Mid-Season Report: United Sports FC’s First Steps in the UPSL

Amelie Claydon | The MatchDay Post 

For a team that debuted in the UPSL in March, United Sports FC’s first season has already offered both signs of promise and important growth. With two wins and four defeats from their opening six matches in the Washington Premier Division, the club currently sits sixth in the table, close enough for possible playoff contention. 

A Strong Start, Then the Slide 

The campaign began brightly with two consecutive victories that set a confident tone. United Sports FC showed attacking intent and discipline, but football is rarely predictable. A three-game losing streak quickly followed, including a 4–2 home defeat to Seattle Eagles that exposed structural gaps in the team’s defensive organisation and consistency under pressure. 

Marc Itond (No. 11) offered a glimmer of resistance during that tough stretch. In the defeat to Seattle on 4 May, he scored both goals, including a converted penalty, to lift a home side under pressure and salvage pride on the scoreboard. His contribution helped ease the sting of a difficult run and highlighted the squad’s depth in key moments. 

Defensively, United Sports have been punished too often for small but costly mistakes, particularly in midfield turnovers and miscommunications across the back line.The issues stem less from tactical confusion and more from a lack of high-level match experience across a young squad. But with each match, that experience grows and so does the team's cohesion. 

Marc Itond (No. 11), scored a brace against Seattle Eagles - 4 May 2025.

The most recent loss came in the first-ever UPSL Eastside Derby against local rivals Bellevue Athletic. Despite a lively opening 15 minutes, which saw strong chances for Ignacio Brandan and Cristian Chel Lara, United Sports conceded twice before halftime. Bellevue struck on a clinical counterattack and a scrappy set-piece rebound to take a 2-0 lead into the break. Inaki Santamarina Padrino pulled one back in the second half after reacting quickest to a spilled shot, but the equaliser never came, despite William Winklercook rattling the crossbar late on. 

Importantly, the Derby showcased United Sports' competitive edge and resilience against one of the league's top sides. The narrow margin and quality of chances created are evidence that this young squad is not far off from turning performances into points. 

United Sports FC line up ahead of their first-ever UPSL Eastside Derby against Bellevue Athletic.

The Standouts 

Andrew (Hongfan) Wei (No. 7), 20, has emerged as a composed attacking presence, netting four goals in his first three matches. A former CSL U21 trialist, Wei’s game is built on a combination of sharp movement and clinical finishing. His nickname Hongfan, meaning Red Sail, feels apt for a player built for momentum. 

Ignacio (Nacho) Brandan (No. 10/38), 19, has been a revelation in his adaptability. Operating across midfield and forward roles, he’s scored five goals in three games, including a hat-trick. Brandan offers more than just goals with his pressing, hold-up play and positional intelligence have made him vital to United Sports FC’s style. 

Inaki Santamarina (No. 4/8), United Sports FC’s newest attacking option, made his debut in

the Eastside Derby against Bellevue Athletic and wasted no time introducing himself. His thunderous strike opened his account in style and added a fresh dimension to the front line. He also played a key role in clearing a shot off the line late in the first half, proving his work rate on both ends of the pitch. 

Inaki Santamarina scored on his debut for United Sports FC in the Eastside Derby against Bellevue Athletic.

Tactical Patterns 

United Sports FC have leaned into an open, attacking structure that has produced goals but left them exposed in defensive transitions. The midfield has often played high, leaving gaps between the lines that opponents have exploited on the counter. 

Defensive shape, particularly among the full-backs and centre-backs, has also shown signs of instability in recent matches. Still, the team’s build-up play remains an encouraging sign of a system with long-term potential, one that should evolve as players gain more match experience and cohesion. 

The signs of tactical identity are becoming clearer with every match. With players developing chemistry and the coaching staff continuing to refine the balance between attack and defence, United Sports is establishing a framework capable of success. 

What’s Next? 

With the second half of the Spring 2025 season ahead, United Sports FC sits just outside the playoff line. Within reach and certainly not out of the conversation. The margins in the table are fine, and with a handful of strong performances, this team could very realistically make a late surge into playoff contention. 

A renewed focus on compactness without the ball, improved decision-making in key moments, and rotation to manage fatigue will be essential. And with a new attacking weapon in Santamarina now added to the mix, the hope is that fresh legs and renewed energy can propel the club into real contention. 

In year one, there’s no expectations of silverware. This is a side with the players, the potential and the belief to turn form around before season’s end.