Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
Round three of the US Open Cup wrapped up last night and delivered plenty of fun soccer, minus many cupsets. Soccer fans got can’t-miss match after can’t-miss match. Honestly, the magic of the cup is alive and well!
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreAfter six league games played, FC Naples find themselves atop the USL League One table; they also head into their third match of the 2025 US Open Cup as underdogs but with as good a chance as they come to move onto the Round of 32 - all while being unbeaten in Paradise.
by Josh Duder
Read MoreSixteen teams were knocked out in Round Two and sixteen new teams enter Round Three. We lost all but one of the amateur sides, with El Farolito FC earning the purse for longest-lasting non-pro side. Only two MLSNP teams remain and the rest of the USL Championship get’s loaded into the fray. This is the last round of games before MLS gets involved and we’ll see which 2nd and 3rd division pro teams get to that draw.
by Protagonist and Guests
Read MoreA weekend full of goals, but none for the Golden Boot front-runners. Dan’s got thoughts on the weekend and what we know about the upcoming playoff race in the USL Super League.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreTwo matches last week, four this week, including one that kicks off tonight. Here’s a quick catchup on what’s going on in the USL Super League.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreWhile 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
Read MoreRound 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
Read MoreHaving 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
Read MoreAs 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
Read MoreLast 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
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