Atlantic City FC, Allentown United enter expanded NISA Independent Cup

Two local clubs will compete in the 2021 NISA Independent Cup, which will run this summer from July to August.

Both Atlantic City FC and Allentown United FC will compete in the 36-club tournament spanning nine regions. They will both compete in the Mid-Atlantic region, joining Steel Pulse FC and the Maryland Bobcats.

Atlantic City FC is currently playing in the NPSL’s Keystone Conference in regular season play. The “Aces” are off to a flying start, winning twice and drawing once in their first three contests.

Allentown United is also off to a great start in their league. Their U-23 squad plays in UPSL Division 1, where they are 3-0-1 through four games. They lead the Northeast Conference in goals scored, putting away an impressive 21 goals after just 360 minutes of play.

It is currently unclear whether there will be a national finals in the NISA Independent Cup. However, Atlantic City FC, Allentown United FC, Steel Pulse FC and the Maryland Bobcats will fight for the Mid-Atlantic regional trophy, playing three games in four weeks.

The Maryland Bobcats won last season’s Mid-Atlantic region on goal difference.

The competition provides Atlantic City FC with an opportunity in their first national tournament. The Aces qualified for the U.S. Open Cup for the first time in the 2019 season but the 2020 Open Cup was canceled and the 2021 Open Cup drastically reduced the field before being postponed.