CHICAGO (April 16, 2022) – The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) sends four clubs into round three of the 2022 United States Open Cup (USOC). Bay Cities FC, California United Strikers FC, Chattanooga FC and Flower City Union have all reached the next round. Three matches are against Major League Soccer clubs with Chattanooga visiting defending USOC champions Atlanta United. Cal United’s match is against lower division peer FC Tucson.

The head coaches for each club looked back and weighed in on what to expect.

Anders Perez, Head Coach, Bay Cities FC

“A huge early win for our young organization and our young players. It was a full team effort both by the coaching staff and the players. The players know what they are capable of, and many should be playing at a level higher than division three. They proved it. Now we get an opportunity to do it against an MLS team. A team that many of these players dreamed of playing for as they grew up in the Bay Area. For a few of them, it will be a homecoming game, as they played for the Quakes Academy prior to being released. I’m hoping we can give them a competitive match, and of course, get a victory.”

Zack Agliata, Head Coach, Flower City Union

“It’s really exciting to be able to compete against a first division team, test ourselves in an extremely competitive environment and play in a historic environment.”

Rod Underwood, Sporting Director & Head Coach, Chattanooga Football Club

“The US Open Cup win simply was important for the players club and the city. Being able to see everyone experience the joy of the team winning was exciting for me. Our approach to the game was the same as always. We come to play our way and express our abilities. Playing Atlanta United is a great opportunity to play the current US Open Cup holders and one of the best organizations in MLS. This is a special moment for us. We will approach this game like any other game. We will play our way and express our abilities the way the game shows us. Our club has quality individuals on and off the field to share this moment of playing an MLS club is a special moment.”

Don Ebert, Head Coach Cal United Strikers FC // Technical Director/Director of Strikers FC

“The US Open Cup is a fantastic competition that we’ve been looking forward to for some time now. For our players, it’s an opportunity for them to showcase themselves nationally. Our boys fared well in our first match up against San Fernando. These early round match ups can be tricky, but the boys stepped up and delivered a great well-rounded performance.

We now travel to FC Tucson and are looking forward to our matchup. We know they’ll be a tougher opponent then our last. They’re coming off a solid win themselves and have some explosive young talent. However, we are confident in ourselves and our style of play. We know what is at stake and our players are motivated and up for the task.”