UPSL Spring Season GAME 1 Preview

By: Salvatore Sesti

April 20, 2021

Game 1 Preview

April has arrived!

We here at Sunflower State FC begin our countdown to the Spring UPSL Home Opener at Mill Valley High School, at 5900 Monticello Rd Shawnee, KS 66226, where Sunflower State FC will take on Inter Wichita on May 2nd at 5:00 PM CST.

SUNFLOWER STATE FOOTBALL CLUB

Owners: Joseph Lipoff & Andrew Lentell

Head Coach: Nick McDonald

Assistant Coach: Kenny Mayer

Home Field: Mill Valley High School Stadium, 5900 Monticello Rd. Shawnee, KS 66226

About: SSFC’s founding members began playing in Kansas City adult leagues under the name “Queso Blanco.” Over our first two years competing in the most competitive amateur adult leagues and tournaments in the Kansas City area, we found substantial success. Through recent years, interest in our team began to grow and our passion for the game fueled the desire to continue to play at a high level and provide additional playing opportunities for players that may not have them otherwise. This led to the formation of Sunflower State FC and to a transition into semi-pro competition in the MASL 3 and UPSL. Sunflower State Football Club is excited to bring opportunities to local players and make an impact through soccer in our Kansas City community.

Players to Watch: Isaias De la Torre, Girma Kassa, Mike Keon, Ivan Aguero

Website: https://www.sunflowerstatefc.com/

INTERNATIONAL WICHITA

Executive Director: Yves-Alain Kouame Aka

Head Coach: Martin Penafiel

Home Field: Stryker Soccer Stadium, 2999 N. Greenwich Rd, Wichita, KS 67226

About: “Formerly known as Shocks Athletic Club, the team was renamed to International Wichita in order to join the UPSL. The team’s mission is to provide additional exposure and playing opportunities to adults and youth living in Wichita. Considering how fast soccer is growing in the USA, the team made it a priority to make the city of Wichita a part of the growth and hopefully develop players who will eventually be part of a World Cup winning squad.”

Players to Watch:

Website: https://www.interwichita.com/