Renegades Rise: New York Claims First-Ever UPSL National Championship

Feb 05, 2026 39 Views UPSL

IRVINE, Calif. — New York Renegades FC are the UPSL National Champions for the Fall 2025 season after a resilient 2–0 victory over Provo Utah FC at Championship Soccer Stadium, securing the first national title in club history.

The National Championship Final was defined by intensity and discipline from the opening whistle. The match remained scoreless late into the first half before New York was reduced to ten men following a red card just before halftime, forcing the Renegades to absorb pressure and reorganize heading into the break. Early in the second half, momentum shifted again when Provo Utah FC captain and central midfielder Guilherme Leme received a second yellow card, leveling the match at ten players apiece.

With the contest locked 0–0 deep into the second half, New York broke through on a decisive counterattack down the left flank. A perfectly delivered cross found its target inside the box and was headed home to give the Renegades the lead. Moments later, New York added a second goal to put the match away and lift the UPSL National Championship trophy.

The title capped a postseason run built on grit and resilience. After a regular season marked by hard-earned points and narrow results, the Renegades peaked at the right time. Led by perennial regional goal threat Junior Rosero, New York eliminated fellow New York contender NY Braveheart and former UPSL National Finalists Chicago Nation en route to the national crown.

Beyond the on-field success, the championship carried deep emotional significance for the club. The playoff run began under difficult circumstances following the passing of head coach and owner Boris Linares’s father, a loss that became a rallying point for the entire organization.

“It’s just an overwhelming feeling of joy,” Linares said. “So many years, so many seasons, finally accomplishing this after so much has happened. I lost my dad right before the playoffs, and the team got together and we did it. My dad always said, ‘you can accomplish anything.’ He came to all the practices and taught us how to work hard. We pushed hard, and this is big.”

While Rosero did not score in the National Championship match, his influence was felt throughout the weekend. Constantly drawing defensive attention and leading from the front, the veteran forward helped create space and belief for those around him.

“I knew even if I didn’t get a goal, the team would pull through,” Rosero said. “This means a lot. I told the boys to trust ourselves and trust our talent. This feels great.”

For New York Renegades FC, the Fall 2025 UPSL National Championship stands as a milestone moment — a title earned through perseverance, unity, and belief on soccer’s biggest stage.