and gain potential exposure to higher levels of competitive soccer in both the US and internationally.
For more information, visit the UPSL website.
Coaching Staff
Germán Plaza is our Director of Coaching and the Head Coach of the Men’s UPSL Team. After finishing his career as a professional player, Germán began coaching at Club Centro Deportivo Municipal (1st Division, Perú). In the US, Germán fully embraced coaching at nearly every level of competition: recreational, competitive, academy, Olympic Development Program, college (Cornell University), semi-pro and professional. He’s worked with players of all genders and ages — boys, girls, and coed from U-6 to adult. He was founder and head coach of two semi-pro teams, the Finger Lake Desperados (Men) and Finger Lake Heartbreakers (Women) in 1998. The Heartbreakers were Northeast Regional Finalists under his direction.
Rodrigo Plaza is our President and Head Coach of the Women’s UPSL Team. He grew up playing soccer for Germán on the ‘91/’92 SCC Breakers Academy team — Champions of the Cal North Premier League 2006, Champion of the Super Y League 2005-2007, and Finalist of the National Super Y League Championship 2005. He attended Soquel High School in 2006 and played Varsity all four years, with the team becoming League Champions in 2010 for the first time in the school’s history. After graduating from Harvard University in 2014, he coached the Harvard Men’s Club Soccer Team for 5 years. Upon moving back to Santa Cruz in 2020, he co-founded the Eclipse Soccer Academy with Germán and is the coach of two 2013 boys teams.
Gabriel Luna is the Assistant Coach of the Men’s and Women’s UPSL Team.
Our Purpose
We developed our Men’s and Women’s teams to spotlight the incredible soccer talent thriving in Santa Cruz County. In our small but vibrant community, we’re unlocking big opportunities for talented athletes to excel in the game. Competing in the UPSL provides players of all ages and backgrounds with a high-level platform to hone their skills, ignite their passion, and pursue collegiate or professional dreams. As the pinnacle of our youth development program, the UPSL teams offer a pathway for standout players to compete alongside seasoned athletes, gaining invaluable experience and visibility on an elite stage. More than just teams, they are symbols of our county’s diversity, resilience, and love for the international game. Together, we’re building a legacy — one that inspires pride, celebrates homegrown talent, and proves that greatness can come from anywhere.