CHICAGO (February 16, 2022) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) today solidified the playoff format for the 2022 championship. While the 10 clubs will play an unbalanced schedule over East and West divisions, the playoffs will seed the top three clubs from each into a division-agnostic bracket based on points. The two clubs at the top of each division earn a first-round bye, second-place clubs earn seed Nos. 3 and 4, and the third-place clubs earn seeds Nos. 5 and 6.

“The two divisions are very well balanced with both including clubs with longer histories and those making their debuts,” says NISA Commissioner John Prutch. “This format, though, allows for the clubs putting together a stellar season the earned opportunity to have a favorable path to the title.”

There will NOT be division championship matches. The divisions are:

WEST

• ALBION San Diego
• Bay Cities FC
• California United Strikers FC
• Los Angeles Force
• Valley United FC

EAST

• AC Syracuse Pulse
• Chattanooga FC
• Flower City Union
• Maryland Bobcats FC
• Michigan Stars FC

The 2022 season runs through October 15. The playoffs start October 22 with the semi-finals on October 29 and a final on November 5. Full 2022 details can be found at NISASoccer.com/schedule. Match broadcast and streaming programming will be forthcoming.