NISA Nation explained

NISA Nation
Pixels:190px
Organiser:NISA
First:2021
Country:United States
Confed:CONCACAF
(North American Football Union)
Divisions:4
Teams:22
Domest Cup:U.S. Open Cup
League Cup:NISA Independent Cup
Confed Cup:CONCACAF Champions League
(via U.S. Open Cup)
Champions:NoVa FC (1st title)
Most Successful Club:NoVa FC (1 title)
Tv:Eleven Sports
Current:2024 NISA Nation season
American:yes

NISA Nation is a semi-professional men's soccer league in the United States. The league is below the professional leagues in the United States soccer league system and began play in 2021. NISA Nation is affiliated with the third tier professional league National Independent Soccer Association.[1] [2]

History

On August 25, 2021, Atlantic City FC was announced as the first club of the newly formed league.[3] Two weeks later, NISA Nation announced they had six teams for their inaugural season and they would play a 10 game schedule in the Northeast Region. This inaugural region included the leagues first promoted team, Steel Pulse FC from the Eastern Premier Soccer League.[4] In October 2021, NISA Nation announced the start of a second region. The Southwest Region was started with four teams, each team playing six games in a round robin format.[5] New Jersey Alliance FC beat New Amsterdam FC II 4–0 to secure the first regional championship for the Northeast Region.[6] In early January 2022, FC Golden State Force claimed the first Southwest Region championship.[7]

On January 6, 2022, it was announced that NISA Nation earned from the United States Adult Soccer Association the USASA provisional national league license, a license that gave recognition to the league and that opens the way to U.S. Open Cup spots directly from the league.[8] The Florida Region was announced in the Spring of 2022, with five teams facing each other three times in the Orlando area.[9] In addition to the Florida Region, NISA Nation announced that the Northeast Region's spring season would consist of eight clubs playing 10 games a piece. The defending champions New Jersey Alliance FC, returned to defend their title during the spring season.[10] In May 2022, the Pacific Region was announced with four teams, playing a 12 game schedule.[11] This brought the league to 23 teams for the Spring of 2022. Each region crowned a champion for the 2022 NISA Nation season. The four champions were Club De Lyon (Florida Region), New Jersey Alliance FC (Northeast Region), Battleborn FC (Pacific Region), and Capo FC (Southwest Region).[12]

NISA Nation announced in early 2023 that the Southwest region would return for play in the spring with six clubs, including three previous clubs and three new clubs: AS Los Angeles, SC Union Maricopa, and Olympiacos CA.[13] In early 2023, NISA Nation announced the addition of the Pacific Division for the spring, with five teams committed and ten teams planned.[14] In July 2023, NISA Nation announced the formation of the Texas Region for fall 2023.[15] For the fall of 2023, NISA Nation ran three regional leagues; Pacific, Southwest, and Texas Regions.[16]

National Championship

In October 2023, NISA Nation announced that they would hold their inaugural National Championship, which would have three rounds to determine the national champions. Eligible to participate were the champions of the NISA Nation regions, as well as the champions of its affiliate leagues.[17] The two finalists, Northern Virginia FC and Las Vegas Legends, were both invited to promote to the third-tier NISA. The inaugural Championship represented the first opportunity for merit-based promotion to the professional level in the United States soccer league system.[18]

NISA Independent Cup

Teams from NISA Nation participated in the 36 team NISA Independent Cup in 2022.[19]

U.S. Open Cup

Clubs in NISA Nation can qualify for the U.S. Open Cup through the local qualifying route. In 2022, five clubs from NISA Nation applied to participate in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup. Battleborn FC, Capo FC, SC Union Maricop, Club De Lyon, and Deportivo Lake Mary all started the 2023 U.S. Open Cup qualification[20] Capo FC and Club De Lyon qualified to compete in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup.[21] Capo FC advanced the furthest in the competition making it into the second round.[22] Five teams took part in the 2024 U.S. Open Cup qualification. Battleborn FC and Capo FC participated in their second qualification tournament and Bay Area United FC, JASA RWC, and Temecula FC participating for the first time as a member of NISA Nation.[23] Temecula FC advanced furthest, making it to the fourth qualifying round before losing to Irvine Zeta FC.[24]

Associations

NISA Nation is affiliated and plans to begin a pro-rel system with 6 leagues all over the country: the Cascadia Premier League[25] in Washington and Oregon, the Eastern Premier Soccer League[26] in the north east, the Mountain Premier League in the Rocky Mountains region, and the Southwest Premier League in the southwestern United States, the Gulf Coast Premier League in the deep south, the Pioneer Premier League in Tennessee and Kentucky, the Midwest Premier League[27] in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin and Missouri. In 2023 reaffirmed their association with Cascadia Premier League, Eastern Premier Soccer League, Mountain Premier League, and Southwest Premier League. This aligned all four leagues top division aside NISA Nation. This will continue to provide these leagues with slots in the NISA Independent Cup and began a new initiative that provided a national championship to be competed between NISA Nation Regional champions and league winners.[28] In August 2023, NISA Nation announced the association with Florida Gold Coast League.[29] In October 2023, NISA Nation announced their affiliation with Metroplex Premier League, an amateur league from North Texas.[30] In February 2024, NISA Nation announced the Upstate New York Region as the fourth region for the 2024 Spring season.[31]

width=2% LevelLeague(s)/division(s)
3National Independent Soccer Association
9 clubs
4NISA Nation
Upstate New York Region
4 clubs
NISA Nation
Texas Region
1 club
NISA Nation
Pacific Region
8 clubs
NISA Nation
Southwest Region
8 clubs
5Cascadia Premier LeagueEastern Premier Soccer LeagueFlorida Gold Coast LeagueMetroplex Premier LeagueMountain Premier LeagueSouthwest Premier League

Cascadia Premier League

width=2% LevelLeague(s)/division(s)
5Cascadia Premier League Premier 1
Men's Premier League 1 - Baker Division
5 clubs
Cascadia Premier League Premier 1
Men's Premier League 1 - Columbia Division
4 clubs
Cascadia Premier League Premier 1
Men's Premier League 1 - Rainier Division
5 clubs
6Cascadia Premier League 2
Men's Premier 2 - Cascade Division
5 clubs
Cascadia Premier League 2
Men's Premier 2 - Pacific Division
6 clubs

Eastern Premier Soccer League

width=2% LevelLeague(s)/division(s)
5Eastern Premier Soccer League
Delaware River Conference
8 clubs
Eastern Premier Soccer League
Metropolitan Conference
12 clubs
Eastern Premier Soccer League
Mid-Atlantic Conference
8 clubs
Eastern Premier Soccer League
Northeast Conference
5 clubs
6Casa Soccer League Select
Liga 1
5 clubs
Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Division 1
11 clubs
Garden State Soccer League
Super Division
10 clubs
Long Island Soccer Football League
Premier Division
7 clubs
Maryland Major Soccer League
10 clubs
7Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Division 2 - East
9 clubs
Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Division 2 - West
9 clubs
Garden State Soccer League
A Division - Central
11 clubs
Garden State Soccer League
A Division - North
11 clubs
Long Island Soccer Football League
Division 1
7 clubs
8Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Division 3 - East
7 clubs
Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Division 3 - West
7 clubs
Garden State Soccer League
B Division - Central
11 clubs
Garden State Soccer League
B Division - North
9 clubs
Long Island Soccer Football League
Division 2
7 clubs
9Cosmopolitan Soccer League
Division 4
10 clubs

Florida Gold Coast League

width=2% LevelLeague(s)/division(s)
5Florida Gold Coast League
North Division
4 clubs
Florida Gold Coast League
South Division
4 clubs

Metroplex Premier League

width=2% LevelLeague(s)/division(s)
5Metroplex Premier League
8 clubs
6Metroplex Premier League 2
West Division
5 clubs
Metroplex Premier League 2
East Division
5 clubs

Mountain Premier League

width=2% LevelLeague(s)/division(s)
5Mountain Premier League
Eastern Division
6 clubs
Mountain Premier League
Western Division
2 clubs

Southwest Premier League

width=2% LevelLeague(s)/division(s)
5Arizona Premier LeagueMen's Open Arizona
7 clubs
Baja CA San Diego Premier LeagueMen's Open San Diego
Enhancement Premier LeagueMen's Open
Nevada Premier LeagueMen's Open Nevada
7 clubs
Pacific Premier LeagueMen's Open Pacific
6 clubs
SoCal Premier LeagueMen's Open SoCal
6SoCal Premier LeagueSecond Division
14clubs
7

Current Teams

Pacific Region

TeamCityStadiumFoundedFirst season
Afghan Premier FC[32] Fremont, CaliforniaOhlone College Soccer Field19912024
ASC Silicon Valley[33] Redwood City, CaliforniaTerremere Field20232024
Battleborn FC[34] Reno, NevadaBishop Manogue High School20212022
Bay Area United FC[35] Richmond, CaliforniaEstuary Park Soccer Field20212023
Club TepaSan Francisco, CaliforniaSouth San Francisco High School19942024
Galaxy Silicon Valley[36] Union City, CaliforniaJames Logan High School20222024
Laguna FC[37] San Francisco, CaliforniaKezar Stadium20232024
Modesto Ciy FC[38] Modesto, CaliforniaCentral Catholic High School20192023

Southwest Region

TeamCityStadiumFoundedFirst season
Capo FC[39] San Juan Capistrano, CaliforniaJSerra Catholic High School20062022
Craq IntercontinentalSalton City, CaliforniaWest Shores High School20222024
Desert FC[40] La Quinta, CaliforniaHovley Soccer Park20202023
FC Golden State ForcePomona, CaliforniaRio Hondo College20152021
Irvine Zeta FCIrvine, California20222024
Las Vegas Legends[41] Las Vegas, NevadaChristo Rey St. Viator High School 20122021
Olympiacos CA[42] Huntington Beach, CaliforniaAl Barbour Field20122023
SC Union Maricopa[43] Phoenix, ArizonaAndess High School20202022
Temecula FC[44] Temecula, CaliforniaChaparral High School20132023

Upstate New York Region

TeamCityStadiumFoundedFirst season
Binghamton FCBinghamton, New York20122024
Gaffer City FC[46] Corning, New York20232024
Roc City BoomRochester, New York20192024
Sahara Gunners FC[47] Buffalo, New York20212024
United Elite Krajisnick FC[48] Utica, New York19772024
FC Dutchmen Independence[49] Utica, New York20212024

Former teams

TeamCityStadiumFoundedFirst seasonFinal season
Chula Vista FCChula Vista, CaliforniaTerra Nova Park198220212021
New Amsterdam FC IINew York, New YorkOrlin & Cohen Sports Complex202020212021
New Jersey Teamsterz FCBayonne, New JerseyDon Ahern Veterans Memorial Stadium201720212021
Steel Pulse FCBaltimore, MarylandBlandair Regional Park West Playground201920212021
Valley United FC U23Scottsdale, ArizonaGCU Stadium202020212021
Athletico Orlando FCOrlando, FloridaNortheast Regional Park201720222022
Club de LyonDaytona Beach, FloridaDaytona Stadium202220232021
Deportivo Lake MaryLake Mary, FloridaLake Mary High School201720222021
Inter United FCDavenport, FloridaFeltrim Sports Complex199720222021
Winter Haven United FCWinter Haven, FloridaFeltrim Sports Complex201620222021
Alloy Soccer ClubLancaster, Pennsylvania20222022
Aiolikos FC USA RushBoston, MassachusettsCawley Memorial Stadium197520222022
Albion SC DelawareMiddletown, DelawareDE Turf Sports Complex202020212022
Allentown United FCAllentown, PennsylvaniaCedar Crest College201820222022
Atlantic City FCAtlantic City, New JerseyRowan University201720212022
Boston Athletic SCBoston, MassachusettsHarry Della Russo Stadium200520222022
New Jersey Alliance FCClifton, New JerseyNewark Schools Stadium201220212022
New York Braveheart SCNew York City, New YorkOrlin and Cohen Sports Complex202220222022
Union SCUnion Township, New JerseyVolunteer Field198420222022
AC Houston SurRichmond, TexasMatias Almeyda Training Center202120232023
AFC Solano[50] Fairfield, CaliforniaArmijo High School202020222023
AFC South Bay[51] San Jose, CaliforniaWatson Park Soccer Fields202120222023
FC Dallas DynamoDallas, Texas202120232023
JASA FWC FCRedwood City, CaliforniaRed Morton Park199920232023
Lions United FCMontrose, CaliforniaGlendale Sports Complex202120232023
Lobos FCWest Covina, CaliforniaHovley Soccer Park201620232023
Matias Almeyda FCHouston, TexasMatias Almeyda Training Center201920232023
Oaks FCThousand Oaks, CaliforniaCalifornia Lutheran University197920222023
Ocelot FCColton, CaliforniaColton High School Stadium202120232023
Ocelot Stockton TLJ FCStockton, CaliforniaEdison High School202120232023
San Francisco Elite Metro FCSan Francisco, CaliforniaNegoesco Stadium201720222023
San Francisco Elite Metro FCSan Francisco, CaliforniaNegoesco Stadium201720222023
Sporting ID11Lake Forest, CaliforniaLake Forest Sports Complex202120222023
Texas PremierHouston, Texas201620232023
Windmill City FCStockton, California202220232023

Champions

National Championship

!Season!Champion!Runner-up
2023[52] Northern Virginia FC (EPSL)Las Vegas Legends

Regional Championships

Florida Region

!Season!Champion!Runner-up !Third place
Spring 2022Club de LyonAtletico OrlandoDeportivo Lake Mary

Northeast Region

SeasonChampionRunner-upThird place
Fall 2021New Jersey Alliance FCNew Amsterdam FC IISteel Pulse FC
Spring 2022New Jersey Alliance FCUnion SCNew York Braveheart

Pacific Region

SeasonChampionRunner-up Third place
Spring 2022Battleborn FCAFC South BaySan Francisco Elite Metro FC
Spring 2023Battleborn FC[53] JASA RWCWindmill City FC
Fall 2023Battleborn FC[54] JASA RWCWindmill City FC
Spring 2024Silicon Valley Rush[55] Bay Area UnitedAfghan Premier

Southwest Region

SeasonChampionRunner-upThird place
Fall 2021FC Golden State ForceLas Vegas Legends
Spring 2022Capo FCFC Golden State ForceLas Vegas Legends
Spring 2023FC Golden State Force[56] Temecula FCCapo FC
Fall 2023FC Golden State ForceTemecula FCCapo FC
Spring 2024Las Vegas Legends[57] FC Golden State ForceCapo FC

Texas Region

!Season!Champion!Runner-up!Third place
Fall 2023FC BrownsvilleMatias Almeyda FCAC Houston Sur

Western NY Region

Leadership

NameYearsTitle
John Prutch2022–Commissioner[60]
Matt Morse2022–Managing Director, Independent Cup, & Affiliates[61]
Kenneth Henriques2022–Referee Coordinator[62]
Carlos Budyszewick2023–Director of Expansion and Outreach[63]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: NISA NATION PAVES NEW PATH TO PRO SOCCER . NISA Nation . 25 September 2021.
  2. Web site: Lewis . Michael . PATHWAY TO THE PROS: NISA Nation is unveiled for amateur clubs seeking greater challenges . Front Row Soccer . 17 September 2020 . 20 October 2021.
  3. Web site: Ralph . Matthew . Atlantic City FC first club announced in new NISA Nation league . www.brotherlygame.com . 25 August 2021 . 25 August 2021.
  4. Web site: NISA Nation first region set for play . September 17, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 4, 2023.
  5. Web site: NISA Nation solidifies second region . October 22, 2021 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 4, 2023.
  6. Web site: New Jersey Alliance FC earns first ever NISA Nation regional title . December 13, 2021 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 4, 2023.
  7. Web site: FC Golden state force claims inaugural NISA Nation Southwest Region . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 4, 2023.
  8. Web site: NISA Nation earns provisional national league designation from United States Adult Soccer Association . www.nisanation.com . NISA Nation . 6 January 2022.
  9. Web site: NISA Naion announces inaugural Florida region schedule . March 22, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 4, 2023.
  10. Web site: EXxpanded NISA Nation Northeast Region set for play . March 24, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 4, 2023.
  11. Web site: NISA Nation Pacific Region set to play . May 3, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 4, 2023.
  12. Web site: NISA Nation spring season crowns four champions . July 25, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  13. Web site: NISA Nation announces return of Southwest Division for 2023 . December 15, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  14. Web site: NISA Nation announces new Pacific Division for 2023 . February 21, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  15. Web site: NISA Nation announces activation of new Texas Region . July 21, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  16. Web site: NISA Nation announces schedules for fall season . August 30, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  17. Web site: NISA announces National Championship tournament for NISA Nation and regional premier league affiliates . October 12, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  18. Web site: NISA promotes Las Vegas Legends to Pro . January 12, 2024 . NISAOfficial.com . NISA . March 8, 2024.
  19. Web site: NISA Independent Cup announces 2022 schedule . June 20, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 4, 2023.
  20. Web site: NISA Nation announces five amateur clubs to compete for U.S. Open Cup glory . August 18, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  21. Web site: Nine through to the big time: #USOC2023 fourth round qualifying review . Fontela . Jonah . December 19, 2022 . www.USSoccer.com . United States Soccer Federation . December 10, 2022.
  22. Web site: Cali's grassroots strivers CAPO FC making most of cup opportunity . March 29, 2023 . www.USSoccer.com . United States Soccer Association . December 10, 2023.
  23. Web site: Five NISA Nation clubs begin Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup qualifying this weekend . September 7, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  24. Web site: 2024 US Open Cup Qualifying Final Round: Irvine Zeta's early goal sets tone in win vs. Temecula FC . Padilla . Kathryne . November 20, 2023 . TheCup.US . November 20, 2023.
  25. Web site: Home . 2023-11-21 . Cascadia Premier League . en-us.
  26. Web site: Pro/Rel focused league NISA secures amateur league affiliation with EPSL . SoccerWire.com . 20 October 2021.
  27. Web site: Lewis . Michael . WORKING TOGETHER: NISA partners with Midwest Premier League . Front Row Soccer . 3 September 2020 . 20 October 2021.
  28. Web site: NISA reaffirms regional premier league affiliations and announces new NISA Nation championship . June 20, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  29. Web site: NISA Nation announces affiliation with the historic Florida Gold Coast League . August 8, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  30. Web site: NISA NATION ANNOUNCES AFFILIATION WITH THE METROPLEX PREMIER LEAGUENation announces affiliation with the Metroplex Premier League . October 18, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  31. Web site: NISA Nation announces activation of upstate New York region . February 6, 2024 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . February 11, 2024.
  32. Web site: Afghan Premier FC joins NISA Nation . January 25, 2024 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . January 27, 2024.
  33. Web site: ASC Silicon Valley joins NISA Nation . February 8, 2024 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . February 11, 2024.
  34. Web site: Battleborn FC joins NISA Nation . April 26, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  35. Web site: Bay Area United joins NISA Nation . February 23, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  36. Web site: Galaxy Silicon Valley joins NISA Nation . November 26, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . March 8, 2024.
  37. Web site: Laguna FC joins NISA Nation . January 9, 2024 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . January 9, 2024.
  38. Web site: Modesto City FC joins NISA Nation . March 3, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  39. Web site: Capo FC Re-joins NISA Nation . April 19, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  40. Web site: Desert FC joins NISA Nation . February 17, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  41. Web site: Las Vegas Legends re-join NISA Nation . July 19, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  42. Web site: Olympiacos CA joins NISA Nation . January 25, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  43. Web site: SC Union Maricopa re-joins NISA Nation . June 24, 2024 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . July 3, 2024.
  44. Web site: Temecula FC joins NISA Nation . January 11, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  45. Web site: FC Brownsville joins NISA nation . August 3, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  46. Web site: Gaffer City FC joins NISA Nation . March 28, 2024 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . March 29, 2024.
  47. Web site: Sahara Gunners FC joins NISA Nation . February 22, 2024 . NISA Nation . February 25, 2024.
  48. Web site: United Elite Krajisnik FC joins NISA Nation . February 20, 2024 . NISA Nation . February 25, 2024.
  49. Web site: FC Dutchmen Independence joins NISA Nation . April 10, 2024 . NISA Nation . April 10, 2024.
  50. Web site: NISA Nation Pacific Region set to play . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  51. Web site: NISA Nation announces AFC South Bay to join Pacific Region . April 18, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  52. Web site: NOVA FC WINS EPIC INAUGURAL NISA NATION NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPNoVa FC wins epic inaugural NISA Nation National Championship . December 3, 2023 . www.NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 7, 2023.
  53. Web site: Battleborn FC claimed second NISA Nation Pacific Region Title . July 14, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  54. Web site: Week 12: Battleborn FC takes Pacific Region title over Bay Area United . November 20, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  55. Web site: Silicon Valley Rush captures Pacific Region with overtime win . July 1, 2024 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . July 2, 2024.
  56. Web site: FC Golden State Force score NISA Nation Southwest Region title . June 15, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  57. Web site: Las Vegas Legends FC claims Southwest Region Title . July 1, 2024 . NISA Nation . July 2, 2024.
  58. Web site: Las Vegas Legends FC captures NISA Nation West Region crown . November 19, 2023 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  59. Web site: Roc City Boom plays way to inaugural Western NY Region title . August 7, 2024 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . August 11, 2024.
  60. Web site: PATHWAY TO THE PROS: NISA Nation is unveiled for amateur clubs seeking greater challenges . Lewis . Michael . September 17, 2020 . Front Row Soccer . March 9, 2023.
  61. Web site: Nation elevates Matt Morse as new lead . November 30, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 10, 2023.
  62. Web site: NISA Nation taps Kenneth Henriques as Referee coordinator . March 18, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 4, 2023.
  63. Web site: NISA Nation announces Carlos Budyszewick as new Director of Outreach & Expansion . June 26, 2022 . NISANation.com . NISA Nation . December 4, 2023.