With ALBION San Diego taking a break from the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) for the 2024 season, that has not stopped many of its standout players from making an impact in other teams.

Among them are the three who currently play with Irvine Zeta FC in the NISA west division and who are now one step away from making it the final. Defender Andrew Kleszewski, Shinya Kadono and defender Harold Hanson have continued to put their skills from their time with ALBION to good use as Irvine Zeta gets ready to face the Michigan Stars on Saturday, Oct. 12 at Championship Soccer Stadium.

The “three amigos”, as they’ve been affectionately nicknamed by the fans, helped lead ALBION San Diego to the semifinals in 2023 before falling 3-2 at the hands of the Stars which came a season after the team made the championship match.

Kleszewski, Kadono and Hanson have also strengthened their chemistry on the pitch which has helped lead Irvine to a chance at lifting the trophy in its rookie NISA season. The added advantage is that they still have Tyler Silva and Khadim Seye as part of the coaching staff just as it was when they played their home games at Canyon Crest Academy last year with ALBION San Diego.

The task to reach the final will not be an easy one as they face a familiar foe in Michigan who won the 2022 NISA title and was also a 2023 finalist. The Stars have always had a core of seasoned and talented players who can impose themselves through their physicality and technical abilities from the opening whistle. ALBION San Diego has yet to officially announce its return for the 2025 season where it could play the role of San Diego FC’s local professional rival now that San Diego Loyal is no longer around.

Who wouldn’t want to see a US Open Cup game between ALBION San Diego and San Diego FC?

Based on how much fan attention there was the two times that ALBION and San Diego Loyal faced each other, it would be a must see game that no true soccer fan would want to miss.

Photo credit: Oscar Yu