CHICAGO (September 9, 2022) – Today the National Independent Soccer Association announced its first ever Performers of the Month awards. Determined by a select set of NISA front office staff, the winners for August 2022 are:

• Player of the Month: ALBION San Diego Alioune Diakhate 
• Coach of the Month: Syracuse Pulse Head Coach Peter Fuller
• Club of the Month: Chattanooga FC
• Operations Team of the Month: Maryland Bobcats FC

“As we continue to grow as a league, we felt it critical to take moments to applaud exceptional performances on the pitch, in the front office, and in the community,” says NISA Commissioner John Prutch. “The individuals and organizations have helped set the tone for what we want all of NISA to be.”

• Player of the Month: Player who demonstrated his abilities on the field above and beyond any other player in the league.
  • ALBION San Diego’s Alioune Diakhate netted four goals in three matches last month – the most of any player. Additionally, all four goals contributed to wins (two) or a tie. In that time, ALBION also jumped a table position.

• Coach of the Month: Coach who led his team to significant results and led by example both on and off the field.
  • Syracuse Pulse Head Coach Peter Fuller led his club as it swept its two league matches in a schedule-shortened August allowing the club to jump a table position. One of the wins was a decisive 3-0 result over Chattanooga FC. ​

• Club of the Month: An off the field award to the Club that best promoted their brand and image within their local community.
  • While many other clubs did a great job in August, CFC clearly demonstrated and promoted its brand and club within their local community through outreach and on Matchday. Each week, it had a headlining sponsor for matchday Match Day and multiple activities such as Cause of the Night (e.g., Chattanooga Zoo, Chattanooga Food Bank), giveaways in conjunction with local company, and pregame sponsored event with local community partners.

• Operations Team of the Month: Awarded to the Game Day Operations staff who best embraced and followed the league standards set forth by the league office.
  • Each Maryland Bobcat FC match was executed perfectly by Maryland's operations team. The club put in an outstanding level of effort to bring a positive match day experience for everyone involved. The club competed in five matches over the month of August, three of which were played at home. Amid its slate of matches, it also set a home attendance record of 1,013 on August 27 hosting Chattanooga FC.