Arizona Division Champions Olympians FC takes flight towards Atlanta for its next match against Capitol City SC. This 1,800-mile journey is the longest trip out of the four clubs in the UPSL National Finals, but this tenacious squad has shown not only its talent but its ability to rise to any challenge, including the recent performance by goalkeeper Jose Cortez who stopped three penalties in a shout out against San Juan FC which booked the Olympians flight to the National Finals.

“They see opportunity when faced with adversity.” - assistant coach Billy Gatti

The Gods of Olympus would be pleased with the dominance shown by this club from Glendale, Arizona. During the club’s ten-game regular season, the Olympians went undefeated scoring 46 goals and only allowing 8. A truly godly performance. Leading the charge is captain Gustavo Vargas, whose MVP caliber seasons have led the Olympians to back-to-back division titles.

The Olympians join the list of successful clubs from Arizona who have made strong playoff appearances throughout the various national leagues in the country. What’s most exciting about this club is how successful it has become in such a short amount of time. A national championship would help put the spotlight on all the talented players and individuals that make this club function at such a high level, even though the stronger restrictions that COVID brought. “It felt great to be able to be back on the field,” said coach Gatti about returning to play and adding “the most important message that we’ve learned is that we need to stay strong and close as a family when facing adversity.”

The next step for Olympians FC is the Capital City SC from Austin, TX, but the club looks to focus on its own strengths and skills that brought them to Atlanta. “We are a team that can adjust to different styles of play and we will never give up,” said coach Gatti, who also said that they “ need to focus on our strengths and prepare for different situations.” This match is sure to bring some goals with both clubs averaging over three goals a match, but Olympians and captain Vargas bring a rock-solid defense, who know what it takes to earn a clean sheet and win in a big moment.

- Steven Ramirez