New Semi-Pro Soccer Club Valle Verde FC Grinding From the Dirt Up

The Eugene-Springfield community's newest soccer team is determined to turn around a tough inaugural season.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:34am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a soccer match or training session, with sharp, overlapping planes of emerald green, royal blue, and golden yellow, capturing the raw energy and movement of the sport.The diverse, determined players of Valle Verde FC are grinding to build a winning semi-pro soccer club from the ground up.Springfield Today

In the heart of the Eugene-Springfield community, a new semi-pro soccer club called Valle Verde FC is grinding their way from the dirt up. After a harsh 1-9 finish in their inaugural season in the UPSL Oregon - Premier Division, the team is entering their second season with something to prove. Led by co-president Dustin Griesbach, head coach Ivan Torres, and a diverse roster of players from around the world, Valle Verde FC is striving to not only make an impact on the pitch, but also serve as a resource and role model for the local community.

Why it matters

The launch of Valle Verde FC provides another opportunity for players in the Eugene-Springfield area to compete at a semi-pro level, while also giving the community a new team to rally behind. The club's focus on diversity and community engagement sets it apart as a unique addition to the local sports landscape.

The details

In their first season, Valle Verde FC went 1-9 and finished last in the UPSL Oregon - Premier Division. Now, the team is determined to turn things around. 'Oh, we're trying to do a complete 180,' said head coach Ivan Torres. 'You know we understand the lessons or the mistakes we made in the first season now we know what we have to do make it to the top.' The club was founded by local players and has attracted a diverse roster, including players from Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, and Brazil. 'It's just phenomenal to me, it's incredible that we have an immense diversity here on the team,' said co-founder and player Gumaro Balcazar.

  • Valle Verde FC played their inaugural season in 2025.
  • The team's home opener for the 2026 season is on April 11th.

The players

Dustin Griesbach

Co-President of Valle Verde FC.

Ivan Torres

Head coach of Valle Verde FC.

Armando Franca Filho

Player for Valle Verde FC.

Gumaro Balcazar

Co-founder and player for Valle Verde FC.

Jorge Huaracha Canchola

Sporting Director of Valle Verde FC.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of trials and tribulations figuring out how these kinds of things work. Learning how to make a team work, is the Cinergy there, is everyone doing what they need to, getting the resources you need, it's easier said than done.”

— Dustin Griesbach, Co-President

“Oh, we're trying to do a complete 180. You know we understand the lessons or the mistakes we made in the first season now we know what we have to do make it to the top.”

— Ivan Torres, Head Coach

“To come from last season not winning much, to tying with one of the toughest teams in the league, that shows that we're here to win.”

— Armando Franca Filho, Player

“It's just phenomenal to me, it's incredible that we have an immense diversity here on the team.”

— Gumaro Balcazar, Co-Founder and Player

“It's been basically 12 years without playing at this level and now finally receiving the invitation to come back and play at this level.”

— Armando Franca Filho, Player

What’s next

Valle Verde FC will play their home opener against the BFC Lightning on April 11th at 6pm at the Les Schwab Sports Park.

The takeaway

The launch of Valle Verde FC represents a new opportunity for players in the Eugene-Springfield community to compete at a semi-pro level, while also providing the local area with a diverse and community-focused soccer team that is determined to turn around a tough inaugural season.