NISA Announces 2024 Best XI Honors Selections with First and Second Team

1 CDL, 1 Georgia FC, and 2 Savannah Clovers FC Players Receive Recognition.

The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) announced its 2024 Best XI First Team and Best XI Second Team honors last month. Savannah Clovers FC defenders Zack Hargreaves and Kyle Nelson received recognition on the first team, while Georgia FC forward Patrick Okonkwo and Club de Lyon FC midfielder Matias Pourrain received recognition on the second team.

Last October, NISA announced its Golden Boot and Golden Glove winners. Maryland Bobcats FC forward Darwin Espinal won the 2024 NISA Golden Boot, scoring 13 goals, while Los Angeles Force goalkeeper Seth Torman won the 2024 NISA Golden Glove award with six clean sheets.

Below are the selections for the 2024 All-NISA Best XI First Team and the 2024 All-NISA Best XI Second Team. League stats partner Whyscout provides individual stats.

NISA Best XI FIRST TEAM:

• FORWARD:

  • George Almeida – Irvine Zeta FC (2024: CF)

    • 9 goals

  • Michael Salazar – Los Angeles Force (2024: CF)

    • 9 goals; 1 assist; 81.3% pass accuracy

• MIDFIELD:

  • Edson Alvarado –Irvine Zeta FC (2024: LCMF)

    • 1 goal; 8 assist;

  • Darwin Espinal – Maryland Bobcats FC (2024: LAMF / F)

    • Golden Boot winner with 13 goals; 6 assists; No. 1 shots on target at 56.6%

  • Tyler Gabarra – Maryland Bobcats FC (2024: AMF / LW / RW)

    • 4 goals; 4 assists; 88.56% pass accuracy; 66.67% long pass accuracy

  • Josselin Possian – Maryland Bobcats FC (2024: LDMF / LCMF / RCMF)

    • 2 goals; 1 assist; 88.71% pass accuracy

• DEFENSE:

  • Luis Almeida - Maryland Bobcats FC (2024: RCB)

    • 1 assist; 88 interceptions; 71.9% defensive duels won

  • Zack Hargreaves – Savannah Clovers FC (2024: DMF / RCMF / LCMF)

    • 3 goals; 2 assists; 86.51% pass accuracy

  • Justin Jovel – Los Angeles Force (2024: LDMF)

    • 1 assist; 71 interceptions

  • Kyle Nelson – Savannah Clovers FC (LCB / LB)

    • 1 goal; 85 interceptions; 80.52% defensive duels won

• GK:

  • Seth Torman – Los Angeles Force (2024: GK)

    • Golden Glove winner with 6 clean sheets; 75.61% saves

NISA Best XI SECOND TEAM

• FORWARD:

  • Leon Maric – Michigan Stars FC (2024: F)

    • 7 goals

  • Patrick Okonkwo – Georgia FC (2024: LW / CF)

    • 6 goals

• MIDFIELD:

  • Elijah Amo – Maryland Bobcats FC (2024: CF / RAMF)

    • 6 goals; 3 assists; 85.1% pass accuracy

  • Shinya Kadono – Irvine Zeta FC (2024: LW)

    • 3 goals; 4 assists; 77.43% pass accuracy

  • Bryan Ortega – Los Angeles Force (2024: AMF / RDMF)

    • 3 goals; 5 assists; 82.6% pass accuracy

  • Matias Pourrain – Club de Lyon FC (2024: CM)

    • 2 goals; 4 assist 81.6% pass accuracy

• DEFENSE:

  • Garrett Hogbin – Los Angeles Force (2024: RCB)

    • 58 interceptions; 78.87% defensive duels won

  • Andrew Kleszewski – Irvine Zeta FC (2024: RB / LB)

    • 2 assists; 65 interceptions; 80.21% defensive duels won

  • Sacko Konate – Michigan Stars FC (2024: LCB)

    • 1 goal; 85 interceptions

  • Dylan Shockey – Capo FC (2024: RB / LB / LWB)

    • 1 goal; 74 interceptions

• GK:

  • Mitch North – Irvine Zeta FC (2024: GK)

    • 6 clean sheets; 71.79% saves

Georgia FC forward Patrick Okonkwo was the club's top goalscorer in their inaugural season in NISA last year, scoring six goals across 16 matches. Savannah Clovers FC defender Zack Hargreaves scored three goals and recorded 1,620 minutes of play on the pitch in 18 matches. Fellow defender Kyle Nelson played 1,620 minutes across 18 matches last season for the Clovers. Club de Lyon midfielder Matias Pourrain scored two goals, added one assist, and made 16 appearances, logging 1,440 minutes of play on the pitch last season.

What are your thoughts on the NISA Best XI Selections? Let me know in the comments section below.