The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) sent out a press release announcing that Redwood City-based Bay Cities FC is suspending operations for the rest of the season. They were scheduled to host the league leaders, Cal United Strikers FC, tomorrow night.
The announcement was not a surprise, since there had been rumors for most of the season that the club was struggling financially, particularly after several home matches were canceled. The press release said that NISA and the club are now focused on finding a new primary team owner.
“We are definitely disappointed that Bay Cities FC needed to make this decision,” said NISA Commissioner John Prutch. “This is difficult for everyone across the NISA landscape.”
Another West Division club, Valley United FC, also had to suspend their season on July 26 due to alleged violations of United States immigration law in the recruitment of players.
In their statement, the league said that the remaining eight clubs will be condensed into a single table, with the top six making the playoffs.
Bay Cities held their own in their first season in NISA, with a record of 4 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses in their first 12 matches. But the team had not played a league match since June 18, a 3-0 loss to Chattanooga FC.
The highlight of the season was a 2-1 victory over Monterey Bay FC of the USL Championship in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup at Pay Pal Park in San Jose.
