UPSL All Star Game Recap and Player Interview

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - June 14, 2016 - PRLog -- 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.

Storm: What was it like being selected to the inaugural All Star team?
Philip: It was a good feeling, knowing your hard work and effort is getting noticed.
Daylon: 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.
Storm: How did you feel you played?
Philip: 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.
Storm: How was the level of the UPSL All Stars?
Philip: 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: We had some good individual talent no doubt, but not everyone was the same level unfortunately.
Storm: How were the facilities/environment for the games?
Daylon: The field was great! Short, green grass. Couldn't ask for anything better as a player.
Storm: Why do you believe the collection of the UPSL all-stars lost to two other UPSL teams?
Philip: 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: 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.
Storm: Any specific moments you enjoyed from the experience?
Philip: 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: Specific moments.. I would say meeting other players from around the league and getting to know them, where they're from, their backgrounds, and their playing style was a good experience.

Santa Clarita Storm is proud of their two representatives at the UPSL All Star game. We look forward to getting back into UPSL league games come July. Keep your eyes peeled for any Facebook updates regarding new players and the coming season schedule. Follow us on Instagram @ santa_clarita_storm. We look forward to your support this July!! GO STORM!