NISA (National Independent Soccer Association) started off with a a thrilling match this weekend with a sellout crowd in the East Bay as the Oakland Roots SC hosted the California United Strikers FC and played to a thrilling 3-3 draw in the inaugural match for NISA. Jack McInerney started off the match on fire with the first goal for the Roots in the 20th minute with a pass from Andres Jimenez. In the 30th minute, McInerney struck again on a free kick from Octavio Guzman. He followed that up with a pick in the near post in the 43rd minute to get his hat trick and a commanding 3-0 lead near the end of the first half for the Roots.

Late in the first half, Cal United Striker’s Chris Klute, got a goal late to make the score line 3-1 just before halftime. The Roots held that scoreline for thirty six minutes in the second half but in the 81st minute Cal United Striker’s Gustavo Villalobos, blast his shot top corner to get the Strikers within one. In the 89th minute, Christian Thierjung was left unmarked and slotted in the equalizer to tie the match leaving both clubs with a point after the first match in the NISA Fall Showcase. Oakland Roots SC next match will be a friendly on Sunday September 8th against Liga MX’s FC Jaurez from Mexico, while the California United Strikers next match will be on the road on September 14th as they travel to San Diego to take on 1904 FC at SDCCU Stadium.

In the NISA exhibition match at Keyworth Stadium, future NISA member Detroit City FC held on for a 1-0 win against the Philadelphia Fury in front of 5,859 fans. Ryan Peterson’s penalty kick in the 63rd minute, beat the Fury keeper on the right side and Le Rouge held on for the victory in this friendly. Detroit City FC will have a bit of a break before their Members Cup match on September 14th at the Milwaukee Torrent. The Philadelphia Fury will host their home opener match in NISA at Franklin Field on September 7 against Stumptown Athletic.

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