Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
While the chaos in the American system might be new to some, to those that follow soccer history, this is nothing new. As far back as the 1920s, leagues have been vying for players, fans, and market rights. In this article from 2019, Dan Creel looks at the chaotic history of the American version of the beautiful game.
by Dan Creel
Read MoreIt’s not often that we can get a person on the ground at a National Championship, but our own John Howard-Fusco made the trip to see FC Motown win its first NPSL championship. He reports on the match.
by John Howard-Fusco
Read MoreOne of the perks of writing about lower league soccer is that once you show interest and commitment to telling the grassroots’ stories, the stories will often show up without much work. This story is the story of John Morgan, a man committed to growing youth soccer in the state of Maine.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreIn this interview, from 2018, we chatted with Laura Mills. Her work on gameday posters for multiple clubs, including Indy Eleven, is legendary. The article includes a sample of her spectacular work.
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
Read MoreOriginally run in 2020, this article from our focus on branding series talks with Chattanooga FC’s David Smotherman. David discusses what makes CFC’s approach to merchandising so successful and what lessons other clubs could learn from them.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreWhat a weekend of soccer as four major trophies were up for grabs in men’s amateur soccer. With the NPSL and USL2 champions crowned, we look forward to today’s matchups and eventual champions in the USASA National Cup and the UPSL final!
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreIt’s been a wild 4 years of covering lower league soccer. As our anniversary week kicks off with a look back over some of our favorite stories, our editor takes a moment to think over the journey.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreWhile most of the amateur leagues are wrapping up play, there’s another massive amateur championship this weekend. Ryan Stallings looks at the teams involved in the USASA National Amateur Championship.
by Ryan Stallings
Read MoreIt seems like the NPSL season just kicked off, but this weekend we’re already to the final match. FC Motown will host Crossfire Redmond on Saturday to decide the NPSL Championship. Dan takes a look at the two clubs playing in the final and how they match up.
by Dan Vaughn
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