The New York Cosmos will kick off play in the National Independent Soccer Association fall season the weekend of August 8, the league announced on Thursday.

 

They will play in the Eastern Conference with the regular season running through the weekend of October 11. 

 

The Cosmos are expected to play 8 regular season games with all four Cosmos home games played behind closed doors. The team’s home stadium and schedule has yet to be finalized.

 

The NISA champion will be determined via a seeded bracket tournament based on regional competition rankings, in late October. The tournament will be held at a neutral location.

 

NISA commissioner John Prutch stressed safety first for all players, teams and staffs.

 

"The health and safety of our players, coaches, staffs and fans are of the utmost importance," he said. "As a result, our Return To Play protocol takes into consideration numerous processes and alternative plans, including playing behind closed doors.

 

"As we move forward, we will continue to adhere with CDC recommendations and state and local mandates. Our Board of Governors have been very supportive and unified in this process and have my gratitude. I look forward to our clubs getting back to competing on the pitch and determining a Fall champion, may the best team win!"

 

NISA was forced to cancel its spring season in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The NISA fall season schedule is expected to be released in the coming weeks.