CHICAGO (May 16, 2024) – Today the National Independent Soccer Association announced its April Performers of the Month awards. Statistics are analyzed by NISA official stats partner Wyscout and winners are determined by a select set of NISA front office staff.

Player of the Month: Player who demonstrated his abilities on the field above and beyond any other player in the league.

• Niels Lellouch – Michigan Stars FC: Lellouch was the league’s leading scorer in April with three goals. This includes a brace in added time on April 27 (90’ +2, 90’ +3), the second being the match. An added note: in March, Lellouch had an 83' match winning goal in U.S. Open Cup.

Coach of the Month: Coach who led his team to significant results and led by example both on and off the field.

• Enis Dokovic – Michigan Stars FC: Dokovic led Michigan Stars FC to 3-0-0 on the month. Two of the wins were secured in the final and extra minutes.

Club of the Month: An off the field award to the Club that best promoted their brand and image within their local community.

• Irvine Zeta FC: Irvine Zeta FC kicked off its inaugural professional season with superb community engagement. It forged a partnership with Sports Page Soccer Warehouse and the Orange County Fire Authority. It played host to Irvine Mayor Farrah Khan, Vice Mayor Larry Agarn, former Chinese National Soccer Team/Shandong, Taishan FC star Mr. Wang Yongpo, former Taishan FC player Mr. ShuChang and local business representative Mr. Robert Ma. It invited the Southern California Youth Lion Dance Team as guests and for a halftime performance; and, finally, launched a "Be a Player Escort" program.

Operations Team of the Month: Awarded to the Game Day Operations staff who best embraced and followed the league standards set forth by the league office.

• Irvine Zeta FC: In their first full month playing at the professional level, Irvine Zeta have displayed their ability to execute club operations behind the scenes with a very impressive level of proficiency. Zeta FC's level of communication, execution of timing, and match operations have all been top-notch.The club played in four total league contests, including its inaugural home match at Championship Stadium. During this time the club also advanced to the third round of U.S. Open Cup play. They were then tasked with planning a lengthy trip north to face off against Monterey Bay FC just a short two weeks later. 

April Best XI: 

• FORWARD:
  • Georgia Almeida - Irvine Zeta
    • 2 goals in 3 games
  • Patrick Okonkwo - Georgia FC 
    • 2 goals in 3 games
    • 86.7% pass accuracy
• MIDFIELD: 
  • Jedidiah McCloud - Savannah Clovers FC
    • 1 goal 2 assists in 4 games
    • 84.5% pass accuracy
  • Edson Alvarado - Irvine Zeta FC
    • 2 assist in 3 games
    • 82% pass accuracy
  • Brandon Zambrano - Capistrano FC
    • 2 goals in 3 games
    • 83.4% pass accuracy
  • Justin Jovel - Los Angeles Force
    • 79% pass accuracy
    • 5 interceptions per match
• DEFENSE:
  • Niels Lellouch - Michigan Stars
    • 3 goals in 3 matches
    • April league-leading scorer 
  • Alex Culwell - Irvine Zeta FC
    • 1 assist 
    • 92% pass accuracy
    • 65% aerial duels won
  • Ford Hunt – Savannah Clovers FC
    • 86.7% pass accuracy
    • 74.3% aerial duels won
  • Kevin Herrera - Georgia FC 
    • 2 goals and 1 assist in 3 games
• GK:
  • Tatenda Mkuruva - Michigan Stars FC
    • 3 wins (undefeated in April)