The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) recently revealed the branding of a new soccer team coming to New York City: New Amsterdam FC. And they may be even closer to home than you may think. There are widespread rumors that New Amsterdam will use the facilities of Fordham’s Rose Hill campus.

This would not be the first time Fordham has played home to a professional soccer game. Back in 2016, Jack Coffey Field hosted the New York Cosmos as they defeated New York City FC — now a premier Major League Soccer team — in their inaugural season in the U.S. Open Cup.

With a name inspired by New York City’s original identity as a Dutch settlement and a logo based on the ships used by Dutch immigrants traveling to the United States, New Amsterdam will look to make a splash in the growing NISA. 

Set to take the field in the fall, New Amsterdam is the 12th team to join the NISA — a third-tier U.S. soccer league. They are the second New York team in the league, joining the New York Cosmos. After a well-known history, the Cosmos faced a two-year hiatus and a mirage of struggles but will return to play professionally in the NISA for the upcoming season, setting up an intriguing derby with New Amsterdam. 

Formed in 2017, the NISA began play in 2019 with just eight teams. However, just as expansion has marked the top soccer leagues in the United States, the same is true for the NISA. New Amsterdam is one of a few teams set to join the league over the coming seasons.

The NISA, along with the USL League One, make up the two Division III United States soccer leagues. They are set behind the top tier of American soccer — Major League Soccer — and the Division II league USL Championship. Another New York team, Queensboro FC, is set to join the USL Championship in 2021.

The current NISA season has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Next year’s season is scheduled to begin this August, pending any further delays.