CHICAGO (January 24, 2025) – Today the National Independent Soccer Association announced its first team and second team 2024 Best XI honors. Statistics are analyzed by NISA official stats partner Wyscout, and winners are determined by a select set of NISA front office staff.

In October, NISA announced the Golden Boot and Golden Glove winners. Maryland Bobcats FC forward Darwin Espinal earned his first Golden Boot award, while Los Angeles Force (LAF) keeper Seth Torman grabbed his first Golden Glove.

FIRST TEAM

• FORWARD:
  • George Almeida – Irvine Zeta FC (2024: CF)
    • 9 goals
  • Michael Salazar – Los Angeles Force (2024: CF)
    • 9 goals; 1 assist; 81.3% pass accuracy
• MIDFIELD:
  • Edson Alvarado –Irvine Zeta FC (2024: LCMF)
    • 1 goal; 8 assist;
  • Darwin Espinal – Maryland Bobcats FC (2024: LAMF / F)
    • Golden Boot winner with 13 goals; 6 assists; No. 1 shots on target at 56.6%
  • Tyler Gabarra – Maryland Bobcats FC (2024: AMF / LW / RW)
    • 4 goals; 4 assists; 88.56% pass accuracy; 66.67% long pass accuracy
  • Josselin Possian – Maryland Bobcats FC (2024: LDMF / LCMF / RCMF)
    • 2 goals; 1 assist; 88.71% pass accuracy
• DEFENSE:
  • Luis Almeida - Maryland Bobcats FC (2024: RCB)
    • 1 assist; 88 interceptions; 71.9% defensive duels won
  • Zack Hargreaves – Savannah Clovers FC (2024: DMF / RCMF / LCMF)
    • 3 goals; 2 assists; 86.51% pass accuracy
  • Justin Jovel – Los Angeles Force (2024: LDMF)
    • 1 assist; 71 interceptions
  • Kyle Nelson – Savannah Clovers FC (LCB / LB)
    • 1 goal; 85 interceptions; 80.52% defensive duels won
• GK:
  • Seth Torman – Los Angeles Force (2024: GK)
    • Golden Glove winner with 6 clean sheets; 75.61% saves

SECOND TEAM

• FORWARD:
  • Leon Maric – Michigan Stars FC (2024: F)
    • 7 goals
  • Patrick Okonkwo – Georgia FC (2024: LW / CF)
    • 6 goals
• MIDFIELD:
  • Elijah Amo – Maryland Bobcats FC (2024: CF / RAMF)
    • 6 goals; 3 assists; 85.1% pass accuracy
  • Shinya Kadono – Irvine Zeta FC (2024: LW)
    • 3 goals; 4 assists; 77.43% pass accuracy
  • Bryan Ortega – Los Angeles Force (2024: AMF / RDMF)
    • 3 goals; 5 assists; 82.6% pass accuracy
  • Matias Pourrain – Club de Lyon FC (2024: CM)
    • 2 goals; 4 assist 81.6% pass accuracy
• DEFENSE:
  • Garrett Hogbin – Los Angeles Force (2024: RCB)
    • 58 interceptions; 78.87% defensive duels won
  • Andrew Kleszewski – Irvine Zeta FC (2024: RB / LB)
    • 2 assists; 65 interceptions; 80.21% defensive duels won
  • Sacko Konate – Michigan Stars FC (2024: LCB)
    • 1 goal; 85 interceptions
  • Dylan Shockey – Capo FC (2024: RB / LB / LWB)
    • 1 goal; 74 interceptions
• GK:
  • Mitch North – Irvine Zeta FC (2024: GK)
    • 6 clean sheets; 71.79% saves