A historic victory for the club, for Newark, and for the entire Portuguese community
On Saturday, November 15, Ironbound Sport Club Português achieved one of the greatest victories in its recent history by winning the final of the UPSL Northeast American Division 1 playoffs — a triumph that fills our community with immense pride.
The final, held at the Eddie Morais Stadium in Newark’s Ironbound district, ended in a thrilling 1–1 draw in regulation time, with a crucial goal scored by Jorge Galvez. With the stands vibrating with energy, the match headed to a dramatic penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Steven Pires became the hero of the night, stopping two penalty kicks and setting the stage for victory.
At the penalty mark, Alex Torres, Alexi Velazquez, Cory Martinez, and Bryan Cosman showed remarkable composure — with Cosman scoring the decisive kick that secured the championship for Ironbound SCP.
Final Score:
Ironbound SCP 1 – 1 Milford FC (Victory on penalties)
It was a night defined by grit, heart, and passion — values that have always shaped the footballing identity of Sport Club Português.
“Enormous pride in these players” – Sérgio Nobre
Following the match, SCP Senior Director of Soccer, Sérgio Nobre, expressed his emotion and admiration:
“I have enormous pride in these players. They fought until the end and showed the determination and character that represent our club and our community. This victory is more than a title — it is a chapter that becomes part of our 104-year history. I am extremely happy that this trophy will now be placed in the Sport Club Português museum, an institution with over a century of football tradition.”
Ironbound: The Heart of Newark’s Portuguese Community
The Ironbound — home to Sport Club Português — has for more than a century been one of the most important centers of Portuguese life in the United States. Streets such as Ferry Street are synonymous with tradition, culture, and community, carrying the stories and achievements of generations of Portuguese immigrants and Portuguese-Americans.
Located at 55 Prospect Street, Newark, NJ, Sport Club Português has served as a cultural, social, and athletic pillar for 104 years. Saturday’s victory is more than a sporting achievement — it reflects the resilient and hardworking spirit of the Ironbound and its people.
About UPSL Northeast American Division 1
Founded in 2011, the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) is the largest and most competitive pro-development league in North America, comprising nearly 400 clubs nationwide. As part of the 4th tier of the U.S. Soccer system, the UPSL plays a key role in developing young talent, with an average player age of 22.5 years. The league operates year-round, with spring and fall seasons, and is committed to inclusion, accessibility, and strengthening community-based soccer.
SCP Soccer: 104 Years of History, Passion, and Excellence
Founded in 1921 by the Portuguese-American community of Newark, Sport Club Português quickly became a symbol of pride and footballing excellence. Highlights of its long and storied history include:
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New Jersey State Cup Champions in 1928, in the club’s first year of competition
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Friendly matches against legendary clubs such as Manchester United (1952), Chelsea FC (1954), and Everton FC (1955)
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Participation in major leagues including the Italian-American Soccer League, LISA, Champions League, SNSA, and GSSL
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Development of countless athletes who continue to honor the club on and off the field
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Induction into the New Jersey Soccer Hall of Fame in 2021
Today, SCP fields four competitive teams in the Garden State Soccer League and remains an iconic sports and cultural institution for the Portuguese community.
A Title That Honors the Past and Inspires the Future
The triumph of Ironbound Sport Club Português is more than a trophy — it is a symbol of continuity, legacy, and passion for a club whose history is larger than the game itself. More than a century after the legends who wore the SCP jersey, a new generation now lifts a trophy that strengthens and renews the legacy of 104 years of football history.
Congratulations, champions.
This title is yours.
It is ours.
It belongs to the entire Portuguese community.
Viva o Ironbound Sport Club Português!