15 Comments

I think it's one more example of quality players, just sitting around out there without a club. If NISA had the means, and could get venues lined up, there could easily be 5-6 more teams in the league. Without a drop-off in talent.

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Here's some interesting background on the Georgia Lions, courtesy of FrontRowSoccer. It's the first pro club to be owned by an Indian-Am woman!

"Georgia Lions FC will be based in Conyers, Ga. and will be the first Indian-woman-owned professional soccer club in the United States...

“NISA is an evolving league that has been blessed with some amazing organizations,” Prutch said. “Co-founders Patrick Vierhout and Sunita Patel – along with the entire Georgia Lions organization – allow us to continue to build with established organizations that are well-led, well-run, and well-connected in the community. Expanding into Atlanta also is a strong step for our eastern profile.

“Sunita also brings a unique perspective to our leadership group.”

Patel, from a small town outside of Surat, India, brings a history of success with a diverse business portfolio and a deep-seated love for sports.

“As we embark on our journey in NISA, we’re not just starting a soccer club; we’re bringing to life a vision that transcends the pitch,” she said in a statement. “It’s a platform that resonates with our goals – to showcase top-tier soccer and foster a competitive spirit.”

Also the owner of the Sportif apparel company, Vierhout, with a rich legacy in soccer, brings knowledge, experience, and strategic alliances to the organization."

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The Georgia (ex-Lions) and their sad saga merit a column all by itself. But kudos to them that they played hard.

The Silverbacks venue looks pristine, though! If only there could be some fans in those fabulously multi-colored seats.....

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thanks for covering this. once I finally figured out where to watch it, and after my initial disappointment with their video platform not being Chromecast-friendly, it was a great watch. Nice video quality, decent camera work, and really nice commentary. Also in a rarity (hopefully not for long?) the pitch was soccer-specific unlike almost all the NISA I've seen in the past played on an American football field.

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Bet Georgia shocked you!

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