The UPSL is wrapping up its extended national playoffs, preparing for its championship weekend at the end of the month. The final match of the quarterfinals took place on Saturday, when FC Folsom took on LA10 FC. That competition went the distance and some, as 120 minutes wasn’t enough to declare a winner. Tied 2-2 at the end of extra time, the match went to PKs. FC Folsom won by the slimmest of margins, 5-4, to advance to the semifinals. FC Folsom has been led in the playoffs by hot-footed Nathaniel Carrasco, who has scored 6 goals in their playoff run.

FC Folsom joins the three teams already qualified for the semifinals. El Paso Rush also advanced to the semifinals, winning 1-0 and knocking off Arkansas Wolves in the Central Region. El Paso Head Coach Michael Griego was keeping it all in perspective headed into the match. After discussing his club’s work to get to this point in the playoffs, he summed up his thoughts into a single sentence: “At this stage, nothing is given—everything is earned.”

In the Southeast, Soda City punched its ticket to the semifinals in dominant fashion, advancing with a 4-2 win. Their opponent, Current FC, emerged from a solid Florida Central conference. But Soda City got the win, led by two goals from Hykeem Martin, who overcame the loss of a tooth to bring the title home for his side.

FUT Ohio is the final semifinalist, who also went to PKs to advance to the final weekend of play. Locked at 3-3, facing Bridge Sports Club, FUTO managed to advance on penalties, winning 4-2.

The finals take place this weekend in Irvine, CA at Championship Soccer Stadium. The two semi-final matches will kick off on January 31, with the National Championship match on Sunday, February 2nd. Soda City will face F.U.T. Ohio at 5p PT, while FC Folsom takes on El Paso Rush at 8p PT.

All the details of these matchups are on the UPSL website.

- Dan Vaughn