Rafael Smaga Channels Hometown Passion to Ignite Upstate United

On the pitch, Rafael Smaga’s physicality often raises eyebrows—people alike joking that he’s always looking for a scrap. But beneath the tough tackles and hungry challenges lies a different purpose.

‍

“I'm not trying to be disrespectful to my opponents,” Smaga said. “I'm just trying to put some energy on the team that maybe something we need more at Upstate United.”

Since joining Upstate United this year, the Brazilian demonstrated his impressive scoring abilities during the pregame scrimmages, netting two goals and sharing the club’s leading scorer position with Juanma Herrera. 

Smaga was raised in Coritiba, Brazil, located less than a hundred miles from the borders of Argentina and Paraguay. He noted that there was a vibrant soccer culture shared by people across the border. His support for his hometown professional team, Club Athletico Paranaense, which is currently in Série B, was heavily shaped by the lively atmosphere of the team culture he experienced as a young fan in the stands.

‍

“We have this culture and passion in South America. It's natural for us from that region,” Smaga thinks that the geographical aspect played a role in shaping his energetic personality. “That's what I try to do when I'm on the field, because I remember when I'm watching my hometown club play. I want the players to put their life on a pitch, and that's what I try to do when I'm on the pitch.”

Smaga initially focused his athletic talent on swimming. However, as family expenses increased, he shifted to soccer at the age of six, supported by local field programs and early mentoring from his uncle. By the age of ten, he had swapped the pool for the soccer field, determined to build a future in the sport. 

During his teenage years, Smaga advanced through the youth ranks of São Joseense, playing for the club’s under-19 team while developing his skills as a center back. Though the mandatory military service disrupted his progression, he returned to the pitch after a year, joining NEXT Academy, a private program that offered match experience, highlight video creation, and connections to U.S. colleges. 

At NEXT Academy, Smaga highlighted his position change when an injury to the team’s striker opened up a position up front. Thus, the coach decided to place him in the striker’s role, and Smaga rewarded the coach's trust by scoring a brace in his first game as a forward. Even after the original striker returned, Smaga continued to shine at the frontline.

“Because of my size and my style of play, he would like to test me there. And then I scored twice (in the first game), and we got some chemistry on that team,” Smaga said.

When an opportunity arose at a community college in Miami, Smaga seized it, but he found out the coaching staff had been dismissed and the program dissolved after his arrival. Undeterred, he sent his footage nationwide and connected with Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska. 

Despite the culture shock of living in a small Midwestern town, he thrived under the early mentorship of then-coach Alex Scheuler and the energetic leadership of succeeding coach Kenan Sahuric. In his sophomore season with the Thunderbirds, Smaga rediscovered his confidence, scoring four goals en route to a regional title.

“(Sahuric) did an incredible job. He put some energy. We were excited to play every game. We treat every game as a final,” He said. “It was everybody on the same page. And I think that is one of the most important things in soccer.”

Due to a registration issue, Smaga was unable to play for Harris-Stowe State University, where he aimed to pursue a Bachelor's degree. He then shifted his focus to Brant & Stratton (Syracuse), where he tallied three goals and provided an assist in 13 appearances. Despite joining the program abruptly as the season reached its midpoint, he quickly adapted to a new system and contributed to strengthening the Bobcats’ offense.

As he embarks on his debut season with Upstate this summer, Smaga aims to bring that energy to the team’s locker room during this challenging winless streak. 

“Now we're on the same page with the ‘heads down’. And we need to be on the same page with the ‘heads up’, be confident, and have a desire to win.”

‍