Fixtures

DateRHome vs Away-
05/25 20:00 - Georgia Lions FC vs Michigan Stars View
05/25 21:00 - Savannah Clovers vs Club de Lyon FC View
05/27 00:00 - Irvine Zeta FC vs Capo FC View
06/15 02:30 - Capo FC vs Irvine Zeta FC View
06/15 20:00 - Georgia Lions FC vs Savannah Clovers View
06/16 02:00 - LA Force vs Arizona Monsoon FC View

Results

Date R Home vs Away -
10/20 02:00 1 [1] LA Force vs Irvine Zeta FC [2] 1-1
10/13 02:00 2 [2] Irvine Zeta FC vs Michigan Stars [2] 3-0
09/23 02:00 - Irvine Zeta FC vs Arizona Monsoon FC 3-0
09/22 02:00 - [1] LA Force vs Capo FC NISA [3] 2-1
09/21 23:00 - Maryland Bobcats FC vs Club de Lyon FC 3-0
09/21 17:00 - [2] Michigan Stars vs Savannah Clovers [4] 3-0
09/16 02:00 - [2] Irvine Zeta FC vs LA Force [1] 0-2
09/14 23:00 - [1] Maryland Bobcats FC vs Michigan Stars [2] 3-1
09/14 21:00 - [4] Savannah Clovers vs Georgia Lions FC [5] 4-0
09/11 23:00 - [1] Maryland Bobcats FC vs Michigan Stars [2] 2-0
09/09 01:00 - [4] Arizona Monsoon FC vs Irvine Zeta FC [2] DBFA
09/08 02:30 - [3] Capo FC NISA vs LA Force [1] 0-5

The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) is a professional men's soccer league in the United States. The league is in the third tier of American soccer and began play in 2019. NISA initially used a fall-to-spring season format with a winter break but have switched to spring-to-fall which is more common in the United States.

History

League beginnings

Original league logo (2017–2021)

On June 6, 2017, it was announced that the newly formed National Independent Soccer Association would begin play in 2018 targeting an initial 8 to 10 teams, later revised to 8 to 12 teams. Initially, the league outlined plans to introduce a promotion/relegation system, once they reach their goal of 24 teams, the first in US professional soccer and in doing so act as a feeder league to the North American Soccer League (NASL); however, the NASL ceased operations prior to those plans being implemented.

On February 13, 2018, NISA co-founder Jack Cummins died suddenly. On May 17, 2018, NISA co-founder Peter Wilt left the NISA to help start up Forward Madison FC in Madison, Wisconsin in USL League One. A committee of club owners has been formed to elect new leadership within the organization.

Reorganization and start of play

On August 31, 2018, NISA filed an application with the United States Soccer Federation for sanctioning as a men's professional league, playing at the third division. On February 16, 2019, NISA was provisionally sanctioned as a Division III league by the United States Soccer Federation. In May 2019, it was announced that clubs were not happy with the silence from the league and that Bob Watkins was no longer the President of NISA and that John Prutch had taken the helm as commissioner. During this same timeframe, the league's start date was pushed back from August 2019 to a targeted September start date.

On June 10, 2019, it became known that both Miami FC and California United Strikers FC were approved at the recent board of governors meeting to join NISA, while the previously identified club in Central Florida would play in Baton Rouge, Louisiana instead of Daytona Beach, Florida. However, it was unclear whether either of the teams would start before the league's September start date. On June 27, 2019, it was announced that Oakland Roots SC would have their inaugural season with the league in the spring season, rather than the previously announced NPSL Founders Cup. On August 15, 2019, the league officially announced the addition of Oakland Roots for the 2019 season and Chattanooga FC, Detroit City FC, and Michigan Stars FC for early 2020.

The inaugural season began on August 31, 2019, with a 3–3 draw for Oakland Roots SC and California United Strikers FC in Oakland. On April 27, 2020, following previous postponements, the remainder of the 2019–20 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On September 10, 2020, the league announced that one of the original co-founders of the league, Peter Wilt, would be rejoining the league in a club operations capacity by attempting to establish a club in Chicago. On September 15, 2020, one of the founding teams, Oakland Roots, announced that they were leaving the league to join the USL Championship, a league in the second division of professional soccer.

Development of the amateur and semi-professional game

On April 27, 2020, NISA revealed a new tournament called the NISA Independent Cup that would have member teams face off against high quality amateur and independent professional sides in a regional format. The tournament and 15 participating teams were announced on July 1.

NISA announced its first affiliation agreement with the Gulf Coast Premier League, a USASA affiliated amateur league based in the gulf coast of the United States, on August 13, 2020. The partnership is set to provide a pathway to professional status for both clubs and players, while also allowing two GCPL teams to qualify for future editions of the Independent Cup based on league play. This was expanded to include the Midwest Premier League and Eastern Premier Soccer League on September 3 and 4, 2020, respectively. On November 23, NISA announced a fourth agreement with the Mountain Premier League.

On September 17, 2020, the league announced that it was establishing a full-year amateur league, the NISA Nation, that would serve as an incubator for amateur and semi-professional clubs that wish to move into NISA's professional league. NISA stated that this full-season amateur league and its previously announced league affiliations would serve as the foundation of a fully open professional to amateur pyramid in the United States.

The league announced an "alliance" with semi-professional women's soccer league United Women's Soccer on January 28, 2021, with the target of launching a professional women's league in 2022. This proposed league would occupy the at the time vacant second tier of professional women's soccer in the United States. Many NISA clubs, including Detroit City FC, Michigan Stars FC, and NJ Teamsterz FC field or had announced fielding UWS and UWS2 teams. However, on March 20, 2021, it was reported that the alliance had broken down and the leagues had gone their separate ways.[]

**USA NISA Soccer Tournament**

The USA NISA (National Independent Soccer Association) Tournament is an exciting annual event that showcases the best of American soccer, bringing together teams from across the nation to compete in a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Established to promote the growth of independent soccer clubs, the tournament serves as a platform for emerging talent and established teams alike, fostering a competitive environment that highlights the diversity and passion of the sport in the United States.

**Tournament Highlights:**

- **Diverse Participation:** The USA NISA Tournament features a wide array of teams from various regions, including both professional and semi-professional clubs. This diversity not only enhances the competition but also allows fans to experience a rich tapestry of playing styles and cultures.

- **Exciting Matchups:** Fans can look forward to intense matchups as teams battle for supremacy on the field. Each game is a showcase of athleticism, teamwork, and tactical prowess, making for an exhilarating spectator experience.

- **Community Engagement:** The tournament emphasizes community involvement, encouraging local fans to support their teams and engage with soccer at the grassroots level. Special events, fan zones, and youth clinics are often organized to promote the sport and inspire the next generation of players.

- **Pathway to Professionalism:** The USA NISA Tournament serves as a vital stepping stone for clubs aspiring to reach higher levels of competition. It provides teams with the opportunity to gain exposure, attract talent, and potentially secure a place in the professional soccer landscape.

- **Celebration of Soccer Culture:** Beyond the matches, the tournament celebrates the rich culture of soccer in the United States. Fans can enjoy food, music, and festivities that reflect the vibrant communities surrounding the teams, creating a festive atmosphere for all attendees.

Join us for the USA NISA Tournament, where passion meets competition, and witness the future of American soccer unfold on the pitch! Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this tournament promises unforgettable moments and a celebration of the beautiful game.