Chicago Nation FC Makes Third Appearance in UPSL Spring 2025 National Finals

Chicago Nation FC is heading to the UPSL Spring 2025 National Finals, marking the club's third appearance in the national competition. The Chicago-based team, known for its strong defense and consistent play, has earned its spot in the finals and is poised to contend for the national championship.

As the Midwest Central-North runners-up, Chicago Nation allowed just six goals during the regular season, showcasing one of the league's top defenses. In the playoffs, the club secured key victories over Detroit City FC, NY Shocker, and most recently, New York Braveheart, with a 2-1 win in a tense semifinal match.

“It’s business as usual for us,” said Head Coach Garrett Hayward. “Our goal is to take it one game at a time and stick to our game plan. If we do that, I’m confident we can get the job done. This season, the focus has been on working hard and getting everyone on the same page. We know we have the talent, but we need to play as a team to win.”

Hayward credits the team’s resilience as a defining trait. “Last game was tough—honestly, it wasn’t our best performance. But we were able to grind out a win with a great game-winning goal. That’s the kind of character this team has. We’ve got experienced players and hardworking individuals, and keeping the same core group through the season and playoffs has been key in these tough matchups.”

Chicago Nation FC remains undefeated on the road this season, a stat that could prove crucial in the neutral-site final in Irvine, California. “We’re not going to get too excited, but we know these opportunities are rare. We’ve been through growing pains, and now, we’re focused on securing this championship.”

The UPSL National Finals weekend begins on Friday, August 8, with the National Semifinals, followed by the National Championship Final on Sunday, August 10, at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine, California. Fans can watch all matches live, for free, on the official UPSL YouTube channel. For full coverage, schedules, and more details, visit upsl.com.