IE Republic FC Grabs West Coast Region in NISA Independent Cup

LA MIRADA, CA (JULY 18, 2022) – It's been a tournament of firsts for the Inland Empire Republic Football Club.

The first club from California's Inland Empire to play in the NISA Independent Cup, win a tournament match, host a tournament match and win its region, IE Republic FC grabbed the NISA Independent Cup West Coast Region and gets a match against Los Angeles Force on July 24.

"Representing our home, the Inland Empire, is an honor and every player in this club feels exactly the same," IE Republic FC Owner Gabriel Placencia said. "I started this club in my hometown of San Bernardino (and) there's not much here. Resources are slim to none and there's no outreach from the city, so an opportunity like this doesn't happen often. We want to thank our donors, families and friends, and our sponsor Jason Canahai of AlphaOneRestore."

The San Bernardino, CA-based club drew came from behind to defeat Peak XI FC 2-1 on July 8, and scored three goals in the second half to topple Olympiacos CA 4-2 on Saturday, July 16 to finish with a group-topping 17 points based on the NISA Independent Cup scoring system.

"This moment is for everyone in the Inland Empire, and in every other community like ours - for us it does like like that," Placencia said. "We are grateful for Matt Morse and the staff at the Southwest Premier League for providing a pathway forward. For us this is everything."

This is the club's first appearance in the NISA Independent Cup.

All NISA Independent Cup Region Finals will be broadcast on Eleven Sports.