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The USSF for years has ruled incompetently, ruining the development of the sport here in many cases. Multiple leagues have come into the system, even at the same sanctioned division, and clubs have moved from different league to different league. NISA has come into the system, and has started the building of an open system, a pyramid of leagues allied together to bring independent soccer here in the United States.
2 times before, clubs have left NISA. Miami FC left the league after just a half a season, and left for the USL Championship. Oakland Roots also left for the Championship a little while after too. Since then, many have speculated on who could be next. Now, we know.
Rumors started reporting yesterday that Detroit City FC could be the third club to leave NISA, the third to leave for the USL Championship. Originally, they weren't completely concrete yet. But there were multiple hints. Including Detroit City themselves hinting about an announcement being released at City Clubhouse. After these rumors, today it became official.
Looking on from Detroit's standpoint, they have seemed to outgrow the league. NISA has had glimpses of unprofessionalism (as all early soccer leagues would) throughout their existence. Detroit may need to do this if they want to be successful, and we have to just respect what they've done for NISA in their time here.
On the other hand, not just looking from a Detroit standpoint, it is absolutely disappointing to see Detroit leave the league. NISA has started something special. Jumping ship, especially this early into the league's existence seems a bit presumptuous. We could have seen how successful Detroit could have become, with NISA by it's side, and their values of Independent Soccer at the helm.
Similar to what we said in the first paragraph, this all comes down to our incompetent federation. The United States Soccer Federation has created an environment where clubs are forced to make these choices. Hopefully NISA is able to change that, using the open system.