Lower League Soccer has and will always be an afterthought for the United States Soccer Federation. Expecting any support from those that govern this game is foolish. We’ve continued to see those leagues that light the path towards independent soccer, but many of those efforts are snuffed out by the polyamorous relationship between MLS/SUM/USL. But now, through good planning and chance, NISA has found an opportunity to deliver a big blow to USL.

Here’s a quick rundown on the current relationship between MLS and USL: after the USSF decided to shut down the Development Academy, MLS decided to create an Elite Academy that would incorporate not only MLS operated academies, but also prestigious independent youth academies around the country. This led to MLS Next and now an MLS U-23 reserve league. Since that announcement, only one MLS affiliate has withdrawn from USL League 1, as reported on Twitter by Jeff Rueter, but this could be the signal fire to the other five affiliates: Fort Lauderdale CF, New England Revolution II, North Texas SC, Toronto FC II, and FC Tucson.

Some updates on #USL League One:

As of now, no other affiliates are expected to leave in 2021 besides Orlando B. L1 will have 11 teams in '21 + between 3-5 expansion announcements to join 2022 or later.

Markets gaining steam are Fort Wayne, Portland ME, NH, and NW Arkansas. https://t.co/v0T9n9K4Zp
— Jeff Rueter (@jeffrueter) October 14, 2020

Meanwhile, NISA is developing partnerships with amateur leagues across the nation, they created the Independent Cup, delivered a successful bubble tournament, announced the expansion of Maryland Bobcats FC and Chicago, built with Peter Wilt’s involvement, to be announced fairly soon. NISA is making moves, but now Goliath has presented an opportunity for David to strike.

Attaining six clubs would be massive, for multiple reasons: more competition, powerful brands, exposure, and the potential to convince others who may have been lurking in NISA waters before joining USL.

More Competition

If the six clubs were to join NISA, the league would bolster from 12 teams to 18, not including Chicago NISA or the ever lingering CT United FC and Providence. With a single table, they could hit a 34 game season.

The Independent Cup was a brilliant initiative that gave lower league soccer a more representative competition. The Independent cup lifts up those who participate, while the U.S. Open Cup continues to drive away amateur competitors. Six more competing clubs could be a potential of three extra groups.

Powerful Brands

All six clubs have earned a reputation throughout American soccer:

Forward Madison FC - Pretty much the hottest club in American soccer. The club’s unique approach to marketing its identity has positioned itself to be talked about in Euro-circles, to MLS and below.

Richmond Kickers FC - '95 U.S. Open Cup Champions. A storied club with a good fan base who deserve to have competitors invested in winning.

Greenville Triumph FC - Greenville has shown itself to be a strong soccer market and would show well in NISA. The possibility of a Greenville Derby during the Independent Cup wouldn't be too shabby either.

Union Omaha - A unique brand with a strong social presence. They also bring relevance to an area that lacks highly popular soccer clubs.

Chattanooga Red Wolves FC - Instant villain and the potential of the biggest Derby in US Soccer.

Tormenta FC - A club who shows well in the recent Open Cups. They also have a large organization that hosts multiple clubs.

Exposure

Of course, there would be a huge follower bump to all parties involved, but the action itself will spark a huge amount of discourse on Twitter and other Lower League circles. On top of making a splash with Independent Cup, regional affiliations, solid expansion news, and the beIN Sport deal, luring six functional clubs would skyrocket NISA credibility and standing amongst the average soccer fan.

Convincing others

Fans of NISA and the lower divisions have been spurned many times: Miami FC, Oakland Roots SC, Little Rock Rangers SC, AFC Ann Arbor, and Asheville City SC. That’s just a few of the recent clubs to have been tempted by USL, but there is still a glimmer of independence deep within all of those clubs, and a grab at the six USL League 1 clubs could be the type of convincing some organizations need to come back to this side of US Soccer. The good side, the righteous side.

This has been what #soccerwarz is all about, club poaching. So would NISA be any better than USL at that point? Or better than any of the other national leagues that lured clubs away from regional leagues? Honestly, yes. NISA would and is better. This is taking something back for the little guy. A stronger NISA means a possible solution for pro/rel and a more realistic soccer pyramid.

It’s not just about NISA either, if UPSL, NPSL, or any other league can take a bite out of the Big Love couple (MLS/ SUM/ USL) do it. Soccer is the people’s game, so take it back.

- Steven Ramirez