Yuma City FC finalizes inaugural roster ahead of UPSL debut

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - With its inaugural season just over a month away, Yuma City FC has officially finalized its roster. Completing its second round of signings ahead of the club's debut in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL).

The roster features a blend of local high school standouts, collegiate talent and experienced veterans as the club looks to establish itself as Yuma's first UPSL team.

Among the team's veteran leaders is Yuma native Gabriel Claudio, who returns home after competing at both the United Soccer League (USL) and Major League Soccer (MLS) levels.

Claudio said one of his biggest motivations for joining the club is giving back to the next generation of players.

“A big thing for me is giving back to the youth," Claudio said. "This is the place that raised me, allowed me to go do some great things... I really want to help mentor those guys...  I think that experience that I have, it’s going to help those younger guys who can do some special things."

That leadership will benefit younger players like Cade Garcia, a sophomore at Yuma Catholic High School.

Garcia is coming off a standout freshman season in which he led Arizona high school players in total goals and assists.

He says joining Yuma City FC gives him an opportunity to continue developing against older, more experienced competition while pursing his long-term soccer goals.

“I think it’s just like a great opportunity," Garcia said. "Especially, like we’re here. It’s much more difficult to get opportunities, but this is a great way to build myself to my dream. I think it will just really help me excel myself. And just prove to myself that I can do what I put my mind to.”

For forward Ernie Garza, a former Arizona Western College player and coach, the club represents more than just another team.

He believes Yuma now has an opportunity to rally behind its own semi-professional soccer club while helping grow the sport in the community.

“Honestly, I want the community to come out and support us because this is the only team that we have in Yuma as a UPSL team," Garza said. "Compared to Phoenix and Tucson, where they have multiple teams. It would really be nice for all of us as a group and get that help and support from the community.

With the roster now finalized, players say their attention has shifted toward building chemistry ahead of the season opener.

"We're really connecting as a team and I feel that we can really do something great with this team," Garcia said.

Yuma City FC will play two preseason matches in Mexico later this month before opening its inaugural UPSL season in mid-September.

The club hopes its first year will not only bring semi-professional soccer back to Yuma but also create a pathway for local players to continue developing their game close to home.