CHICAGO (June 13, 2024) – Today the National Independent Soccer Association announced its May Performers of the Month awards. Statistics are analyzed by NISA official stats partner Wyscout and winners are determined by a select set of NISA front office staff.

Player of the Month: Player who demonstrated his abilities on the field above and beyond any other player in the league.

• Darwin Espinal – Maryland Bobcats FC: Four goals, a brace, an assist on a match-winner. Helped MBFC jump two spots in the table.

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Coach of the Month: Coach who led his team to significant results and led by example both on and off the field.

• Dekel Keinan – Los Angeles Force: Keinan helmed the club to a 3-0-0 record.

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Club of the Month: An off the field award to the Club that best promoted its brand and image within its local community.

• Irvine Zeta FC: IZFC made the most of one home match. The club unveiled a third kit AND a new mascot, Zezzy. It activated its “Community is Unity” Pride Month program, welcome a chicken and waffles truck, and unveiled a new group package deal.

Operations Team of the Month: Awarded to the Match Day Operations staff who best embraced and followed the league standards set forth by the league office.

• Georgia FC: GFC had an action-packed schedule in May with five matches – three of these at home. The club successfully hosted one match outside of its primary venue to engage supporters in Dalton, Ga. The club navigated its way through a home match that was severely delayed by weather, and navigated a significant travel concern while en route to an away match. Both proved no obstacle for the ops staff led by Mark Acosta, Kerem Daser and Preston Janerski.

May Best XI:

• FORWARD:
  • Michael Salazar - Los Angeles Force
    • 5/8: 2 goals
    • 5/12: 1 goal
  • Patrick Okonkwo - Georgia FC
    • 05/22: 1 assist
    • 05/15: 1 goal
    • 05/11: 2 goals

• MIDFIELD:
  • Joey Ciochetto – Irvine Zeta FC
    • 5/26: Accurate passes - 42/37 - 88%; Aerial duels won - 7/7- 100%; Interceptions: 9
    • 5/17: Accurate passes - 39/33 - 85%; Interceptions: 2
    • 5/04: Accurate passes: 54/43 - 80%
  • Shinya Kadono – Irvine Zeta FC
    • 5/26: 1 assist | Accurate passes 31/23 - 74%; Interceptions: 2
    • 5/17: 1 assist | Shots on target - 5/3 - 80%; Accurate passes - 5/4 - 70% Interceptions: 3
    • 5/04: Accurate passes - 25/16 - 64%
  • Zack Hargraves – Savannah Clovers FC
    • 5/25: Accurate passes - 79/68 - 86%
    • 5/18: Accurate passes - 64/56 - 88%
    • 5/15: 1 assist; Accurate passes - 36/29 - 81%
  • Darwin Espinal – Maryland Bobcats FC
    • 05/22: 1 goal, 1 assist
    • 05/17: 1 goal
    • 05/12: 2 goals

• DEFENSE:
  • Luis Almeida – Maryland Bobcats FC
    • 5/22: Accurate passes - 54/45 - 83%; Interceptions:7
    • 5/18: Accurate passes - 51/42 - 82%; Interceptions: 3
    • 5/12: Accurate passes - 34/27 - 79%; Duels won: 14/13 - 93%; Interceptions: 5
    • 5/04: Accurate passes - 58/53 - 91% | Duels won: 17/13 - 76%; Interceptions: 7
  • Kevin Herrera – Georgia FC
    • 5/25: Accurate passes - 32/25 - 78%; Interceptions: 3
    • 5/22: Accurate passes - 27/21 - 78%; Interceptions: 4
    • 5/15: Accurate passes - 33/26 - 79%
    • 5/11: 1 goal; Duels won: 20/14 - 70%
    • 5/03: Accurate passes: 5/3 - 50%
  • Sacko Konate – Michigan Stars FC
    • 5/25: Accurate passes - 36/30 - 83%
    • 5/11: Accurate passes - 47/40 - 85%; Aerial duels won: 8/6 - 75%; Interceptions: 6
    • 5/04: Accurate passes - 20/16 - 80%; Aerial duels won: 10/7 - 70%; Interceptions: 12
  • Juan Martinez – Club de Lyon FC
    • 3 goals in May with a brace
    • 5/03: 2 goals | Accurate passes – 44/33 - 75%; Interceptions: 2
    • 5/12: 1 goal | Accurate passes – 36/30 - 80%; Interceptions: 1

• GK:
  • Jacob Boyle – Maryland Bobcats FC
  • Only 4 goals conceded in 4 matches – including one clean sheet