DES MOINES, IA — Capital City Roots FC is proud to announce the recipients of the Fall 2025 Player Awards, as voted on by the players themselves, following the club’s first-ever season in the UPSL Premier Division.

The 2025 fall campaign marked a milestone for the Roots — our inaugural season competing at the UPSL level, our first playoff berth, and the creation of an identity built on discipline, community, and work rate. After months of training, travel, and competition, the squad gathered to recognize the teammates who made a standout impact on and off the pitch.

🏆 Player of the Year: Jose Balderas

Balderas earned the highest honor of the season, securing the trust and admiration of his teammates. Known for his professionalism, consistency, and leadership, Jose was a core presence in the midfield and instrumental in the team’s push toward the postseason. His influence extended far beyond the stat sheet — he set standards daily, and the squad took notice.

📈 Most Improved Player: Seylan Spence

Spence emerged as one of the year’s strongest development stories. Entering the season with raw potential, Seylan committed to the grind, elevated his training habits, and took major strides across every phase of his game. His growth was visible, meaningful, and earned nothing but respect from the locker room.

🔥 Best Starting XI (Player Voted)

In addition to the individual awards, Roots players selected the 11 teammates they felt collectively represented the club’s identity throughout the season.

This recognition highlights performance, accountability, and the competitive culture that took hold in our first year:

BEST XI:

27 Zamago • 4 Zahilic • 11 Mamola • 5 Ewers • 7 Balderas • 10 Hajdarevic

44 Valdez Jr • 16 Carrillo • 6 Valdez • 3 May • 1 Murphy

Honorable Mentions:

2 Garcia • 97 Saffawy • 96 Dominguez • 77 Kori • 98 Spence

These selections reflect the voices of the players — the Rooted core who battled alongside each other every matchday.

A Season of Firsts — and a Foundation for the Future

Capital City Roots FC closed the fall season with a 5–1–4 regular-season record, securing a playoff berth in year one — a remarkable achievement for a brand-new program built from scratch.

More importantly, the squad established a culture: work ethic, humility, internal competition, and community-first values.

This season’s journey lays the groundwork for what comes next:

– Expanded men’s program for 2026 Launch of the Capital City Roots WPSL team

– A deepened relationship with local soccer pathways, including Des Moines Menace and Pro Iowa

– Increased training opportunities, community outreach, and development programming across the metro

The Roots are committed to growing the game in the Des Moines area by creating opportunities for players to train, develop, and advance — whether into higher amateur tiers or professional environments.

Stay Connected

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— The roots are planted.

Now we build the forest.

Capital City Roots FC