CLIFTON, N.J. (December 13, 2021) – The inaugural NISA Nation Northeast Region championship went to New Jersey Alliance FC after a 4-0 result against New Amsterdam FC II at the Athenia Steel Complex here. It marked the very first title awarded in the NISA Nation league.

“We offer a huge congratulations to New Jersey Alliance, as well as a salute to New Amsterdam FC II,” says NISA Nation Managing Director Ron Patel. “Getting to ‘full time’ with a bold, new endeavor like NISA Nation is gratifying for everyone involved. All six Northeast Region clubs demonstrated both their pioneering spirit and their desire to grow on the pitch, on the touchline, and in the front office.”

All four goals were scored in the second half. Amer Lukovic opened the scoring with a full volley follow-up of a deflection. Five minutes later, Lukovic made it a brace heading in a dead ball cross from Kevin Santamaria. Midway through the stanza, a poorly cleared cross landed at the feet of Carlton McKenzie just to the right of the spot, and he powered it to the back of the net. The final tally came with five minutes left on a strike from the 18 by Nelson Luna on an assist from John Gonzalez.

New Amsterdam came into the match undefeated with New Jersey Alliance having suffered only one loss.

Introduced last September, NISA Nation is a full-year league providing amateur independent clubs a groundbreaking path to professional status. Along with New Jersey Alliance and New Amsterdam II, the other NISA Nation Northeast Region clubs include Atlantic City FC, Steel Pulse FC, New Jersey Teamsterz FC and Bearfight @ Albion SC Delaware.