May 20, 2020 – LOS ANGELES – The United Premier Soccer League announced Friday it will start its Spring 2020 season next month.
The matches will begin Saturday, June 20, and will be played in a condensed format, according to UPSL. The locations of play are still to be determined, but the league is hopeful that states who are reopening will make sporting events permissible to take place.
“We are optimistic that play will be permitted in Florida, Texas, Georgia, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, and South Carolina,” the league said in a statement, “Other states will be subject to ongoing developments and all locations are subject to change at very short notice.”
Temporary plans consist of the following:
- A 10-game regular season beginning the week of June 20 and finishing August 23
- All matches that have already been played will stand, provided both teams agree to participate in the remainder of the season.
- Two weekends of playoff competition and regional finals, which will conclude September 7
- No national finals due to air travel restrictions
- $10,000 prize money to be shared among all regional champions
*All dates and times are still subject to change*
Every team will have the opportunity to play in the league, but will also have the option to forgo the season, in its entirety, with no consequences. All teams will need to declare intention to play by the Wednesday, June 10. There will also be opportunities for new applicants, should there be some teams that choose not to compete, this season.
For the safety of all involved in this year’s season, the league states there will be a “comprehensive list of guidelines” to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Details on safety guidelines were not available in the most recent release from UPSL.
“This forthcoming season will require the participating teams to embrace flexibility and a spirit of cooperation,” the league said, “We do not know what new challenges will be presented that can force game postponements or cancellations.”
