UPSL: Women’s Soccer
The Eclipse Soccer Academy has joined the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) to offer Santa Cruz its very first semi-pro women’s soccer team. We are looking for players that represent the best of Santa Cruz County with a passion for the game and a desire to compete, from exceptional high school players to ambitious college-aged players to seasoned veterans. Tryouts will take place April 27 and May 19 - you must register below to participate.
If you have questions: (1) read our FAQs below or (2) email us at Team@EclipseSoccerAcademy.com.
For the latest updates on UPSL Tryouts, follow us on Instagram @ecl.soccer
Tryout Dates
#1: Saturday, April 27th, 6-8pm @ Soquel High School
#2: Sunday, May 19th, 4-6pm @ Soquel High School
You must register to tryout - you can register (free) at the link below.
FAQs
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, in that order). The UPSL is a “pro-development” league, offering 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: https://premier.upsl.com/about
How old do I need to be to tryout?
Tryouts are open to players of any age: there is no age limit and selection will depend on the unique ability, maturity, and personality of each player. In general, we expect most players to be between 15 and 40 years old, although there may be exceptions.
How much does it cost to play? Do we get paid?
Playing for this adult team is free - players will not be required to pay to play for this team outside of their own personal costs, like traveling for away games, for example. Players will not be paid to play - this is an amateur soccer team in the 4th Tier of US Soccer (see UPSL info above).
Where will we practice? Where will we play home and away games?
Practices and home games will take place at high schools and city/county fields here in Santa Cruz County. Away games will require travel to other teams in our division in Northern California - more details will be available when the NorCal Conference and Schedule are released for the fall season. We will practice 2-3x per week with roughly 8-10 games in the season, half home and half away.
How long is the Fall and Spring Season?
Generally, the Fall Season lasts from August through mid-November, with games starting in September. Conference Playoffs, if selected, take place in mid-November. The Spring Season lasts from March to mid-June, with games starting in April. Conference Playoffs, if selected, take place in June.
Who will be the head coach?
Germán Plaza will be the head coach for the UPSL Women’s Team. Germán has previously coached professional soccer: he was coach of Club Centro Deportivo Municipal (1st Division, Perú) where he previously played. In the US, Germán 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.
I have more questions - who should I contact?
You can contact us with additional question at Team@EclipseSoccerAcademy.com.