Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
US Soccer announced yesterday some changes to Open Division qualification for the Open Cup. Aside from tapping the national champions of the big four amateur leagues, US Soccer’s allocation of secondary slots indicates where the organization places value in the amateur level.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreAfter a thrilling first round of the US Open Cup, questions remain regarding the finish of the match between El Farolito and Sacramento Republic. While the score is final, the fallout has yet to finish.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreProtagonist Soccer joins the US Open Cup Soccer Sickos with a series of match previews of the First Round Proper clashes. Be sure to check in each day for more as our contributors add in more material all week.
Edited by Joshua Duder
Read MoreWe have two USL Championship teams, who are doing well in league play and surging up the table, which thrived in Group play and survived the knockout phase of a cup, whose collision course comes to a conclusion on Saturday. Either way, one of these teams will win some silverware this year - will it be former league champion and recent US Open Cup runners-up or will it be the surprise package who would reward their loyal fans with a first object to place in the trophy case?
by Joshua Duder
Read MoreCome 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
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