Arenal de Gómez FC was crowned UPSL So Cal South Champions after defeating Rebels SC 1-0 on Saturday, Dec. 10 at San Diego Mesa College. The game-winning goal came from forward Cesar Romero in the 88th minute after both teams exchanged opportunities throughout the match.

“It was a very hard-fought and even contest but we managed to get the score just before the final whistle,” said head ADG FC head coach Ray Gutiérrez. “We came in knowing our game plan and understanding that this would be a difficult opponent full of talented players. The entire season our team has been focused and followed our plan as presented to put us in the place we find ourselves now.”

The victory sends ADG FC into the round of 32 where it will face Olympians FC in Arizona on Saturday, Dec. 17. Olympians earned its spot after going undefeated during the regular season with a 9-0-1 record and defeating FC Arizona  5-2 over the weekend.

“We know this will be a very tough test going up against an opponent that hasn’t known defeat, but I know we will be ready to go and prepared,” Gutiérrez added. “It is up to us to show up and impose our style from the beginning and I’m confident we can accomplish this by trusting in one another.”

The winner of ADG FC and Olympians FC will take move on to the round of 16 to be played either Jan. 7 or Jan. 8 with the UPSL national finals set for the first week of February.

Photo by Luzrayito Reynoso @Socal.sport.photo