2020–21 National Independent Soccer Association season
The 2020–21 NISA season is the second season of the National Independent Soccer Association's third-division soccer competition. The regular season is split into two halves, Fall and Spring, with playoffs at the end of each, and a Championship Match that will see the Fall champion host the Spring champion. Starting this year, the league is also organizing a new cup competition, NISA Independent Cup, that features independent clubs from various professional and semi-professional leagues across the United States.
| Season | 2020–21 season |
|---|---|
| Dates | Fall: Aug. 8 – Oct. 2, 2020 Spring: Apr. 13 – Jun. 30, 2021 |
| Champions | Fall: Detroit City FC Spring: TBD |
| Matches played | 13 |
| Goals scored | 26 (2 per match) |
| Top goalscorer | Zeca Ferraz: 3 |
| Biggest home win | DCFC 3–0 NAFC (September 5) CFC 3–0 NAFC (September 16) |
| Biggest away win | NAFC 0–3 MSFC (September 12) |
| Highest scoring | NAFC 1–3 NYC (August 21) |
| Longest winning run | 3 matches Chattanooga FC (Aug. 15 – Sept. 16) |
| Longest unbeaten run | 4 matches Michigan Stars FC (Aug. 8 – Sept. 12) |
| Longest winless run | 4 matches New Amsterdam FC (Aug. 8 – Sept. 16) |
| Longest losing run | 4 matches New Amsterdam FC (Aug. 8 – Sept. 16) |
| Highest attendance | 918 CFC 2–1 NYC (September 12) |
| Lowest attendance | 517 CFC 3–0 NAFC (September 16) |
| Total attendance | Fall: 1435 Spring: TBD |
| Average attendance | Fall: N/A[upper-alpha 1] Spring: TBD |
← 2019–20 2021–22 →
All statistics correct as of September 16, 2020. | |
Teams
Full season club
Fall-only club
Spring-only club
The eight teams that participated in the inaugural 2019-20 NISA season will be joined by three expansion teams: New York Cosmos and New Amsterdam FC for the full season. Two of the existing teams, San Diego 1904 and Stumptown Athletic, announced that they will not participate in the Fall season, but intend to return for the Spring season.[1] On October 13th, it was announced that Maryland Bobcats FC had been accepted into the league with the plan of starting play in Spring of 2021.[2] They had been declared champions of the NISA Independent Cup: Mid-Atlantic group after a 2–2 draw with NISA-member New York Cosmos.[3] On November 6th, New Jersey Teamsterz FC announced that they were not joining for the Spring 2021 season, despite initially being included in the Spring 2021 competitors. Citing the on-going pandemic, they clarified they were joining the lower tiers of NISA in preparation for joining in Fall of 2021.[4] Maryland Bobcats FC, after some confusion brought on by the pandemic, were confirmed as a Spring 2021 expansion team.[5][6]
Stadiums and locations
Personnel and sponsorship
- Note: The league has signed a deal with Hummel to be the official kit manufacturer, but it still allows clubs to find their own provider.[9]
| Team | Head coach | Captain(s) | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California United Strikers FC |  Don Ebert |
Xavier Fuerte |
Nike |
Taco Bell |
| Chattanooga FC | Peter Fuller |
 Juan Hernandez |
 Hummel |
Volkswagen |
| Detroit City FC |  Trevor James |
 Stephen Carroll |
 Adidas |
Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers |
| Los Angeles Force |  Patryk Tenorio (caretaker) |
Joshua Culwell |
Hummel |
— |
| Michigan Stars FC | Alexander Strehmel |
Kyle Nuel |
Hummel |
HTC |
| New Amsterdam FC | Maximilian Mansfield (interim) |
Daniel Vicente |
 Erreà |
Fruit Street |
| Only played the Spring Season | ||||
| Maryland Bobcats FC | Phil Nana |
— | Hummel |
— |
| San Diego 1904 FC |  Alexandre Gontran |
— | Nike |
— |
| Stumptown Athletic | Mark Steffens |
— | Hummel |
— |
| Only played the Fall Season | ||||
| New York Cosmos | Carlos Mendes |
Danny Szetela |
.svg.png.webp){kind=small} INARIA |
Mediacom |
| Oakland Roots SC | Jordan Ferrell |
Nana Attakora |
Nike |
Oaklandish |
Managerial changes
| Team | Outgoing manager | Manner of departure | Date of vacancy | Position in table | Incoming manager | Date of appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Force |  Thales Peterson |
Unknown | 2nd out of 3 Western Division | Patryk Tenorio (caretaker) |
August 2020 | |
| New Amsterdam | Eric Wynalda |
Mutual Parting | August 17, 2020 | 5th out of 5 Eastern Division | Maximilian Mansfield (interim) |
August 17, 2020 |
NISA Independent Cup
Following the cancellation of the 2020 Spring Season on April 27, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NISA announced initial Fall 2020 season plans and the creation of a new tournament called the NISA Independent Cup.[10][11][12] The region-based competition would include NISA clubs, including new expansion sides the New York Cosmos and New Amsterdam FC, and both independent professional and high quality amateur teams.
On July 1, NISA officially announced the cup along with the 15 teams that would be participating.[13] In total, four member clubs are set to take part with the rest of the field consisting of teams from the National Premier Soccer League, United Premier Soccer League, and Gulf Coast Premier League. The participants are split into four geographical regions with each operating independently and making decisions (format, tiebreaker rules, fan attendance policies, etc.) autonomously. All games are set to be live streamed online through MyCujoo, with some also being broadcast on local television.[14][15]
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The Great Lakes Division also serves as a rekindling of the Rust Belt Derby, a former in-season competition previously held in the NPSL, with 2019 NPSL national semifinalist Cleveland SC taking the place of the now folded AFC Cleveland.
Central Plains Region
The four teams will be split into pairs before playing two games against one-another. If tied on aggregate after two games, with no away goal rule, teams will play two 10-minute overtime periods followed by a penalty kick shootout if necessary. Winner of each aggregate competition will meet in the Championship match.
Both matches between Louisiana Krewe and Gaffa will be played at Holden Stadium on the campus of Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Mississippi.
Lone Star Republic will host the first game against Mansfield Revolution at Greenhill School in Addison, Texas. The Revolution will host the second at Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington, Texas.
Semifinals
| Team 1 | Agg. | Team 2 | 1st leg | 2nd leg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Louisiana Krewe FC  |
3–3 (8–9 p) |  Gaffa FC |
0–1 | 3–2 |
Lone Star Republic  |
9–1 | Mansfield Revolution SC |
6–0 | 3–1 |
Final
| August 1, 2020 | Lone Star Republic | 0–1 | Gaffa FC | Bossier City, Louisiana |
| 7:00 PM CST |
|
Report MyCujoo Broadcast |
|
Stadium: First Bossier Stadium Field Attendance: 0 Referee: Alexander Connelly |
| Note: Game was played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic | ||||
Great Lakes Region
The three teams will compete in a Round-robin competition, each playing a total of two games. Any games tied after 90 minutes will be decided by a penalty kick shootout. Both games involving Detroit City will take place at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Michigan. The remaining match between Cleveland and Buffalo will be played at Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium in Erie, Pennsylvania.[16][17]
The Great Lakes Champion will be determined by most points, followed by head-to head, followed by goal differential.
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | PW | PL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detroit City FC (C) | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 6 | Champions |
| 2 | Cleveland SC | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 3 | |
| 3 | FC Buffalo | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 6 | −5 | 0 |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head to head; 3) goal differential.
(C) Champion.
Results
Mid-Atlantic Region
The four teams will complete in a round-robin competition, playing a total of three games each. The Mid-Atlantic Champion will be determined by most points, followed by head-to head, followed by goal differential.
All games were originally going to be hosted by the Bobcats at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Maryland behind closed doors.[18] On July 24, NISA announced that region's tournament was postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 in Maryland and the subsequent closing of Maryland SoccerPlex to professional sports.[19] On July 28, NISA announced that five of the region's six games would be played at Evergreen Sportsplex in Leesburg, Virginia, with the August 2 match between New Amsterdam and the Cosmos being played at Hudson Sports Complex in Warwick, New York.[20]
The Thursday, August 6 match between New Amsterdam and Maryland Bobcats was called off mid-way through the first half due to inclement weather, with the following match between the Cosmos and Baltimore postponed.[21] On August 22, NISA announced the first make-up date with New Amsterdam taking on Maryland on Sunday, August 23 at YSC Sports Complex in Wayne, Pennsylvania.[22] The second make-up was announced on September 25 with the Cosmos hosting Baltimore at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, New York on Saturday, October 10.[23]
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland Bobcats FC (C) | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 3 | +6 | 5 | Champions |
| 2 | FC Baltimore Christos | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 5 | |
| 3 | New York Cosmos | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 | |
| 4 | New Amsterdam FC | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 11 | −9 | 1 |
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) head to head; 3) goal differential.
(C) Champion.
Results
Southeast Region
The four teams will compete in a round-robin competition against one-another in various venues in both Georgia and South Carolina.[24]
Both Finley Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Memorial Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina hosted matches the first two weeks. The final group stage round that was set to be played at Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina on July 25 was called off due to weather.[25] The Southeast Regional Champion will now be determined by group stage points instead of the originally scheduled championship final and third place match, with the final set of games moved to Finley Stadium on August 1.[26]
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Final result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chattanooga FC (C) | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 1 | +8 | 9 | Champions |
| 2 | Soda City FC | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | −2 | 4 | |
| 3 | Savannah Clovers FC | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | −3 | 3 | |
| 4 | Georgia Revolution FC | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | −3 | 1 |
Results
Fall season
On June 4, NISA announced the Fall season format.[27] The season would be split into two separate formats: a regionalized regular season commencing in August, dividing the eight member teams into two conferences; Eastern and Western, followed by a single location tournament in late October that would determine a Fall Season champion.
Following the Shooting of Jacob Blake on August 23, the three league matches scheduled for the weekend of August 29 were postponed in protest of racial injustice.[28][29][30] The games were rescheduled for later dates.
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chattanooga FC | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 3 | +5 | 9 |
| 2 | Michigan Stars FC | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 8 |
| 3 | New York Cosmos | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 5 |
| 4 | Detroit City FC | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 5 |
| 5 | New Amsterdam FC | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 12 | −11 | 0 |
Results
Standings
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakland Roots SC | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 4 |
| 2 | California United Strikers FC | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Force | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | 1 |
Results
Playoffs
All 8 teams will take part in the 2020 Fall tournament, which will take place from September 21 to October 2, at Keyworth Stadium, in Detroit. The teams will be split into 2 groups of 4, based on their regular season records, with the top 2 teams in each group advancing to the semifinals. The winner of the Fall tournament will host the winner of the Spring season in the inaugural NISA Championship match.[31]
Group A
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oakland Roots SC | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 | Advance to semifinals |
| 2 | Detroit City FC | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 6 | |
| 3 | Michigan Stars FC | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 4 | |
| 4 | New Amsterdam FC | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 9 | −5 | 1 |
Rules for classification: 1) Points, 2) Goal differential, 3) Goals scored, 4) Head-to-head record, 5) Coin toss
Group B
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles Force | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6 | Advance to semifinals |
| 2 | Chattanooga FC | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 5 | |
| 3 | California United Strikers FC | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 4 | |
| 4 | New York Cosmos | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 1 |
Rules for classification: 1) Points, 2) Goal differential, 3) Goals scored, 4) Head-to-head record, 5) Coin toss
Knock-Out Round
| Semifinals September 30, 2020 | Finals October 2, 2020 | ||||||||
| A1 | Oakland Roots SC | 3 | |||||||
| B2 | Chattanooga FC | 2 | |||||||
| A1 | Oakland Roots SC | 1 | |||||||
| A2 | Detroit City FC | 2 | |||||||
| B1 | Los Angeles Force | 0 | |||||||
| A2 | Detroit City FC | 1 | |||||||
Bold = winner
* = after extra time, ( ) = penalty shootout score
Source: nisaofficial.com
Semifinals
| September 30, 2020 | Oakland Roots SC | 3–2 | Chattanooga FC | Keyworth Stadium Hamtramck, Michigan |
| 5:00pm (EDT) | NISA Report FotMob Report Broadcast |
Attendance: 0 Referee: Samuel Pizzimenti | ||
| Note: Game was played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic | ||||
| September 30, 2020 | Los Angeles Force | 0–1 | Detroit City FC | Keyworth Stadium Hamtramck, Michigan |
| 8:00pm (EDT) | NISA Report FotMob Report Broadcast |
|
Attendance: 0 Referee: Carter Brochu | |
| Note: Game was played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic | ||||
NISA Fall Championship
| October 2, 2020 | Oakland Roots SC | 1–2 | Detroit City FC | Keyworth Stadium Hamtramck, Michigan |
| 6:00pm (EDT) |
|
NISA Report FotMob Report Broadcast |
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Attendance: 0 Referee: Nicole Green |
| Note: Game was played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic | ||||
Player statistics
- As of September 16, 2020
Top goalscorers
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Clean sheets
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Hat-tricks
| Player | Club | Against | Result | Date |
|---|
Spring season
The league will see an increase in the number of teams compared to the Fall season, with both San Diego 1904 FC and Stumptown Athletic set to return from hiatus, and Maryland Bobcats FC joining as an expansion team. Meanwhile, Oakland Roots left the league in order to take part in USL Championship and the New York Cosmos will go on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Spring season will start on April 13th, 2021, with a bubble tournament hosted by Chattanooga FC, in which the 9 teams will be split into 3 groups of 3 teams, with the winner of the tournament gaining entry into the Spring 2021 Final. Phase 2, which is scheduled to begin on May 1st, 2021, will be a traditional regular season hosted in each team's markets, the winner of which will face the winner of Phase 1 in the Spring 2021 Final, to determine the Spring champion.[6]
Championship match
Detroit City FC, the winner of the Fall season, will host the winner of the Spring season in the inaugural NISA Championship match, on July 3, 2021.[1]
Notes
- All but two Chattanooga FC home matches were played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Expansion team for the Spring 2021 season
- Played in the Fall season, but paused team operations before the Spring season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7]
- Played in the Fall season, but withdrew before the Spring season, after joining the USL Championship.[8]
- On hiatus during Fall 2020 season
See also
References
- "NISA Fall 2020 schedule update". nisaofficial.com. Retrieved August 2, 2020.
- "NISA Officially Welcomes Maryland Bobcats FC". NISA Homepage. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- "Maryland Bobcats FC Win 2020 NISA Independent Cup Mid-Atlantic Region". Maryland Bobcats FC Homepage. Retrieved October 13, 2020.
- Gueye, Ahmadou. "NJTFC to join NISA Nation Spring 2021". New Jersey Teamsters FC Homepage. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
- "Maryland Bobcats FC Announce hummel as Official Technical Apparel Partner". Maryland Bobcats FC Homepage. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
- "NISA launches into Spring with tournament in Chattanooga". nisaofficial.com. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
- "Thank you and stay safe, Cosmos Country". Twitter. New York Cosmos. January 29, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- "Oakland Roots Joins USL Championship". oaklandrootssc.com. Oakland Roots. Retrieved September 15, 2020.
- "NISA announces kit sponsorship deal". Twitter.com. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
- "NISA Official Update". www.nisaofficial.com. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
- "NISA announces Spring season cancelled; aims for Summer tournament, Fall campaign". WTVC. April 27, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
- Kennedy, Paul. "NISA cancels spring season, sets sights on August start to fall championship". www.socceramerica.com. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- "NISA Independent Cup". www.nisaofficial.com. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- Gayle, Nathan P. (July 2, 2020). "Chattanooga Football Club to air match on The CW Chattanooga". WTVC. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- ""All NISA Independent Cup matches will be live streaming on @MyCujoo . #NISAIndCup It all begins tomorrow."". Twitter. NISA Official. Retrieved July 11, 2020.
- Tsujimoto, Ben. "FC Buffalo to join NISA Independent Cup, unveils anti-racism jerseys". Buffalo News. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- "Detroit City FC to host two matches in NISA Independent Cup". Detroit News. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- FC, Maryland Bobcats (June 30, 2020). "Bobcats Announce Participation in NISA Independent Cup". Maryland Bobcats FC. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- "NISA Independent Cup Mid-Atlantic Region Update". www.nisasoccer.com. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
- "NISA Independent Cup Mid-Atlantic Region Schedule Update". www.nisaofficial.com. Retrieved August 3, 2020.
- Lewis, Michael. "LIGHTNING 2, SOCCER 0: Inclement weather postpones Cosmos, New Amsterdam Independent Cup doubleheader". www.frontrowsoccer.com. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
- "NISA Independent Cup Mid-Atlantic Region Schedule Update". www.nisaofficial.com. Retrieved August 25, 2020.
- Lewis, Michael (September 25, 2020). "SOME OCTOBER ACTION: Cosmos to host FC Baltimore Christos in postponed match". Front Row Soccer. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
- MacCoon, Patrick. "Return to live sports inches closer as CFC prepares to open NISA Independent Cup at Finley Stadium". timesfreepress.com. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- MacCoon, Patrick. "Chattanooga FC rained out vs. Soda City FC in South Carolina". timesfreepress.com. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
- "NISA Independent Cup Southeast Region Schedule Update". www.nisasoccer.com. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
- "NISA Fall Schedule Update". www.nisaofficial.com. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
- O'Connor, Larry. "Detroit City FC joins protest, won't play Saturday vs. New York Cosmos". The Detroit News. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
- "Chattanooga FC's Saturday home match postponed after opponent declines to play". timesfreepress.com. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
- "Statement on Sundays game against @LosAngelesForce #United". Twitter. California United Strikers FC. Retrieved August 29, 2020.
- "2020 NISA Fall Tournament locks in on Detroit". nisaofficial.com. Retrieved September 11, 2020.