Philadelphia Fury pulls out of fall NISA season

The Philadelphia Fury won’t be returning to the city this weekend, after all.

Their home opener in the National Independent Soccer Association, scheduled for Saturday at Franklin Field against Atlanta SC, has been canceled and the team has suspended operations at least for the remainder of the fall season.

“This is the best decision for the Philadelphia Fury and the league, as it will allow them time to prepare for Spring league play,” the league said in a news release released on Wednesday afternoon. “The League Office is working closely with the Fury’s Management Team on all player-related contractual obligations. NISA’s leadership will also be working with the club to address shortcomings to resume competition for the Spring 2020 season.”

The news release cited “a reversal from one of their main investors” as the reason for the sudden withdrawal from the league’s fall “showcase” season.

The team had scheduled their home opener for the inaugural NISA campaign at Franklin Field for September 7 but the game was postponed because of “complications due to Dorian impacting logistics for some game staff,” according to a news release from the league.

The Fury traveled to Florida last weekend and lost to Miami FC 8-1 in the first league match after playing a friendly at Detroit City FC on August 31.