For 2021, the NISA Independent Cup moves further north to include clubs from the New England section of the country. To be fair, two of the four clubs that will be playing in this region are from the New York City area. But what this group may lack in regional representation is more than made up by the quality of the amateur sides that will be playing alongside New Amsterdam FC.

New Amsterdam FC (NISA)

New Amsterdam in Legends Cup action. Photo credit: Jon DeBoer

In last year’s inaugural Independence Cup, New Amsterdam FC played as a competitive side for the first time. They struggled in the tournament and in the following fall season and tournament in NISA. The club made a number of personnel changes for the 2021 Spring Season. There was overall improvement, including the club’s first win in its brief history. But once again New Amsterdam FC found itself at the bottom of the league table.

Although New Amsterdam is focused on developing players in and around New York City, the club brought on a number of players with previous professional experience during the season to bolster the offense. Look for a combination of Mayele Malango, Arthur Bosua, and Shavon John-Brown to be key parts of the NAFC offense during the tournament. And don’t forget NAFC original and Kearny, NJ product Daniel Vicente who has moved around between offense and defense.

Lansdowne Yonkers (EPSL)

So, you want a club that wins cups? Look no further than this team out on Yonkers, New York. Last month, over one weekend, the Bhoys won the Region 1 Amateur Cup as well as the Region 1 Werner Frecker Cup, beating regional powers West Chester United and Clifton Elite FC respectively. This was all accomplished after the club had finished top of the table in the first season of the Eastern Premier Soccer League’s Metropolitan Division. So their spot in the Independent Cup was well-earned.

Lansdowne’s trophy wall is pretty impressive.

Lansdowne finished their initial campaign in the EPSL leading the division in goals scored as well as fewest goals allowed. They fought off the fierce challenge from New York Pancyprian Freedoms to finish first, with both clubs earning a spot in the EPSL national semi-finals being played later in July. A player to watch in this tournament would be leading goal-scorer Joseph (Joey) DeVivo, who tallied nine goals during the EPSL season.

Mass United Rush (UPSL/EPSL)

Now we turn our attention to the New England-based clubs playing in this group. Mass United Rush, founded in 2009, is a Boston-based club that has played in a number of leagues, including the American Soccer League, NPSL, and the UPSL. This spring Mass United became part of the initial group of clubs to play in EPSL’s Northeast Conference. The club finished second to Connecticut Rush, but got revenge in the playoff by beating Connecticut 4-0 to advance to the EPSL semi-finals.

Meanwhile, in UPSL play, Mass United also finished second in the Northeast Conference’s Patriot Premier Division regular season this spring. But once again, they would find success in the playoffs by beating Seacoast United then division-leading Brockton FC United to advance to the regionals in the UPSL. The club has made it to the national finals in UPSL on multiple occasions.

Newtown Pride FC (Connecticut Soccer League)

If you remember me mentioning Lansdowne winning Region 1 of the Amateur Cup, Newtown won the whole thing in 2019 (the last time the national finals were played). So until a new champ is crowned next month, Newtown is still the reigning Amateur Cup champs. Currently playing out of the Connecticut Soccer League, the Sandy Hook-based club had at one point considered playing the NESL Super League. The club continues to pick up hardware after winning the Connecticut Soccer League last month defeating Bridgeport United FC, the club’s seventh consecutive CSL title.

Newtown prepares for action earlier this year.

Newtown Pride has represented its community well through its play on the field. But the team has also dedicated their efforts to the community of Sandy Hook as a way to honor the memory of those who were lost in the awful tragedy that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

- John Howard-Fusco