No club in the BSSL has maximized its impact more through social media than Providence City FC. Led by Jason Rego, PCFC has grown by leaps and bounds, through an active approach to social media - one that is always willing to engage, especially with that slick eyebrow raising shark gif. The club has matched that energy with one of the best merch games in the American lower leagues, putting out some of the most sought after kits each season. It’s a combination that has made the club fans all over the world, regardless of the fact that they play in a regional league. A league that even features clubs without twitter handles or instagram accounts. Providence City FC stands out.

While the club has shined through on social media, the play on the field may be even more impressive. The Rogues have been on a meteoric rise beginning in 2016, when the club missed promotion by a single point. Since that season, the club has won consecutive promotions and eventually the league title in 2019. With the madness of the pandemic year and resulting restrictions, the club was unable to use players who lived in Rhode Island in the playoffs and it was knocked out. Rego describes 2021 as the year “we are coming back hoping to earn what is ours.”

The club has kicked off 2021 in high style by winning the Massachusetts state title in the Werner Fricker Open Cup, beating Safira in the final 2-0. The club now advances to the next step in the national competition. For the team, selecting the right mix of players was the first step - “We made tough decisions to select our best 15. It's not always easy but we were able to maintain a balance between ruffling feathers and keeping our players happy. We have a strong team ready to compete at the next level.”

Providence City players celebrate the win over Safira. Image credit: Burt Granofsky

This weekend, Providence City FC kicks off its Bay State Soccer League regular season, taking on Merrimack Valley United FC. It will be a great early test for the Rogues, as MVUFC won their first match of the season, putting five goals into the net against FC Bebbanbürg. All the success for PCFC hasn’t been lost on the rest of the BSSL. Is repeating as champion harder? “Always, now you have a target on your back. We do our best to get better every season.” This weekend should be a good indicator of where Providence City is on that path.

- Dan Vaughn

Special thanks to Burt Granofsky for his amazing photography used in this article. Follow him on Twitter for the best photos of the BSSL.