FC Anahuac Edges Inter Arizona in UPSL Championship Final
The 2016/17 UPSL Champion was crowned on Saturday as FC Anahuac took home the trophy after edging Inter Arizona FC in penalty kicks. FC Anahuac finished its season with a 13-1-1 overall record, winning its final five consecutive games dating back to November.
UPSL Soccer News: FC Anahuac was crowned the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) 2016 Fall Season Champion on Saturday night at John D. Riggs Stadium on the campus of Mesa (Ariz.) Community College.
The UPSL Nevada Division winner defeated Inter Arizona FC, 5-4, in a shootout during the UPSL Championship Final.
“FC Anahuac is a deserving champion as they have successfully navigated the gauntlet of the UPSL Playoffs and emerged victorious,” said UPSL Commissioner Yan Skwara. “Full credit goes to Owner Manuel Perez and Head Coach Eduardo Arredondo for fielding such a strong side. FC Anahuac survived despite playing with only 10 men in the second half, and they had the nerve to win the shootout. Hats off to Inter Arizona FC for playing a tremendous game. Congratulations to both teams on their great playoff performances, and we hope for more exciting soccer with the start of the upcoming UPSL 2017 Spring Season.”
Locked in a 0-0 draw, FC Anahuac was forced to play with only 10 men after a red card in the 10th minute. Neither club could find a breakthrough goal and the match went to a penalty shootout to determine a winner.
Every FC Anahuac penalty kick shooter converted from the spot, and goalkeeper Angel Alvarez made the only save of the shootout to preserve the club’s first UPSL Championship.
“We played basically the whole match down a man, but we controlled the game. We had 70-percent possession and we had a few opportunities but we couldn’t put it in,” said FC Anahuac Owner and head coach Eduardo Arredondo. “They had a couple opportunities they couldn’t finish. It was a very high-level match and it’s extremely important that we won. For all the hard work that was put in it means a lot – emotionally and mentally – and I feel like all of my players are champions. They like to win, so they’re super happy and it means a lot because of the personality of the players we have. They like winning, and they do a lot to win and go out and play and travel. These guys do a lot to make it happen and they’re super happy right now.”
