Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
After an incredibly difficult 2024 season, filled with friendlies and matches without consequences, Tulsa Athletic has the chance to hoist silverware in the first ever American Champions Cup. The Tulsa club will face Houston Regals on Saturday. Sonny Dalesandro talks about his goals with the competition and how it came to be.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreIf you haven’t been following the drama between the NPSL and its defending champion Tulsa Athletic, you’re a better person than most lower league fans. The tension has increased to the points of lawsuits and now, a season-long suspension. It’s a mess. Sonny Dalesandro sat down with Protagonist to discuss next steps.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreIt appears that the struggle between the NPSL and Tulsa Athletic regarding Tulsa’s preferred homefield are not over and, in fact, have escalated to legal action. The club has filed for an injunction against the league and is seeking to use Hicks Park this season.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreWhen the fan voting ended, there was no question which team deserved the title of Protagonist Soccer Club of the Year. Tulsa Athletic was widely supported and overwhelmingly won the vote. The NPSL champion and furthest achieving amateur club in the US Open Cup added another trophy to its impressive haul from this year.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreEvery year we nominate five clubs for Protagonist Soccer Club of the Year. Our readers vote on who deserves the award. So let’s celebrate an amazing year of lower league soccer by highlighting four tremendous clubs who deserve your vote. Here’s the first nominee, Tulsa Athletic.
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 MoreThe NPSL Championship match is set to kick off tomorrow in Tulsa, where Tulsa Athletic will host Apotheos FC. Both teams have battles against the odds to reach this point, but Tulsa has a slight edge with its extensive experience.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreRiding high off a successful 2022 playoff appearance and a 2023 USOC run, Tulsa Athletic’s season is suddenly thrown into turmoil when the NPSL ruled that its venue did not meet minimum standards. Club co-founder Sonny Dalesandro shares the story of how his club got to their venue and why they feel hard done by the NPSL.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreToday, Tulsa Athletic revealed its newest soccer kit, designed specifically to be worn in the upcoming Round One of the 2023 US Open Cup. Sonny Dalesandro, co-owner of Tulsa Athletic, discussed the concept and purpose of the “Past, Present, Future” kit with Protagonist.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreIn June of 2020, NPSL standout Tulsa Athletic announced that it would no longer be playing the national anthem before matches. The announcement sent ripples throughout the lower league landscape that continue to have clubs questioning how to show support for their communities.
by Dan Vaughn
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