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The Captains - Four On-The-Field Leaders at the UPSL Finals

Published Mar 3, 2021
  • Four Captains From Four Different Countries Will Take the Field in Atlanta, GA
  • Four Stories of Perseverance, Persistence, Pride and Purpose
  • 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, CAMarch 3, 2021 – Team captains are well respected across globe and the same holds true for the on-the-field leaders in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), which has four special ones competing this weekend.

Four team captains - Gustavo Vargas, Ryan Hastie, Jeffrey Otoo and Rudney Delgado - are ready to take on all challenges at Silverbacks Stadium in the UPSL National Finals in Atlanta, GA, on Friday, March 5, and guide their teams into competition.

GUSTAVO VARGAS, OLYMPIANS FC
Hometown:
Bogota, Colombia
Position: CB
Biography: Vargas, 24, is the reigning UPSL Most Valuable Player and one of the league's top all-around defenders after leading his team to the Arizona Division title for a second consecutive season. A calming force in the back, Vargas is devastating in the air and has previous big-game experience at the NCAA level and for Tulsa Athletic (NPSL).
Captain's Orders: "This weekend means a lot. Since Day 1 the goal has been to play at the Finals in Atlanta and it's something we've been working toward. We have a culture in the team. We work hard everyday. There are a lot of guys on this team that have the aspiration to play professional soccer so this tournament is something very valuable for the team, for the coaches, for the staff and also for us, the players."

RYAN HASTIE, CAPITAL CITY SC
Hometown:
Nottingham, England
Position: CB
Biography: Hastie was the center back and captain at the Nottingham Emmanuel school for seven years before becoming the first international signee for the University of Houston-Victoria (NCAA) in 2010. Now 29, Hastie has been in Texas for more than a decade and as solid as a rock during the club's drive for the Central Region title and run to the UPSL National Finals.
Captain's Orders: "It's been great to see our progress throughout the season. We know it's a huge honor to have reached the UPSL National Finals and we're grateful that this competition gives players an opportunity to showcase themselves and contribute to growing the reputation of Austin soccer. We're looking forward to showing what Cap City can do on the national stage, and we're hoping to make our family and fans proud."

JEFFREY OTOO, GINGA ATLANTA
Hometown:
Accra, Ghana
Position: CM
Biography: Otoo, 23, is already a veteran of the U.S. Soccer system, having played for Atlanta United (MLS) academy. Charleston Battery (USL), Des Moines Menace (NPSL) and been on the preliminary roster for Atlanta Soccer Club (NISA) before joining his current club. A box-to-box midfielder with the ability to finish in the final third, Otoo was one of the UPSL's top overall players during the 2021 Spring Season.
Captain's Orders: "This opportunity means a lot. This is something that I've been dreaming for. Playing alongside all these big names. I want us to leave a legacy before we all move forward. It's been great playing with these big ballers. They understand the game and make the game easier. We've been working since Day 1 and we're looking good. We're excited and grateful to be the hosts of the UPSL National Finals."

RUDNEY DELGADO, BROCKTON FC UNITED
Hometown:
San Vincente, Cape Verde
Position: CM
Biography: Delgado arrived in Massachusetts as a 15-year-old and quickly made a name for himself as a member of the Brockton High School soccer team. Now 28, he's been been at the club since its start and integral to its biggest moments. He wants nothing more than to add a win over Ginga Atlanta and a UPSL Championship to the team's growing list of accomplishments.
Captain's Orders: "We've been having a lot of success the past 2-3 years because we've played together a lot. The team, we're not just a team. It feels like we've got each other's backs anytime we go to any competition. This weekend we know we're the underdogs because we've never been on a stage like this before but we're confident. This is something we're looking forward to. We look forward to big stages like this and we have a lot of respect for our opponents, but we're going to Atlanta and we're just going to do our thing."

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

All games will be streamed on MyCujoo.