On September 7, 2019, NISA, National Independent Soccer Association, has announced a ceremonial kickoff derby, as part of its NISA Showcase, to take place in Southern California between two of its founding member clubs, the Los Angeles Force and 1904 FC. The hummel sponsored event will take place in Rio Hondo Stadium at 7:00 PM PT showcasing the professional talents groomed by the elite training and coaching staffs of the California clubs. "The Challenge Cup will be a historical evening for NISA. We see this event as symbolism to our belief in the open system and the worlds game. Local rivalries and derbys create a spirit embraced around the world and that spirit is a major part of NISA," stated John Prutch, Commissioner of NISA.
The Challenge Cup, this year hosted by the Los Angeles Force, is slated to be an annual event featuring matches between neighboring clubs sparking that derby energy felt around the globe. A trophy ceremony crowning the champion will take place following the match to commemorate the inaugural event.