Irvine Zeta FC
Irvine Zeta FC is a professional soccer team based in Irvine, California. The club is established and financially backed by Chinese investors, the first Chinese-founded professional soccer team in the United States. It is the inaugural professional football club bearing the name of the city of Irvine. The club fields a senior team in the National Independent Soccer Association, as well as teams in NISA Nation, the UPSL, and youth leagues..
History
Zeta FC was established in September 2022 in Irvine, California by Cary Lyu. The club began play in the United Premier Soccer League in 2023, reaching the 2023 UPSL Spring League Division 1 Tier playoffs.On March 16, 2023, Zeta FC submitted the application to join the National Independent Soccer Association for the 2024 season. On May 22, Zeta FC received NISA's approval.
NISA
Irvine Zeta FC made their U.S. Open Cup debut on March 20, 2024, defeating SC MesoAmerica, winners of the 2023 National Amateur Cup, 1-0. The team would go on to defeat Ventura County FC in the second round, 3-0, before falling to Monterey Bay FC in the third round.Irvine Zeta FC kicked off its first professional season in April 2024. Irvine finished the 2024 season with a record of 11 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses, second-best in the West Conference. Zeta FC defeated the Michigan Stars FC in the semifinal, 3-0 to advance to their first NISA Championship Game. The game ended 1-1, with Irvine losing to Los Angeles Force 3-2 in penalty kicks.