Tennessee Tempo FC Wins UPSL National Championship, Defeat LA10 1-0.
Dominic Oduro plays hero as game’s lone goal scorer.
Irvine, CA - LA10’s third goal allowed ALL SEASON proved to be fatal to its championship dreams, as the Tennessee Tempo went on to win the UPSL National Championship Sunday night.
LA10 scored 50+ goals this season, but from the starting whistle, Tempo FC imposed an extremely physical style of play to counter the offensive firepower, and guess what? It worked. LA10 never looked comfortable in the final third and Tempo FC matched them every time it felt LA10 was starting to build some momentum. LA10’s best chance came in the 69th minute from a shot inside the penalty box. Tempo FC goalie Francois Djiba otherwise didn’t have to do too much throughout the day. That’s probably the most frustrating part for LA10. It’s not like they were creating a plethora of chances. For a team with 50+ goals throughout the season to only create one good chance is tough. Props to Tempo for closing down pockets of space constantly throughout the match.
The game defining moment came in the 87th minute when Dominic Oduro one timed a cross into the back of the net from just outside the top of the penalty box. The goal itself was an absolute rocket. LA10 goalkeeper Mitchell North was able to get a hand on it, but it wasn’t enough. Things got worse for LA10 after they were reduced to 10 men after taking a red card in the 95th minute. After that, there wasn’t much LA10 could do as Tempo controlled possession for the rest of the game. Elation struck Tempo FC as the final whistle blew, especially for the coaching staff, who all embraced after realizing they won.
Fun Facts/Thoughts:
-LA10 (backed by Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero) will have to wait another year for a title.
-The LA10 faithful never lost hope. Chanting “LA10” down 1-0 in the 94th minute; kudos to them.
-After finishing runners up in 2022, Tennessee Tempo FC finally claims that coveted trophy. Congratulations!
-Goalscorer Dominic Oduro: the Ghanaian international was also named the clubs Player’s Player of the year award winner.
-Hard to believe this is the same LA10 FC team that scored 5 goals in the semifinal. There were times in this game where I felt they were trying to be too cute. Back heel flips, rabona crosses etc… Tennessee was just better organized defensively and more physical.
Congratulations to Tennessee Tempo FC!