This morning, NISA held it’s Championship weekend media day. Players and coaches from both teams in the final, along with Commissioner John Prutch, sat for media questions via Zoom. Here’s my notes from the sessions.

Michigan Stars

Represented by Head Coach and Owner George Juncaj, GM Chris McInally, Matt Constant, Steven Juncaj, Tatenda Mkuruva

George Juncaj, responding to why he released Coach Banks midseason - “It wasn’t going the way we wanted it to. So we made the decision as a staff and a team…We played better and more as a team after.”

George Juncaj, on if he will remain head coach moving forward - “I always want to have a head coach, but last year’s coaches didn’t work out for us…My intention is always to take any role to get the Stars to success, from Head Coach to ball boy, I will do it.”

Steven Juncaj, on claims that the Stars play ugly soccer - “Being in the entertainment business, you get criticism. That’s why we chose to be professional soccer players.” Praised assistant coach Stewart Flaherty for helping players clear their minds.

Tatenda Mkuruva, following up on Steven’s response to earlier question - “There’s a difference between playing aggressive and playing reckless. Playing Aggressive is part of the game…We’re aggressive at the right time.”

Chris McInally, responding to Michael Battista’s question about being in a crowded soccer market - “We’re still a young club, just getting our feet wet, still learning how to run a club. We’re playing for the championship, which is based on lessons we learned last season.” Mentioned the new stadium project. “We won’t be the red-headed step-child in our market.”

Steven Juncaj, on dealing with social media criticism. “It motivates us. We come as a unit. We’re one happy family, we got each other. We laugh at the social media stuff…We have each other’s backs.”

Commisioner John Prutch

Prutch, from his opening statement - “This year was a challenging year…We lack stability, but stability is coming.” Highlighted that MLS also struggled for stability in first five years. Included the fact that MLS allowed multiple owners to own multiple clubs.

Prutch, responding to if all 8 clubs were returning for 2023 season - Currently anticipating that, but still working through some issues with a few. The league has certain standards that must be met.

Prutch, on NISA Nation complaints - All solidarity payments have been made. Efforts are being made to rebuild bridges with the clubs…we’re working through some issues as we speak, to mend relationships.

Prutch, on improving vetting process for new applicants, given Valley United and Bay Cities - “Valley was unique. Bay Cities, we ask ourselves, what did we miss?” Criteria is increasing, requirements are higher now. “Hopefully that will allow us to stabilize.”

Prutch, on refereeing complaints - “At the end of each season, we audit our referees. Our audit starts next week.” Will be working with US Soccer to improve refereeing in NISA.

Prutch, on lessons learned over the 2022 season - “If we could redo it, we wouldn’t have taken off a month for Independent Cup.” Need to prepare better for travel expense. Rise is travel cost reduced a lot of club budgets. Feels the improved quality of play and clubs speaks to the potential of NISA.

Prutch, responding to Michael Battista’s question regarding Val United roster issues - “I prefer not to get into a league issue that is…that the U.S. Government is working through. I think it was a wake up call, for some of our clubs, on exactly what happened at Valley. And so we are implementing some changes inside our organization to try and ensure it doesn’t happen again. But that was…it was unfortunate for Troy that it happened. Valley is still a member of this league and at some point I’m hoping they can work through their issues and come back to the league and compete.” [edited]

Albion San Diego

Represented by Coach Ziggy Korytoski, Daniel Vicente, Lennyn Carreon, Mayele Malango, Alioune Diakhate

Coach Korytoski, on winning on the road - “I believe in what we believe.” Mentioned some tough losses on the road. “This group is very good.” Ton of confidence in his team. Want to show the nation that they are real.

Mayele Malango, on facing Stars’ keeper, Tatenda Mkuruva - “You have a job to do, it’s to score goals. You have to make it happen.”

Coach Korytoski, on coaching this team versus youth teams - “It’s the same game they’ve been playing all their lives. It’s all about attention to detail…holding players accountable.”

Coach Korytoski, on being in the final in his first season in NISA - Mentioned his time with Albion in the NPSL. Talked about his staff. “It takes time, there’s 23 players on this team that weren’t here last year.” You stay true to your ideas and principles. There’s not doubt when we assembled this group that we would be here.” Don’t ignore the defense, “it’s pretty damn good.”

Mayele Malango, on being in Albion versus NAFC - “It’s more organized here. Happy to be here.”

Coach Korytoski, on how to prevent Stars from scoring on set pieces - “Don’t give them up. Be disciplined…I’d imagine we’ll have the ball a lot. They play direct. It’s a very good team, they’re organized, and focused on defending. We can’t make mistakes. I think this team is prepared.

This list of responses is not the complete list of questions asked.

The Valley United question answer was edited after Michael Battista released a full recap of Prutch’s response.