Antonio Costa honed his goalkeeping instincts growing up and now leads UUFC with elevated leadership

Syracuse NY,

On a tense night against Amlima FC, Upstate United FC faced relentless pressure. With the opposition advancing, goalkeeper Antonio Costa rose to the challenge, showcasing a series of stunning saves in the second half. His remarkable performance secured a vital point for UUFC against a formidable division rival.

"He made some world-class saves against top players during the match," said UUFC President Hanson Goeso. “That game was critical for the team, helping us gain a significant point during a challenging period of the season."

From Brazil to Syracuse, Costa's path has been marked by resilience and ambition. After relocating to the United States, he quickly adapted to college soccer at Bryant & Stratton Syracuse before joining UUFC last year. His leadership potential was immediately recognized when he was named captain. Now, entering another year with renewed motivation, he aims to elevate both himself and the team.

Born in Pernambuco, a coastal state in northeastern Brazil, Costa’s childhood revolved around football. He grew up in a vibrant atmosphere where his family passionately supported the local professional team, Sport Club do Recife, and he enjoyed playing football with friends daily.

At an early age, Costa was drawn to goalkeeping, inspired by his idol Magrão. Despite his family's concerns about his size for the position, his passion never wavered.

"My mom always asked my coach to change my position because she thought I was too small, but I never wanted to leave goalkeeping. It has always been my passion, and I’ve never changed that," he said.

For Costa, goalkeeping is about more than just making saves; it's about embracing leadership and accountability. He views his role as essential to the team’s success, believing that a strong goalkeeper is the foundation of any solid team, even if they don't receive the recognition afforded to goal strikers.

"As goalkeepers, we don't get much praise like those who score," Costa said. “But we support the team from the back. Everything begins with a good goalkeeper.

To refine his skills and define his style, he adopted key traits from world-class goalkeepers, especially Ederson of Manchester City, whom he admires for his exceptional footwork. Costa regards technical skill with the ball at his feet as a crucial aspect of modern goalkeeping, a characteristic that has come to define his playing style. 

While balancing football and studying, being a student-athlete in the US offered Costa hope. In 2023, he transferred from Brazil to Bryant & Stratton Syracuse and played for the Bobcats during the 2023 season. Despite recovering from an ACL injury, Costa quickly regained his form as a goalkeeper, adapting to the fast-paced American game. As a starter in six matches, he made a powerful impression with 32 saves, boasting a 0.80 save rate.

After a successful college season, Costa looked for a club to continue his growth over the summer and discovered UUFC. Initially hesitant to commit, he soon realized it was the best choice after seeing the club's structure and organization.

"At first, I thought he was a bit short for a college goalkeeper," Goeso noted. “But after his first practice, I knew we had something special on our roster.”

His leadership qualities were quickly evident, as he actively communicated with teammates, facilitating their understanding of the coach’s tactical vision, particularly for building play from the back. His precise passing helped the team maintain better possession and control during games.

As the season advanced, Costa assumed greater responsibilities as captain, especially during a challenging year marked by numerous roster changes and tough losses. Despite the difficulties, he upheld high spirits and significantly contributed to maintaining the team’s morale.

“We faced a lot of challenges, struggling to keep a consistent squad. But when we said, ‘we have to play this way,' that's when we began to find stability and win games,” Costa reflected. "It’s the experiences that drive growth."

Competing with both Bobcat Syracuse and UUFC has immensely aided Costa’s development. Playing throughout the summer ensures he returns to college not only in better shape but also with the right mindset. During the 2024 season with the Bobcats, he participated in all 12 games, notching 46 saves with a 0.754 save percentage, including six clean sheets. 

His performances earned him a place on the USCAA Division I 2024 Soccer All-American and the End of Year Award 1st Team. Thanks to his defensive prowess, the 10-2-1 Bryant & Stratton Syracuse team advanced to the USCAA Division-I National Championship final, ultimately finishing as runners-up after a 0-3 defeat to Lyon College (Arkansas).

“I learned a lot from my experiences last year. I always try to reflect on what I did well and where I went wrong so I can correct my mistakes, communicate with my teammates, and discuss with my coach how I can improve and integrate into his style of play. Being adaptable has been crucial for my growth here," Costa shared.

As he prepares for another season, Costa’s ambitions remain high for UUFC’s forthcoming 2025 season. He is determined to secure as many clean sheets as possible and possesses a fierce competitive spirit, feeling frustrated whenever goals are conceded. With high expectations for himself and his team, he aims to continue leading UUFC and making impactful contributions to success.

“I'll try to keep as many clean sheets as I can,” Costa said. “That's always something I want to do. I get very angry when goals are conceded. I have the highest expectations for it for the (upcoming) season of Upstate United.”