Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
The Round of 32 delivered in every way, continuing a run that has left soccer fans thrilled for the US Open Cup. Golazos galore and a couple of upsets made this round a pleasure to watch, but what I’m focusing on is what did we learn from this year’s Round of 32.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreTough night for Locomotive, going down a score in the second half and couldn’t find the equalizer, regardless of effort.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreOn Saturday, Tulsa Athletic won the NPSL National Championship in penalties over Georgia-based Apotheos FC. Sonny Dalesandro reflects on the season and what’s next for kings of NPSL soccer.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreUnited Soccer Coaches annual convention is a big deal. Every year, thousands of soccer types from across the country (and turns out, the world) show up to learn, share, pitch, and hang out with at the convention. This year, Knights Who Say NISA podcast was invited to be on Podcast Row and we decided to attend. The convention is in Philadelphia and this is my travel log.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreThis week, the owners of Austin Rise FC made their efforts public and announced their club name, crest, and the league they will play in. Their passion for soccer, Austin, and each other is evident in every square inch of their new crest and every press release, and we predict, it will be evident when they take to the field in 6 months.
by Danielle Gawronski and Elisabeth Schendel
Read MoreToday, the USL W League announced its first California division, aptly named the NorCal Division. The division will finally be home to the previously announced Oakland Soul and Stockton Cargo. Joining the two clubs are Academica SC, California Storm, Marin FC, The Olympic Club, Pleasanton RAGE, and San Francisco Glens.
by Protagonist Staff
Read MoreToday, The Town FC announced their intentions to pursue bringing the NWSL, the top flight women’s soccer league in the US, to Oakland and the East Bay.
by Elisabeth Schendel
Read MoreWhile most of the soccer fans in this country has their tv’s tuned to ESPN+ for the US Open Cup final, we had our own man in Exploria Stadium to see the match first-hand. From before the match to Denny’s after, Cameron Reed describes the matchup between USL and MLS and how Sacramento Republic gave all lower league fans a sense of hope.
by Cameron Reed
Read MoreTattoo culture has long been part of belonging to subcultures, and in the modern era soccer fandom and ink have interlocked. Fans put their loyalty on their skin and identify their support through visual marks. Looking back through history, it should be no surprise that the high-risk world of supporter culture and tattoos would blend together so often.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreThe rise of regional leagues is the story of the last five years in American amateur soccer. Next year, the GCPL will add another regional league to its organization, the Atlantic Coast Premier League. Zac Hines, one of the founders, discusses his hopes and goals for the ACPL.
by Dan Vaughn
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