Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
Come on you Open Cup Sickos! It’s time to read what our Protagonist Podcasters, Writers, and our favorite guests, picked out from this round to get hyped about - they’ll tell you what to look for in these Round of 32 USOC clashes.
by Protagonist and Guests
Read MoreYear two of the USL / Jägermeister Cup is upon us and the only thing we know for sure is that we won’t see a back-to-back champion! USL Championship and USL League One teams have been put in the mixer and the first set of games from Group Play kickoff this weekend. The tournament has been rigged to favor attacking teams and that should favor you and me, dear readers, because we are ready to get fully stuck into the 2025 Jägermeister Cup!
by Protagonist Staff and Volunteers
Read MoreRound 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 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 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 MoreWith 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
Read MoreThe 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
Read MoreIt was a massive match for both clubs, with the winner advancing to the US Open Cup. But in the end, it was Tulsa Athletic who took the win and the prize of qualification. Regardless of the loss, there’s plenty of reasons for Chicago House to hold its head high.
by Adnan Bašić
Read MoreIn the penultimate round of qualifying, Chicago House took one step closer to qualifying for another year in the US Open Cup. Wisloka Chicago would prove to be a formidable opponent and it took the entire 90 for House to find a winner, 2-1.
by Adnan Bašić
Read MoreThis is the first in a series of articles, presented in partnership with the US Open Cup, to promote the history of the best competition in the country. Andy Atuegbu was born in Nigeria, but put a massive stamp on American soccer in the 70s and 80s, including the US Open Cup.
by Charles Cuttone and Jonah Fontella
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