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From Southeast Champions to National Glory: Tennessee Tempo FC Crowned UPSL Champions

We had the opportunity to cover Tennessee Tempo FC vs Miami United FC in the Southeast Champions matchup — and not long after, Tempo went on an incredible run to capture the UPSL National Championship. Witnessing their journey from regional battles to lifting the biggest prize in the nation was nothing short of special.

On Sunday night in Irvine, CA, Tennessee Tempo FC finally climbed to the top of the UPSL mountain, defeating LA10 FC in the national final. Known for their defensive steel, LA10 had conceded just three goals all season — but the third proved fatal, as Dominic Oduro fired home a rocket in the 87th minute to seal Tempo’s triumph.

From the opening whistle, Tempo imposed a physical, organized style of play that disrupted LA10’s high-powered attack. The Los Angeles side, which tallied more than 50 goals this season and five in the semifinal alone, never looked comfortable in the final third. Tempo consistently shut down passing lanes, won physical battles, and kept LA10 out of rhythm.

LA10’s best opportunity came in the 69th minute, when a close-range shot forced Tempo goalkeeper Francois Djibainto action. Aside from that, Djiba had a relatively quiet evening — a testament to Tempo’s airtight defensive structure. For a team that had been ruthless all year, managing just one clear chance was frustrating and costly.

The decisive moment arrived late, and it was spectacular. In the 87th minute, Oduro met a cross with a one-timed strike from the edge of the box. LA10 keeper Mitchell North managed to get a hand on it, but the ball flew into the back of the net. Just minutes later, LA10 went down to 10 men after a stoppage-time red card, leaving Tempo to control possession and close out the victory.

At the final whistle, celebrations erupted on the Tempo bench. Coaches embraced, players fell to the ground in relief and joy, and the club finally secured the national championship that had eluded them just three years earlier.

Key Notes:

• Tennessee Tempo FC avenged its 2022 runner-up finish, claiming the national crown.
• Match-winner Dominic Oduro capped his season as both Players’ Player of the Year and title-clinching hero.
• LA10 FC, backed by Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero, will have to wait another year for its first UPSL trophy.
• The LA10 supporters stayed behind their team until the final whistle, chanting even in stoppage time.
• Tempo’s physicality, discipline, and defensive organization were the difference against one of the nation’s most explosive sides.

Final Score: Tennessee Tempo FC 1 – 0 LA10 FC