Spindles Earn a Hard Fought Point in the Push for Playoffs

Spindles 2 - 2 USG

22’ - Trestick (Adjei)

41’ - Lopez (Kievit)

July 17, 2026 | Albany, NY

With the race for the first-ever UPL playoffs heating up, Spindles United traveled to take on United Soccer Group in a crucial matchup between two teams battling for a spot in the postseason.

From the opening whistle, the match was played at a high pace, with both sides looking to take control. USG worked to move the ball around the pitch and break down the Spindles backline, but the visitors stood strong and refused to give their opponents any easy opportunities.

As the match progressed, Spindles began to take control of possession and create chances of their own.

In the 22nd minute, Spindles earned their first truly dangerous opportunity from a corner kick. Frankie Palumbo delivered a dangerous ball into the box, creating chaos as multiple Spindles players battled to get a touch. The ball eventually fell to Anders Trestick just inside the 18-yard box. Trestick calmly set himself up and placed his shot into the bottom corner to give Spindles the lead. 1-0, 22’.

The goal marked Trestick’s fifth UPL goal of the season.

The momentum continued to favor the visitors, who maintained possession and continued to put pressure on the USG defense. Then, in the 41st minute, Spindles doubled their advantage.

A free kick from roughly 40 yards out presented another opportunity. Mason Kievit delivered a perfectly placed ball over the USG defense, finding a crashing Captain Marcos Lopez, who finished the chance to score his first UPL goal of the season. 2-0, 41’.

The second half was different for the Spins.

Spindles continued to control much of the possession coming out of the break, but USG refused to go quietly.

The final 15 minutes saw the momentum shift dramatically.

USG began throwing numbers forward and creating dangerous chances. A cutting USG winger fired a shot toward the Spindles goal that was saved by the Spindles goalkeeper. The ball, however, nearly crossed the line, and despite a desperate attempt by a Spindles defender to clear the danger, the ball ultimately found its way into the net. 2-1.

Moments later, USG struck again.

A ball was played in behind the Spindles center backs and collected by the USG striker, who calmly chipped the Spindles goalkeeper to bring the match level. 2-2.

With everything to play for and three crucial points on the line, both teams continued to battle for a late winner. Chances came at both ends, but neither defense would break again.

After a dramatic final stretch, the match ended 2-2.

The result moves Spindles United to 4-2-3 with 14 points, as the club enters the final week of the inaugural UPL season still fighting for a place in the first-ever playoffs.

Spindles will close out the regular season at home on Sunday, July 26, when they welcome the Sacandaga Lakers (3-1-5) to Waterford-Halfmoon Turf.

With the playoffs on the line, there is still everything to play for.

Man of the Match:Dom Whalen, who put in a tremendous defensive effort throughout the match and helped anchor the Spindles backline during a hard-fought 90 minutes