News

LA FORCE WIN FIRST EVER NISA CHAMPIONSHIP IN CLUB HISTORY

Published Oct 21, 2024

Kickoff: Saturday, October 19th, 2024

Where: Veterans Memorial Stadium

Livestream: NISA +

It is over! Your Los Angeles Force are the 2024 NISA Champions!

In the most thrilling match of the season, the LA Force defeated Zeta FC in penalties. A poetic finish for the LA Force, as they had to defeat the club who had been on their heels all year in the Western Conference.

This would be the second time the LA Force reached the final championship round, as they would lose to Detroit City FC back in the 2020 season. Now LA was 90 minutes away from a possible beginning to a new chapter of Force soccer in NISA.

The 405 Derby rivals left it all out on the field this past weekend as both clubs tried to get the upper hand of the match. However, this would be one of the closest matches of the year with momentum swinging every minute.

Both teams would try to fling one by the two best goalkeepers in the league, but nothing would budge. With constant breakaways for both teams LA Force would be the first to score with an out of the box screamer by Josue Cartagena. Brigida would try a cutback cross to Salazar, but with the ball bouncing out of the box, Cartagena decided to try and rip one in. (1-0)

The score would stay 1-0 up until the 55th minute with George Almeida of Zeta FC scoring via a bicycle just inside the box. Kodono did a great job keeping the ball alive and with an early cross Almeida decided to try the unimaginable. The ball went in the top corner tying the game at (1-1).

Both teams would finish full time with just one goal with possession numbers even at 50% for both squads. All major statistics were hovering at an equal amount for the 405 Derby participants. It almost felt as if a shot on target was followed by another shot on target by the opposite team.

With most substitutions coming in for LA by extra time, Dekel Keinan decided to stay out, understanding that Hogbin and Bowers were the safest bet for LA.

Extra time once again did not help either team with penalties being the final opportunity for both teams to grab the trophy.

With penalties moments away there was some confusion with the goalies for Zeta FC. Hansen of Zeta came in during extra time, but Zeta FC inserted Mitch North in for the penalty shootout.

According to NISA rules, a player who ended the game during extratime must play in the penalty shootouts, thus no substitutes are allowed.

According to officials, North’s substitution should have been denied, so they ruled North back in. A controversial decision, but it allowed both Golden Glove favorites to go head to head in the sticks.

Torman could be seen shrugging off North’s re-entering showing how confident he was in his ability. This confidence would let him deny the first two penalty kicks from Zeta FC.

Hogbin and Cartagena would follow by slotting both of their PK’s.

Zeta responded and with a missed shot by Juarez score would be level at 2-2.

Victor Blanco would go up to secure the third goal of penalties and make it 3-2.

Kodono, the San Diego Albion Alumni, was the final shot for Zeta. His shot went wide of the goal and the crowd ran onto the field to celebrate.

Who else, other than Seth Torman, to make two penalty kick saves to secure the silverware for the club.

The crowd was energetic, smoke was everywhere, and the LA Force squad were screaming of joy. Celebrations continued into the night after the hoisting of the 2024 trophy.

A very drama filled season for LA having to deal with injuries and tough opponents, but LA remained vigilant. The clubs are now champions for the first time in club history. The passion everybody has for this club can be felt all over the organization and we as a club are excited to see the future success to come here in Long Beach.

We as a club also wish to thank the fans for their dedication and support to come to Veterans Memorial Stadium and show love to the men in black and gold.

It is time for celebrations as your Los Angeles Force are your 2024 NISA Champions!

FACTS:

Defense shakeup with Ronaldo Lomeli, Garrett Hogbin, Aydan Bowers, and Shaibu Jr.

Cartagena slots 4th goal of the season.

Ronaldo Lomeli finds himself back in the starting lineup for the final match.

Golden Glove winner Seth Torman makes two reaction saves in penalties and secures a trophy for LA Force.