Double Header at UPSL All-Star Weekend Concludes
Santa Clarita Storm saw two of its players travel for the inaugural UPSL All-Star weekend that included a double header in Yuma, Arizona. Both matches were played on Saturday night against Phoenix Monsoon and Frontera United as a weekend of UPSL summer action concludes.
UPSL Soccer News: The UPSL All-Stars played a double header in Yuma, AZ, over the weekend. Two games on Saturday night brought out a local crowd and a few friends and family. With only about 18 players selected, every player that showed up got a good amount of minutes in back to back games.
The first game was against Phoenix Monsoon. It was a pretty even match even with the All-Stars trying to get used to playing with brand new teammates. Teams entered halftime knotted at 0-0. Second half was much more wide open and Phoenix took advantage of that and a number of changes the All-Stars made during half time. The game ended 3-0 in favor of Phoenix Monsoon.
The second opponent for the All-Stars was Frontera United. As with the first game, this first half was a tight affair. Both teams created chances and had good possession.
The All-Stars were only losing 1-0 when the referee sent off the UPSL goalkeeper and put them down to 10 men for the last 20 minutes of the first half.
This was the killer blow as Frontera pounced on the new goalkeeper and now 10 men UPSL. The half ended 3-0. The second half was a tough one to watch as it ended 6-1 in favor of Frontera United. Santa Clarita Storm had two representatives there in Daylon Schiffel and Philip Boscacci. We caught up with them after they returned from the game.
Chris Rael: What was it like being selected to the inaugural All-Star team?
Philip Boscacci: It was a good feeling, knowing your hard work and effort is getting noticed.
Daylon Schiffel: It was cool to be recognized for the impact I made in such a short amount of time. It was good that we were able to represent Storm well.
Chris Rael: How did you feel you played?
Philip Boscacci: I feel like I did what I could with the time I was given on the field. I had some good first touches and was always available to relieve pressure.
Chris Rael: How was the level of the UPSL All-Stars?
Philip Boscacci: Not as impressive as I expected. I can say with no hesitation that the Santa Clarita Storm and LA Wolves were among the best.
Daylon Schiffel: We had some good individual talent no doubt, but not everyone was the same level unfortunately.
Chris Rael: How were the facilities for the games?
Daylon Schiffel: The field was great! Short, green grass. Couldn’t ask for anything better as a player.
Chris Rael: Why do you believe the collection of the UPSL All-Stars lost to two other UPSL teams?
Philip Boscacci: We had never played with each other or under those coaches. It was tough to play these two games against a well organized team when our team had varying talent levels and no real chemistry.
Daylon Schiffel: Honestly it’s very difficult to stick 18 players together who have never played with each other before that day and expect them to perform well against a team who plays together day in and day out. We were just not on the same page in some instances. Despite this and a few other obstacles I think there was some good play for the crowd to enjoy.
Chris Rael: What were the best moments?
Philip Boscacci: It was cool to say you were a part of this even and knowing that we got picked for playing well is always a great recognition to get.
Daylon Schiffel: I would say meeting other players from around the league and getting to know them – discovering where they’re from, what their backgrounds were, and, of course learning about their playing style — all this was a great experience.
Source/Photo Credit: Santa Clarita Storm
The 2016 UPSL All Star players converged at the first Annual USPL All-Star Double Header — the Admiral UPSL All Star Cup — at Desert Sun Stadium in Yuma, Arizona.
