Two Amateur Clubs Among the Title Holders

CHICAGO (August 5, 2022) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) delivered hardware today for nine regional champions of the 2022 NISA Independent Cup. Among the new title holders were amateur sides Wenatchee All-Stars FC (Pacific Region) and Valley FC Raiders (Southwest Region).

“We are extremely happy with what the competition gave us, but – more importantly – the competition it gave to the amateur sides as they tested themselves,” said Matt Morse, managing director of the NISA Independent Cup. “We are still growing and learning from this tournament, which – along with NISA Nation – provides clubs a great opportunity to plan a growth path to the professional level.

“Each of these clubs see up close how pro clubs operate,” Morse added.

The finals resolved like this:

• Chattanooga FC topping round-robin winner Club De Lyon FC (NISA Nation) 3-2 (Southeast Region)
• Wenatchee All-Stars FC (Cascadia PL) took down Bay Cities FC 0-1 (Pacific Region)
• Flower City Union bested New Jersey Alliance (NISA Nation) FC 2-0 (Northeast Region)
• Los Angeles Force beat IE Republic (Southwest PL) FC 2-0 (West Coast Region)
• ALBION San Diego downed host Capo FC (NISA Nation) 1-3 (So Cal Region)
• Michigan Stars FC edged Metro Louisville FC (UPSL) 2-1 (Great Lakes Region)
• Syracuse Pulse dominated a game New York Bravehearts (NISA Nation) SC 6-2 (Empire Region)
• Maryland Bobcats FC closed out Nova FC (EPSL/USL2)5-2 (Mid-Atlantic Region
• Valley FC Raiders (NISA Nation) took the Southwest Region title upon Valley United FC’s forfeiture

“We’ve received great feedback from participating clubs, but we also found ways to improve the experience for clubs and supporters alike,” Morse says. “This gives us strong momentum to make the 2023 edition the best ever.”

The 2022 tournament welcomed 36 clubs spread across nine regions. Each region featured one NISA professional club, as well as NISA Nation and NISA affiliate clubs. Additionally, guest independent amateur clubs participated.