Bellevue Athletic return to UPSL play to host in-city rivals United Sports

Written by Adam Race

Bellevue Athletic are hoping to continue their good league form coming off their UPSL bye week, as they are set to take on fellow Bellevue outfit and UPSL newcomers United Sports FC at Bellevue College Sunday at 5 P.M. 

The Athletic have posted two consecutive shutouts in UPSL play, with their last competitive match being a 3-0 road victory against Seattle Eagles in Tukwila. Currently in 3rd place in the league table, BAFC will need a win to guarantee that they remain in the playoff qualification zone this week, with United Sports holding 5th place and only a single point behind Bellevue. At the halfway point in the regular season, the margins are razor thin in the battle for playoff qualification, with only three points separating 3rd and 8th place. 

United Sports started their debut UPSL season well, sitting in first place after winning their first two matches, but have since lost three straight for the second-longest losing streak in the league. United Sports’ last UPSL match was a 4-2 loss at home to Seattle Eagles. 

Bellevue and United Sports have faced once before in 2025, a 5-1 Bellevue Athletic win in the first round of the Washington State Super Cup back in early April. “It gives us confidence, but we’re not going to take them lightly,” said Anastacio Rivera, who will be filling in as head coach this week alongside assistant coach Brian Burkholder. “Cup games and league games are different beasts. We know they’ll come in motivated to knock us off, so we’re treating it like a fresh challenge. A derby is always a toss up and often comes down to who wants it more.”

Bellevue has turned their UPSL season around over the last couple weeks, after going 1-1-1 in their first three matches they came alive in a busy two-game week prior to their bye, winning 5-0 in the Washington State Super Cup quarterfinals and 3-0 in league play. “We’ve responded well to adversity,” said Rivera. “Whether it’s going down a goal or navigating new lineups, the group has found ways to stay locked in and play for each other. To keep that going we’ll need the same intensity and focus, especially in transition moments. I would really like to see us sustain two halves of high-intensity football.”

The game will be played at Bellevue College soccer field this Sunday, May 11th at 5 pm, and will also be available to watch via livestream at: veolive.page.link/et6k. As part of a Mother’s Day celebration mother’s will get free entry. 

Know the Opponent: United Sports FC

Bellevue Athletic have company on the Eastside for UPSL Spring 2025, and it comes in the form of league newcomers United Sports FC. 

United Sports is a non-profit, full-service soccer club founded primarily by former Chinese Super League striker and Chinese national women’s soccer team assistant coach Ye Tian. “Tian has brought 20+ years of professional experience to United Sports for the goal of providing a direct pathway and comprehensive support services for aspiring young players to help them achieve their dreams,” said co-founder Rachel Long.

“As a new club debuting in UPSL this Spring, United Sports aims to build a globally connected yet locally rooted model for academy soccer in the united states,” said Long. “The club is positioning itself as more than just a new team on the UPSL schedule. The club aims to bridge emerging American youth talent with established global football networks. The club aims to provide these young talents with a stage to shine not only locally but globally.”

United Sports was initially founded in 2021 with a focus on lower age groups, with the move to UPSL in 2025 providing another platform for talent to develop at a higher level. “With lower entry fees, the UPSL allows clubs to allocate more resources toward player development and enhancing the fan experience,” said Long. “The UPSL offers a cost-effective yet highly competitive platform where younger players can challenge themselves against experienced opponents.” 

Opponents don’t come much more experienced than Bellevue Athletic, the back to back UPSL regional champs, and United Sports are ready to welcome the local challenge. “Bellevue Athletic is a well established elite club that we are excited to play against,” said Long. “With our in-city derby, hopefully we can create an amazing fan experience for our eastside community. We are looking to create a local Manchester United and Manchester City phenomenon.”

United Sports will look to break a bad run of form on Sunday against Bellevue at Bellevue College in the second competitive meeting between the clubs of 2025 and the first in UPSL play. “Our Squad has been working well as a team and equipping themselves with an undefeatable mentality. They are getting stronger every game they play both in skill and mindset.”

Meet the captain, Scott Burkholder

Scott Burkholder was one of the first signings ever made by Bellevue Athletic. Three years and 63 UPSL appearances later, no player has played more games for the Athletic, and Burkholder has established himself as a captain and cornerstone of the Black and Gold.

“When I first tried out for Bellevue Athletic it was a little intimidating,” says Burkholder. “There was a lot of great talent and I was ecstatic when I made the team.” Burkholder has played different roles and positions within the squad over the last few seasons, but as he has solidified his spot as the team’s everyday left back, team success has followed. “After transitioning to full time left back in Spring 2024, he has absolutely locked down the position and become a key player for the club.” said club general manager Anastacio Rivera. Burkholder has seen the club go through more change than most other current members of the roster, but the payoff of back-to-back regional championships has been worth it. “The first couple seasons we had some ups and downs as we cycled through quite a few coaches and players,” says Burkholder. “However, over the past year we have really come together and done really well.” 

Burkholder has been a staple of an often-rotating roster, and there aren’t many moments in BAFC’s history that he hasn’t been present for. He says that out of over 60 games he’s played in Black and Gold, his proudest memory was the Spring UPSL conference semi-finals against Dalul FC. “We were down to nine men vs. 11 for about 55 minutes. We gave it everything we had, held them off and brough overtime, going on to win in PKs. That was one of the most intense games I have been a part of and it was the best feeling when we won.”

Wearing the captains armband is an honor that Burkholder does not take lightly on one of the most talented and experienced rosters in UPSL. “I was very honored when the coaches and team chose me to be captain. I’m not a very loud or vocal person so I try to lead the best way I know how, which is by showing up to every practice and game, having a good attitude and mindset, as well as giving my best every time I step on the field.”

Burkholder has been a crucial part of a rock-solid Bellevue defensive unit, but also notably leads the club all-time in career assists. Burkholder’s consistently excellent delivery into the box from the wing has solidified him as one of the best crossers in the UPSL, and the stats reflect that. “Every game I’m always thinking about how I can break down the opponents defense and get our team in the best position to score goals. So I think having a lot of assists reflects my play style very well. I try to help the team in the best way I can, and how I do that is crossing and sending balls to my midfielders and forwards. I don’t care about scoring, I just want to win.”

Bellevue Athletic Career Assists

Burkholder shares the high hopes of teammates and coaches for a talented Bellevue team in Spring 2025. “My main goal is to win the whole thing and be champions. The past two seasons we have fallen short and lost in the round of 16. However, our team has continued to grow and right now is the best it has ever been. We are only getting stronger and if we keep playing as a team,then we are more than capable of going all the way.”

Burkholder has earned the respect and admiration of teammates and coaches alike, and Club General Manager Anastacio Rivera is someone who has seen Scotts development since the club’s inception. “He sets the standard on the field and in the locker room,” says Rivera. “His presence gives the group a sense of calm, and he always shows up in the big moments. When he’s at his best, Bellevue is ticking. We’re lucky to have him.”

Around The Athletic

Despite not playing a competitive match this last week, BAFC stayed busy during their bye, playing USL-2 opposition in West Seattle Junction and Bigfoot FC. 

In a game full of familiar faces, Bellevue traveled to West Seattle and picked up a 2-2 exhibition draw against the Junction on Monday. Bellevue’s goals came from Jackson Finn and Miguel Guvara. Current Bellevue players Jacen Stein and Rico De La Rosa tallied for the Junction. 

On Thursday Bellevue took on USL-2 newcomers Bigfoot FC in an exhibition in Maple Valley, which finished 5-3 in favor of Bigfoot. Last season’s second top scorer found the back of the net twice for BAFC in 45 minutes of play on his return to the team  after three months out injured. Bellevue were also the beneficiaries of an own-goal, and notable performances came from Aidan Drought and Bellevue debutant Tai lida.

Bellevue have one more USL-2 exhibition on the slate, the Eastside Classic against Midlakes United on Thursday May 15th. 

In other Athletic news, Bellevue Athletic 2 played their first league game of the season this past week, making their EPLWA debut with a win on penalty kicks against FC Olympia after 90 minutes of 0-0 soccer.

Bellevue Athletic 2025 UPSL Stats 

Individual: Outfield

Individual: Goalkeeping

Team: Overall

UPSL Washington Standings/Schedule

Playoff Qualification Zone

How To Follow

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