Protagonist Soccer

While the majority of lower league soccer finally got the matchup it’s been waiting for, Chattanooga FC fans are less inclined to be excited about the USOC Round Two matchup with Chattanooga Red Wolves. The reasons are in the history between these two clubs, but the future looks very different for them.

by Dan Vaughn

Round one gave us some surprises, some “cupsets,” and in some cases, met our expectations - whether that’s good or bad, probably depends on where your allegiances lay. Please enjoy the following pieces of writing, generously donated by the folks who dedicate their time, week in and week out, to sharing the details about soccer at the most interesting levels in the United States.

by Protagonist and Guests

Having grown up in England, Chandler O’Dwyer knows about rivalries. Now playing for the Richmond Kickers, he’s been involved with the best rivalry in lower league soccer, the Henny Derby.

by Dan Vaughn

As the weekend nears, we’ve got two matches coming up with big playoff implications. Plus a look at a new role for Spokane Zephyr.

by Dan Vaughn

Last week may have been a bad one for the USMNT, but the emergence of Diego Luna in midfield may be the redeeming event of a failed Nations League run. His story of development doesn’t fit the mold of the average MLS star, but shows the importance of USL Championship’s role in the path to professional.

by Dan Vaughn

Another dominant display by Dallas at the expense of Brooklyn, who slip to second last week, after dropping their third in a row. Friend of Protagonist Soccer, Photographer Luke Chávez was there to shoot it.

by Josh Duder

With plenty of soccer stories in the blender, some may have missed the big announcement that USL has voted to approve promotion/relegation. Dan Vaughn considers the implications of the story for the American soccer ecosystem in this editorial.

by Dan Vaughn

With day one of the 2025 US Open Cup in the books, fans of the cupset will be feeling some sadness. Only one upset (thank you, FORO) isn’t the result lower league fans were hoping for, but there’s plenty more soccer to be played!

by Dan Vaughn

The US Open Cup is back and the first round proper is upon us - to celebrate, we reached out to several of our favorite bloggers and podcasters to help us assemble a list of games we think you’ll want to scour YouTube for their respective streams.

While we want you to watch every game you can, we understand that there might not be enough time to soak it all in… if that is the case, feel free to check in here to get the gist of these popular games in Round One.

by Protagonist and Guests

With just three weeks left of soccer in the MASL regular season, let’s take a look at the three times vying for the last playoff spot. Tacoma Stars, St. Louis Ambush, and Dallas Sidekicks all have a chance and everything to play for.

by Dan Vaughn