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The Galacticos - The Leading Goal Scorers At The UPSL Finals

Published Mar 2, 2021
  • Four Goal-Scoring 'Galacticos' Take Center Stage in Atlanta This Weekend
  • Four Different Paths to Prominent Roles for UPSL Region Champions
  • UPSL National Semifinals begin at 5:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 5
  • UPSL National Championship Game is at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 7

LOS ANGELES, CA – March 2, 2021 – The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is known for showcasing goals, and this weekend's UPSL National Finals tournament is sure to have its share.

Four players - Juan Hernandez, Jacob Powell, Deon McCaulay and Ronaldihno Diniz - lead their respective clubs in goals and will take to the field at Silverbacks Stadium in the UPSL National Finals in Atlanta, GA, on Friday, March 5, expected to put the ball in the back of the net.

JUAN HERNANDEZ, OLYMPIANS FC
Hometown:
 Phoenix, AZ, USA
Goals: 11
Biography: Hernandez, 24, knows it's his responsibility to lead the offense for the West Region champions. A prolific scorer at Phoenix College (ACCAC) before transferring to CSU-Dominguez Hills (NCAA), Hernandez has returned home and poured in goals over the last two seasons for the two-time Arizona Division champions.
Verbatim: "It's an amazing opportunity and we're all glad to be here. We're very excited for this moment and continuing to work hard every day. The most important thing about this opportunity is it's building the culture for us. We just have to enjoy the moment, play our game and bring back the result. This is one of the biggest things I've done as a player. As a forward you always want to score goals and that's the most important thing about a forward. I feel like if I don't score then I don't play well. In every game I play in I feel like I have to score, so it is important for me."

JACOB POWELL, CAPITAL CITY SC
Hometown:
 Austin, TX, USA
Goals: 8
Biography: Powell's career has had its twists and turns. The former Nike 'The Chance' finalist (2012) missed an opportunity to play in Spain because of injury so he instead stayed at home and played for Austin Aztex (USL L2) and the Austin Power (MASL2). Now 28, Powell is glad to be continuing his career in his hometown and alongside his brother, Jonathan.
Verbatim: "This is great. Obviously, any chance to play in a National Finals is fantastic but it's special to do it with a club from my home town. It's awesome. It's funny but I'm the older guy on the team and I actually was an assistant coach for three of the players on this team when they were younger, so now they're playing on this team with me and that's pretty cool. Being from Austin and the club being from Austin means I get to play with my brother for the first time, and my friends and family get the fun of watching the matches."

DEON McCAULAY, GINGA ATLANTA
Hometown:
 Belize City, Belize
Goals: 23
Biography: McCaulay, 33, is the most prolific goal scorer of the group and sits just one behind Akinni James (24) for the league lead. A good performance at the UPSL National Finals could propel him into the spotlight once again as the Belize Men's National Team's all-time top scorer is looking to impress his most important fan - his 4-month-old baby.
Verbatim: "At this point in my career this means a lot. I'm very excited to be with this team and to be able to showcase my talent at this level. I didn't get that much of a high-level opportunity in the United States, so to be here in the Top 4 in the UPSL for me right now is everything. My career is still going. I still want to make an impact and I know the team wants me to make an impact. We want to win this national tournament. It's the first national tournament I've played in America so it means the world."

RONALDINHO DINIZ, BROCKTON FC UNITED
Hometown:
 Praia, Cape Verde
Goals: 9
Biography: Diniz, 24, played a year at Wheaton College (NCAA) and scored 15 goals with five assists en route to earning conference Rookie of the Year honors before transferring to Boston College. He previously played for Rhode Island Reds (NPSL) and New England Revolutions (MLS) Under-23 team. .
Verbatim: "I'm grateful to be part of such an amazing league, and a team that has the mission to not only win but to serve as roles models to younger generations, especially from Cape Verde. Going to the UPSL National Finals in Atlanta, to me, means we can achieve anything in life if we stay focused and work hard."

TICKETS: Friday, March 5 (Semifinals) / Sunday, March 7 (Championship)

All games will be streamed on MyCujoo.