Yesterday, the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) announced its eighth club to participate in the 2025 NISA Pro Cup Tournament this fall. Modesto City FC, based in Modesto, CA, will play in the fall tournament. Representing the Central Valley in California, Modesto City FC was founded in 2019 as the city’s first semi-pro club. Modesto City FC played in the NorCal Premier League, the United Premier
Soccer League, the Southwest Premier League, and in NISA Nation. The club also participated in
the NISA Independent Cup in 2022 and 2023, and entered the qualifying rounds for the Lamar Hunt
U.S. Open Cup. The club has expanded its growth to Southern California and will add a men’s
team, and plans to add a women’s team in the Lightning League.
“Joining the NISA Pro Cup is a tremendous milestone for Modesto City Soccer Club,” Chief Executive Officer Christian Copland said. “It’s not just about stepping onto a bigger stage, it’s about putting our city, our players, and our community on the national soccer map. We’re proud to represent Modesto with heart and determination, and we’re ready to show the country what Valley soccer is all about.”
The club has had success recruiting talent from the Modesto area, including David Montanez and Matthew Copland, who made his debut for the club at age 13. Copland was signed by Sacramento United of MLS Next. Modesto City has had several players signed to play for clubs in other soccer leagues, such as the Primera División in El Salvador, the Philippines Football League, USL Championship, and the Major Arena Soccer League.
NISA will announce more participating clubs for the 2025 NISA Pro Cup in the coming days and weeks. Fans can stay up to date and learn more about the club by following Modesto City FC on its social media pages listed below.
Follow Modesto City FC:
Facebook: Modesto City FC
Instagram: @Modesto_City_FC
Threads: Modesto_City_FC
X/Twitter: @Modesto_City_FC
What are your thoughts on Modesto City FC participating in the NISA fall tournament? Let me know in the comments section below.
NISA Today FC Podcast 