It’s full speed ahead for the Cosmos, who have been approved by the U.S. Soccer board of directors to participate in the National Independent Soccer Association’s fall season. The Cosmos made the announcement on Monday morning, stating in a headline on its website that they “will begin play in NISA this fall.”
On Saturday, the U.S. Soccer board of directors and the organization’s membership approved unanimously to accept NSA as a professional league at the organization’s AGM in Nashville, Tenn. on Saturday.
The announcement came two weeks before the kickoff of its spring season.
“This is a historic moment for the National Independent Soccer Association,” NISA commissioner John Prutch said. “I’d like to thank our board of governors and their clubs for their resolve and dedication to the cause. I’d also like to thank league’s staff for the countless hours they work to make this dream become a reality. We’ve just made history. … Now it’s time to make a difference!”
Prutch was present in Nashville along with members of NISA’s board of governors.
“I’m proud to have been part of this moment,” Los Angeles Force owner Bob Friedland said. “This gives us the platform to do what we love, play the game and to develop and create opportunities for players that will impact soccer in this country for years to come.”
Steven Aldrich, chair of Oakland Roots, echoed those sentiments.
“I was excited to be present in Nashville when NISA was accepted as a member of the US Soccer Pro League Council,” he said. “It’s another step forward for the league.”
Also attending was Cal United Strikers FC owner Bronwyn Capriotti.
“We are so happy to have been accepted as a voting member of the U.S. Soccer Pro League Council,” he said. “It feels great to be able to contribute to the soccer conversation. Cal United would like to thank the NISA organization for all of their hard work in moving our new league in the right direction.”
NISA kicks off its spring season on Feb. 28 with eight teams — 1904FC, Cal United Strikers FC, Chattanooga FC, Detroit City FC, Los Angeles Force, Michigan Stars, Oakland Roots SC and Stumptown Athletic.
