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UDA NMSU  NEWS

2023 MEET THE UNDERDOGS: UDA SOCCER, A RARE COLLEGE TEAM QUALIFIES FOR US OPEN CUP

3/22/2023

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From thecup.us article by ANDREW MOSIER
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​UDA Soccer celebrates after defeating Azteca FC 4-1 (after a 4-4 draw) in a PK shootout to qualify for the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Andrew MosierIt’s been three months since UDA’s epic 2023 US Open Cup qualifying win over three-time Open Cup qualifier, Azteca FC 5280. But even now, UDA technical director and coach Tahlon Drake has a hard time containing his emotions when he talks about it.

“It’s games like that that remind us why we do this in the first place. To qualify our first time out, on the road, in the cold at altitude, to come back and tie the game twice after going down a man, it was truly something special,” Drake said of the 4-4 heavyweight slugfest that was ultimately decided at the penalty spot. “And then for our ‘keeper to step up and make three saves in the shootout. The whole thing was just incredible.”
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Photo: Casey Morris | UDA Soccer
Drake leads the University Degrees Abroad men’s soccer academy program at New Mexico State University. UDA operates as New Mexico State University’s men’s soccer program, wearing both the UDA and NMSU crests when they play. But it is more than just a university club team. Based on the three UDA academies in England, UDA at NMSU is a European-style academy, training and playing year-round. It is the only one of its kind in the United States. The club currently fields three teams competing in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), college club leagues, elite youth leagues, the US Open Cup, and other competitions. Because UDA is a de facto college team, the team’s average age hovers around 20-years-old.

“All of our kids have to be enrolled in school,” Drake said. “We want to make sure we are changing lives through education. We’re not just a vessel on the football field. Ultimately, we want them to get an education, because the ball stops rolling for everybody at some point.”

UDA opens the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at home versus 2022 USL League Two Mountain Conference champions, Park City Red Wolves, on Wednesday, March 22 at the NMSU Soccer Athletic Complex.

In qualifying, UDA is only the second team in the Modern Era of the Open Cup (1995-present) directly affiliated with a college or university to qualify for the tournament proper. Teams from the University of Florida, Oklahoma University, Louisiana-Lafayette, and the University of Southern California have entered qualification in the past, but only Brigham Young University, which competed in the PDL—now USL League Two—from 2003-2017, qualifying for the Open Cup in 2006, 2007, and 2015. 

What is UDA?

University Degrees Abroad was founded in 2018 at the University of Cheshire and has since expanded to eight universities in England and Wales offering foreign students a pathway to degrees from those institutions, with the University of Chester and University of Gloucestershire offering soccer academies through the universities. The initial success of the program UDA Program Director and former NMSW assistant woman’s basketball coach, Jeff Thompson, floated the idea of incorporating the UDA soccer academy model with an American university. NMSU seemed like the perfect partner, with first-class facilities in place for its NCAA Division I women’s program, a climate conducive to year-round play, and lots of local talent to help build the program.

“Because NMSU only had a woman’s program, we were able to go to them and say, ‘We want to be your men’s division one program, just not under NCAA rules,’” Drake said.
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Photo: Casey Morris | UDA Soccer
With the agreement with NMSU in place in 2019, Drake, Ordel, and a support staff began to build the program. Then COVID-19 hit.

“We didn’t even get to have a proper training session until 2021,” Drake said. “It wasn’t until then things really got started.”

In the spring of 2021, the club entered the first UDA team into competition, finishing a respectable 5-1-2, good for second place in the seven-team West Texas-New Mexico division of the UPSL. For the fall 2021 season, the club moved to the intensely competitive UPSL Arizona Division. UDA won the ten-team division, winning eight and drawing two. In the spring of 2022 UDA moved back to the West Texas-New Mexico division, going 6-2-2 to win the division and earn a berth in the UPSL post season tournament. They beat the San Antonio Surf in penalty kicks and the Arizona-based River Valley Bully’s 1-0 before falling to the Dodge City Toros 4-1 in the quarterfinals.

The quarterfinal appearance qualified UDA to play in the inaugural UPSL Champions Cup, featuring four of the top UPSL teams from the United States versus four top teams from the UPSL Mexican divisions. UDA finished winless in its group versus Mexican sides Deportivo Teziutlan and Altiplano FC, and Chicago Nation FC from the U.S.

“It was a learning experience for all of us,” Drake said. “We grew a lot as a team and as an organization during that time. Our program is about so much more than just getting the immediate result.”

Entering the fall 2022 UPSL season, UDA moved back to the West Texas-New Mexico division. For the first time the club fielded two teams. UDA Crimson finished second in the division going 5-3-0. UDA White finished at the bottom of the five-team table going 1-7-0.

“We put a lot of energy and effort into qualifying for the Open Cup,” Drake said. “Maybe at the expense of league play. But it paid off in the end.”

How They Got Here

With first round byes for both clubs, UDA opened 2023 Open Cup qualifying at home versus UPSL side Coronado Athletic from Sierra Vista, Ariz. UDA had little trouble, cruising to a 4-0 win over the Coronado club that finished in the middle of the table for the fall 2022 UPSL Arizona division. Mattias Cavallo put UDA up in the 15th minute followed by a second-half brace by captain Eric Gomez-Silva the capper by Marco Millan with fifteen minutes to play. Next up was fall 2022 Arizona division and UPSL national champion Olympians FC.
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Photo: Casey Morris | UDA Soccer
​“We had played Olympians before,” Drake said. “We knew it was going to be a difficult game. “They made it incredibly tough for us to play. I was incredibly proud of the way our boys handled themselves. Of the 18 cards shown in that game, we only received four of them.”

UDA played much of the game down a goal after 19-year-old goalkeeper Mario Castillo was caught off his line with a ball hit from near midfield. The game became a chippy, choppy affair. The tide turned in the 75th minute when Olympians were reduced to 10 men. UDA’s Jay Mustielis leveled the score in with just three minutes to play in regulation. In the second period of extra time Olympians went down another player making way for Keane Garcia to get on the end of Will Hanes cross to put UDA up 2-1. Alan Gudino put the game out of reach at 3-1 just before the final whistle.

The Fourth Round draw sent UDA to face Denver-based Azteca FC 5280, on one of the surrounding fields of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, home of the Colorado Rapids (MLS). A massive storm had blown through earlier in the week dumping more than a foot of snow that had been plowed into piles at each end of the synthetic field.

Going into the match, Drake said the conditions were going to be a factor.

“Some of our guys have never even seen snow before,” he said before the match. “The cold and altitude are going to make things interesting for us.”

For the better part of the last decade, Azteca FC 5280 has reigned as one of Colorado’s top amateur sides, playing in the incredibly competitive Colorado Super League, qualifying for the Open Cup three times (2017, 2018, 2022). Azteca failed to advance beyond the first round in all three Open Cup appearances.

“We knew Azteca was going to be good,” Drake said. “They qualified for the Open Cup in 2022. We knew they were very dynamic up front. But we have never been the kind of team to change the way we did things based on an opponent. That is one of the things we try to instill from the beginning. We play the way we play. Let everyone else adapt to us, not the other way around. We want to play thorough our attacking mids, with our number 10 stepping high and go at ‘em.

‘Go at ‘em’ is exactly what UDA did in what would become a qualifying match for the ages. UDA landed the first punch in the 14th minute when Gudino combined with Jose Rivan down the left flank resulting in an easy tap in from close range to put the visitors up 1-0.

Azteca responded immediately, leveling the score in the 20th minute, then smashing in a second at the 36th minute mark to go up 2-1. Then Daniel Ruiz Galan pulled UDA level just before the halftime whistle, slotting a Lucas Burch cross to the far post from close range.

After a hectic start to the second half, Azteca took the lead for a second time, going up 3-2, when a controversial penalty was given in the 63rd minute. Drake was shown a red card for his vociferous protests of the penalty call from the bench and will watch his club’s inaugural Open Cup match from the stands.

More importantly, UDA will also be without midfield lynchpin and captain, Gomez-Silva, who was shown a second yellow card with less than ten minutes to play in the Azteca match. Gomez-Silva was one of UDA’s top recruits, having spent time in the system of La Liga club Real Sociedad.
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Photo: Casey Morris | UDA Soccer
“Eric is tough to replace. He sees the game so well; he is so good on the ball. He is the leader,” Drake said. “We are going to miss his presence, his experience, everything a player of his quality brings. But we have someone we believe can step up do all the things Eric does so well.”
With time running out UDA began to throw numbers forward, almost making it look like Azteca was the team playing short-handed. Then Alfredo Villescas got on the end of a corner kick to pull the game level again, at 3-3, forcing extra time.

Azteca took firm control of the first overtime period, scoring on a recycled set piece in the 107th minute after UDA failed to clear the ball. After the goal, UDA threw everything they had forward. Just moments before the final whistle Garcia found himself inside the Azteca six-yard box with the ball at his feet. He slotted home the equalizer sending the game to penalty kicks, where UDA’s 19-year-old goalkeeper stole the show.

UDA’s Garcia shot first, making his attempt. Castillo then saved Azteca’s first shot to his left, but was ruled to have left his line before the ball was kicked. He saved the re-take, this time to his right. Blake Bastain put UDA up 2-0 in the shootout. Azteca then converted their second kick making it 2-1. Villescas converted his kick to make it 3-1, then Castillo made a one-handed save to his left, leaving it up to Gudino, who calmy put the ball straight down the middle to put UDA into the tournament proper.
“I think it says so much about what we are doing, how far we have come in such a short period of time,” Drake said. “Qualifying for the Open Cup was one of our goals when we started. To do it the first time out, the way we did it, is just incredible.”

US Open Cup Round One

With the 2023 Spring UPSL season not yet underway, UDA has been playing regional professional teams, and competing against college club teams to prepare for its Open Cup debut versus Park City Red Wolves, winners of the USL League Two Mountain Division for the past two seasons. This is the second consecutive Open Cup appearance. They list 3-2 at Las Vegas Legends (NPSL) last year. Like UDA, Park City are out of season. Park City kicks off its 2023 USL League Two season May 27.

“Honestly, we don’t know a lot about them,” Drake said. “The best we can do is go out and play the way we want to play and see what happens.”
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2023 US Open Cup Qualifying: UDA Soccer First Local College Affiliate to Qualify After Wild Shootout

12/21/2022

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Reposted from TheCup.us
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UDA Soccer came out on top of an epic battle of wills, toppling US Open Cup mainstays Azteca FC 4-1 from the penalty mark after trading walloping blows in a 4-4 slugfest.
Keane Garcia pulled UDA level at four in the 113th minute from inside the six-yard box sending the game to kicks from the mark. But the hero of the match was 19-year-old UDA goalkeeper, Mario Castillo, who saved the first (twice) and third of Azteca’s spot kicks to put UDA Soccer through to the tournament proper in its first qualifying attempt.
“I am so proud of the guys for battling through all the adversity they faced today, between the travel and the cold and the altitude and then going down a man, they did not give up, they kept coming back, they kept fighting,” said UDA head coach Blake Ordell. “Then for Mario to make the saves he did in the shootout, it was incredible.”
With the win, UDA Socccer makes some modern US Open Cup history. UDA is a soccer academy at New Mexico State University that allows players to receive year-round training while enrolled at New Mexico State. They become the first Open Division Local team affiliated with a college or university to qualify for the Open Cup in the Modern Era (1995-present). Brigham Young University (BYU) qualified three times as a member of the Premier Development League (now USL League Two) in 2006, 2007 and 2015. Despite past attempts by teams from the University of Florida, Oklahoma University, Louisiana Lafayette, and this year with the University of Southern California (USC), no college-affiliated team has qualified through Open Division Local qualifying. 

Support TheCup.us and its coverage of the US Open Cup by purchasing a “We Want The Cup” shirt in your team’s colors. Visit THECUP.US SHO
Despite the unfavorable conditions for the Las Cruces, New Mexico-based UPSL side, and the host’s Open Cup pedigree, having qualified for the tournament proper in 2017, 2018, and 2022, UDA Soccer came out on the front foot, forcing Azteca goalkeeper Gerardo Agular to save brilliantly to his right just four minutes into the match.
Ten minutes later UDA landed the first punch of the day when Jose Luis Puente Rivas spun his defender and played the ball across the top of the six-yard box finding Alan Mose Gudino for an easy tap-in past a helpless Agular.
The lead didn’t last long. Azteca pulled level in the 20th minute when Oscar Montoya tapped Jovany Herrera’s driven cross from just outside the six-yard box.
Azteca took the lead in the 36th minute when Herrera ran onto a ball in the penalty area played by Freddy Fregozo, slotting home his fifth 2023 Open Cup qualifying goal.
UDA clawed back to level just before the halftime whistle when Daniel Ruiz Galan got on the end of a Lucas Burch cross ten yards from the goal as the three minutes of added time expired.
Azteca took the lead in the 63rd minute off a Samual Hallam spot kick after UDA’s Mattias Cavallo was whistled for a tackle at the edge of the penalty area. Hallam calmly slotted the ball to his right past Castillo.
The penalty call, heavily protested by the UDA bench, led to the dismissal of an assistant coach, followed twenty minutes later by the dismissal of captain Eric Gomez-Silva, who was shown his second yellow card of the match, forcing UDA to play a man down for the remainder.
UDA fought back six minutes after going down a man, drawing level at three in the 82nd minute when Alfredo Villescas got on the end of Gudina’s corner, outjumping his marker to put the ball past a stranded Gerardo sending the game to extra time.
Azteca took the lead again in the 107th minute off a spectacular volley from Anthony Miranda after UDA failed to properly clear a corner kick. Azteca recycled the set piece out to Saul Garcia on the left flank whose weighted cross fell into Miranda’s stride.
“We put another forward up top after their fourth goal,” Ordell said. “All we could do was get as many people forward and hope for something.”
That something came when Azteca failed to clear the ball from inside the six-yard box. Garcia slammed the ball home to send the game to kicks.
“Oh man, I just couldn’t believe it when I saw the ball pop out there like that,” Garcia said. “I just hit it as hard as I could. I didn’t want anything to stop it.”
UDA’s Garcia made his attempt. Then Castillo saved Herrera’s attempt to the left, but it was ruled he had left his line early. He then saved Herrera’s second attempt, this time to his right. UDA’s Blake Bastian made his attempt to the right, followed by Azteca’s Miranda. 
UDA’s Villescas then made his attempt to the left, followed by Azteca’s Hallam, who had scored from the penalty spot earlier in the match. This time Castillo was up to the task against Hallam, going correctly to his right, leaving it up to Gudina, who calmly put the ball down the middle of the goal to put UDA through to the tournament proper.
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UPSL Announces Historic International Tournament – UPSL Champions Cup

10/18/2022

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Reposted from UPSL
​Miami, Florida – The United Premier Soccer League is proud to announce the inaugural UPSL Champions Cup set to take place in Querétaro, Mexico on November 3 – 6. With teams from both the U.S. and Mexico competing, the tournament will be the first of its kind at the semi-pro level in North America. 

The UPSL Champions Cup features four of the best UPSL teams competing against four of the best UPSL MX teams. The eight teams will be divided into two groups with each group including two teams from Mexico and two teams from the US. The winners of each group will face off in the tournament final to be held on Sunday, November 6th.
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UPSL Founder and President, Leonel Lopez explains “The UPSL has a long history of players, coaches and owners with Mexican origins. It has always been a goal of the UPSL to expand further into Mexico and provide additional opportunities for players competing in Latin America. In addition to the launch of UPSL MX in 2020, the UPSL Champions Cup will help build this bridge and create an international platform for these athletes to compete on. The clubs in Mexico are very well-organized and have been playing at a very high level, the Champions Cup will provide a unique opportunity for them.” 
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Graphics created by UPSL
Representing the United States: 
  • Foro 360 (Dallas, TX) 
  • Davis Legacy (Davis, CA) 
  • Chicago Nation FC (Chicago, IL) 
  • UDA Soccer (Las Cruces, NM) 
Representing Mexico: 
  • Deportivo Teziutlan (Teziutaln, Puebla) 
  • FC Penamiller (Penamiller, Queretaro) 
  • Altiplano FC (Apan, Hidalgo) 
  • Marineros FC (Piedras Negras, Veracruz) 
The tournament will feature 2021 UPSL Fall Season National Champions Foro 360 from Dallas, Texas as well newly-crowned UPSL MX National Champions, Deportivo Teziutlan from Teziutlan, Puebla.  

Foro Sports Club owner, Bob Peinado explains the anticipation surrounding the first-ever Champions Cup event. “It’s great opportunity for our talented young players and is in line with our goal of developing top-level pros. What the UPSL is doing is providing an opportunity for teams at this level to not just compete for a national title, but for the first-time ever, play for an international title as well. With many of our staff and players of Mexican-descent, including myself, the Champions Cup provides a special opportunity for a lot of these first and second generation Mexican-Americans. It legitimizes the hard work we do over in the States and a meaningful experience to come down and compete against these top teams in Mexico.” 

UPSL MX provides a highly competitive platform for soccer clubs seeking an alternative to the current lower-tier structure in Mexico. This past season 40 clubs competed across two divisions. The UPSL MX operates under the umbrella of the UPSL brand, and is led by UPSL MX Commissioner Israel Valenciano. 

Commissioner Israel Valenciano explains “It is a great honor to have a tournament of this level in Mexico. We welcome everyone with open arms and great anticipation for this inaugural Champions Cup event. We can’t wait to see who will be crowned the first-ever UPSL Champions Cup winners. 
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The first match-day of the Champions Cup is scheduled for Thursday, November 3rd.  Three days later, on Sunday, November 6th, the Champions Cup Final will be played. Games will be broadcasted live with commentary in both English and Spanish through VYRE Network. You can find VYRE on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Android, iPhone, or your Smart TV by downloading the VYRE Network app for free or on their website at www.vyre.tv.  
About the UPSL
The UPSL was formed in 2011 and occupies the unofficial fourth tier of US Soccer. Across its Premier, Division 1 and Womens leagues there are more than 400 teams competing nationwide. The UPSL is now the largest Pro Development League in North America and is a National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated. UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league’s affiliation with USSF.
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More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer). Contact UPSL: info@upslsoccer.com / Media: chris.korte@upsl.com
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JD Meyers signs contract with Chattanooga Wolves SC

8/22/2022

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UDA NMSU Goalie Goes Pro

For UDA NMSU Goalie, JD Meyers, his dreams are now in reach. This week the all-star goalie who lead the NMSU team to the UPSL Elite Eight Tournament signed his first professional contract with the Chattanooga Red Wolves Soccer Club in Tennessee. 
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"I moved out to Tennessee the same day I signed on August 17th. Everything happened so fast" Meyers stated.

"UDA and Coach Tahlon helped prepare me for the next level by providing great opportunities that I was able to take advantage of. I felt that I was constantly supported and pushed in my pursuit of becoming a professional footballer and was setup to be a leader of the NMSU program. Due to this I was able to find success reaching the next level" Meyers continued. 

To keep up with JD and his new squad, view the Red Wolves' schedule. 
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NMSU's Season Success

8/11/2022

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UDA NMSU Soccer Makes a national name for themselves 

This year, the NMSU team didn't just have one star player, they had an entire team of talented, hardworking, and creative student-athletes. They fought their way through the season and ended with a historic run. 

​After finishing this July, the team found themselves as one of the top eight in the country. "With it being a second-year program it feels amazing to make it to the Elite Eight of the UPSL, but all the credit goes to the boys!" Stated Head Coach, Tahlon Drake. "As a coach, it feels great to see the success of the individuals impact the success of the team." he continued. 
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​So far in the program's history, the NMSU team has made it one step farther in their season every year. Coach Drake claims that it all comes back to having goals and starting the season with intentionality. "At the beginning of every season, the boys and I sit down and set TEAM goals. In the last two seasons in the UPSL, the team has progressed one game further. For example in the Spring of 2021 (Season 1) the boys lost in the first round of playoffs, while in the Fall of 2021 (Season 2) the boys lost in the Championship match of the Arizona Division. This past season, the boys set a team goal of reaching the round of 32 and getting one game better every year. [This season] I was expecting the student-athletes to improve one step at a time through experience and hard work."
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​As the season progressed, success came with it but so did the growth of the players. One of the biggest changes seen among the team was culture, taking ownership, and coming together as a family. "The biggest improvement I have seen within this group is a sense of belief within the team, the 'we versus me' mentality, and the boys attitude to fight for each other on and off the field" Drake stated. 
​In addition to the success of the season, the NMSU team gained a brand new home field on campus "[With] a field to call their own, the boys feel like they have a sense of belonging now" Drake continued. The team certainly leaned on home-field advantage by never dropping a game on their new pitch. 
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The NMSU team's success wouldn't have been as sweet without a community of encouragement, "The support from the UDA families has been amazing! Traveling from all over the country and some families from outside the country, we couldn't ask for a better group of parents to cheer on the team!" Drake said. Outside of the UDA families' continued support, the local community has helped spread the word about supporting the NMSU squad.
As we reflect on this past season, we can't help but get excited for what's to come this fall and the chance to welcome in a new group of players and their families. "As Coaches, we're so looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of student-athletes. Coach Blake and I are excited about what we feel this group can be in the coming years. With all that being said, we can't wait to create relationships and help these young men achieve success on and off the field." Stated Drake. ​
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The NMSU team is headed back to training this month, and we can't wait to cheer them on! Stay turned for an updated roster and game schedule at UDAUS.org
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UDA Soccer Program at NMSU to Unveil New Field at May 14th Ribbon-Cutting Event

5/16/2022

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Re-posted from NMSU News
​Three years after forming at New Mexico State University, the men’s University Degrees Abroad soccer academy program finally has a dedicated practice and playing field on NMSU’s Las Cruces campus – a major milestone for the players, coaches and support staff.
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Blake Ordell, center, associate technical director and co-head coach for the men’s University Degrees Abroad soccer academy program at New Mexico State University, speaks to the team during a recent practice. The team will unveil its new field Saturday, May 14, during a ribbon-cutting event. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)
“To be honest, it feels like we’re now legitimate collegiate soccer program,” said Jeff Thompson, UDA program director.
To celebrate the new soccer pitch – located on the lower deck of NMSU’s intramural fields – UDA will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, May 14. The event, which is free and open to the public, will also include youth activities, food trucks, a 50-50 raffle and a match between UDA and El Paso’s Sun City AFC.

“Having a pitch like this means everything to the team,” UDA head coach Tahlon Drake said. “It’s about pride, passion, playing for your heart, playing for your club – and everything comes down to the field.”

The team worked with NMSU’s Facilities and Services, an outside contractor and a turfgrass expert at NMSU to transform what was once an unremarkable open field into a pristine soccer pitch that closely meets professional standards.
The project started in November 2020 and included a complete overhaul of the irrigation system. When it came time to select and plant grass, the team sought help from Bernd Leinauer, Regents professor and Extension turfgrass specialist from NMSU’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.
“When problems started to pop up, Dr. Leinauer and others from turfgrass management were brought in to help solve the issues,” Thompson said. “It took us almost three months to eradicate all of the weeds in the soil. After that, we stripped the area, added a nice layer of sand and put in the sod, which came from a local sod farm.”
To complete the project, crews installed fencing around the perimeter of the field.
​“It’s more like a true football pitch – we’re 75 yards wide, 110 yards long,” Thompson said.
Before having its own field at NMSU, UDA practiced and played in several locations. Now that the team has a “home,” Thompson hopes it’ll be easier for the NMSU and Las Cruces communities to support the team.
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The men’s University Degrees Abroad soccer academy program at New Mexico State University has 30 players, all of whom are seeking degrees at NMSU or Doña Ana Community College. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)
“We want soccer fans from NMSU, Las Cruces and beyond to come out to our new pitch and experience what UDA is all about, starting with our ribbon-cutting event,” he said.
The festivities will start at 2 p.m. with youth activities. The ribbon-cutting will take place at 3:30 p.m., and the match against Sun City AFC will kick off at 4 p.m.
Free parking will be available at Rentfrow Hall. Visitors should bring chairs and blankets.
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“Las Cruces is a big soccer community, and now is the time to support our team,” said Blake Ordell, UDA associate technical director and co-head coach.
NMSU and UDA teamed up in 2019 to create a developmental men’s soccer program. The program – UDA’s first in the U.S. – has 30 students, all of whom are seeking degrees at NMSU or Doña Ana Community College. ​
UDA’s mission is to provide student-athletes with an internationally recognized university degree, a developmental soccer experience and an opportunity for multiple pathways in their chosen career within a fully integrated university experience.
“The addition of men’s club soccer at NMSU is a wonderful opportunity for students who wish to continue playing soccer while attending NMSU,” said Renay Scott, vice president of Student Success.
UDA will continue to play matches through June. For a schedule, visit https://www.udaus.org.
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GRAND OPENING OF THE NEW PITCH MAY 14!

4/26/2022

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Don't miss our opening match on the new pitch at NMSU on May 14th vs Sun City AFC (UPSL)! Kickoff at 4:00 pm.

Opening Day Festivities begin at 2:00 pm including: 
  • Ribbon Cutting with NMSU Staff
  • 50/50 Raffle - Autographed Jersey - Autographed Soccer Ball
  • Food Trucks - Live Radio Broadcast - Youth Halftime Match
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Finding The Right Academy For You

4/18/2022

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We offer a range of different opportunities for students because we know one-size doesn't fit all, so why should a university experience?

It is well documented that presently, US collegiate soccer with its limited season and oversized rosters means little true development opportunities for many talented players, restricting student’s optimal development.

​Across all our Academies, our goals remains the same, to provide the world's best integration of university education and football experience so students can reach their potential in the classroom and on the field. ​
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On both sides of the pond, our Academy locations allow every student the opportunity to study, live, and thrive.​

​​HERE'S A BREAKDOWN OF EACH UNIVERSITY

As well as what you can expect, to help you determine if this is a good fit for you. ​​
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Located in Gloucestershire, England, 
the University of Gloucestershire is considered the UK’s most sustainable university (People and Planet League 2019). Across three specialized campuses, Gloucestershire is home to over 10,000 students, over 80 competitive sports, clubs, and societies, with over 4,000 placements and internships completed by students. Set in the idyllic countryside with close proximity to the iconic Cotswolds and Shakespeare Country, Gloucestershire offers the best of a small city with the beauty of England's green and pleasant lands. ​

THE UNIVERSITY OF Chester

The University of Chester is home to 20,000 students from 130 different countries, with over 300 courses offered across 30 programs. While studying in the UK you will be able to earn your undergraduate degree in just three years. Most undergraduate degrees include a five-week work placement in your second year anywhere in the world! 
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​The University is located in the iconic City of Chester, one of the UK’s best cities for student life and best place to live (Hot Housing Index 2015), the fifth prettiest city in Europe (USA Today 2013), and sixth-best city in the UK (Telegraph Travel Awards 2014). Chester is also ranked second safest city-based university in the region (The Complete University Guide 2015). ​
The University of Chester aims to support and develop global citizens. Offering over 300 degree options across three specialized campuses, UoC has academic opportunities for everyone. Focusing on quality, most degree programs take a duration of three years to complete. In addition to its unique culture, Chester prides itself on offering a variety of student support options. From advice to personal guidance, the University wants all students to have a memorable experience during their course of study.

​​NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY 

The UDA-US Academy follows the success and demand of the UDA-UK Academies located in Chester and Gloucestershire, England. The UDA-US Academy is open to students from around the world seeking to further their soccer development through multiple pathways, while studying at NMSU. 
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​All students will be fully integrated into the life of 
NMSU academically, athletically, socially, and culturally. The UDA program is based in American’s beautiful Southwest, Las Cruces, New Mexico, which offers year-round playing in a competitive schedule of games, tournaments, and league play. In addition to the NM year-round climate, Las Cruces offers outstanding outdoor recreation activities for those seeking an outdoor lifestyle. The campus at NMSU is home to over 11,000 students offering a diverse, vibrant campus culture. 

Even with a lot of great options, determining what may be a good fit for you isn't always easy. Know that you don't have to do any of this alone. We strongly encourage you to reach out with any burning questions.

​If you're interested in any particular academy, the best way to learn more is to attend a recruitment event. If you're unable to attend in-person, we recommend signing up for an online information session where we will answer all of your burning questions about a UDA Academy.

If a UK Academy specifically interests you, we recommend checking out the degree courses offered at Chester  and Gloucestershire to get an understanding of what program might be the best fit for you.

WE'RE AS SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR FUTURE AS YOU ARE

Let's Get Started
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UDA NMSU STUDENTS SPEND SPRING BREAK TRAINING AND PLAYING IN GLOUCESTER, UK

3/14/2022

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Four students from the UDA Academy at New Mexico State, Nate Stewart, Joaquin Villescas, Matteo Cavallo, and Kean Garcia spent their spring break visiting the University of Gloucestershire campus, training, and playing with the UDA UoG Academy students this past week.
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During their visit, the students played at the local professional stadium, Gloucester City AFC as part of a UDA showcase event. 
The NMSU students also had the opportunity to play against the University of Gloucestershire first team, train with the UDA coaching staff, and watched a local professional game at Cheltenham Town.
Watch Matteio Garcia's goal in the 3-1 win against a Gloucester City AFC squad
To top off the visit, the NMSU students visited London while two others attended the West Ham versus Aston Villa game at the Olympic Stadium. 

"I really enjoyed experiencing a day-to-day life as a UDA UoG student-athlete" stated Matteo Cavallo. 

​Head of the UDA UOG Academy, Dave Nicholos, complemented the students from the NMSU Academy stating, “The students were top class in all respects. They were on time, courteous, hard working, and were excellent throughout the trip. A credit to the coaching staff at New Mexico and the UDA organization.”
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​The visiting NMSU students with the UOG players prior to their showcase game at Gloucestershire AFC.
In an ongoing effort to widen and broaden experiences and opportunities for students, we look forward to continuing to provide training and playing opportunities, for selected students both in the UK and USA.

Learn more about the UoG Academy

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ID CAMP COMING TO LAS CRUSES IN APRIL!

3/3/2022

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UDA holds several national recruitment events at NMSU that run Friday to Sunday for prospects wanting to meet the NMSU admissions office, take a campus tour, meet UDA coaching staff and spend the weekend training and playing. Prospects are invited to attend all or parts of the weekend that their schedule permits.
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​COST: $95
  • Covers UDA uniform and meals on campus 
  • Accommodation options on campus may be available for those out of state.
Register Now
Join a Webinar

Schedule

FRIDAY
  • 2.00 pm: Arrive and meet at the UDA office @ NMSU
  • 2.30 pm: NMSU Admission Office meeting to discuss Dona Ana and NMSU degree options
  • 3.30 pm: Campus tour, NMSU campus, Dona Ana (CC) Campus
  • 5.30 pm: Dinner on NMSU campus

SATURDAY
  • 9.30 am - 11.30am: Training session
  • 12:00 pm: Lunch
  • 2.30 pm - 4.30 pm: Training sessions, small-sided games
  • 5.30 pm: Dinner on NMSU campus
  • 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm: Presentation on the UDA @ NMSU Academy program
  • 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm: Individual meetings with students and families with Head of Recruitment and UDA Program Director

SUNDAY
  • 9.30 am - 11.30 am: Game 11 v 11
  • 11.45 am - 12:00 pm: Final Q and A for students and families.
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