Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
This week, the owners of Austin Rise FC made their efforts public and announced their club name, crest, and the league they will play in. Their passion for soccer, Austin, and each other is evident in every square inch of their new crest and every press release, and we predict, it will be evident when they take to the field in 6 months.
by Danielle Gawronski and Elisabeth Schendel
Read MoreNorthern Virginia FC had a 2022 to remember, winning titles and trophies left and right. Competing in multiple leagues, including USL2, EPSL, and MASL3, and cup competitions (USASA, USOC, and NISA Independent Cup), NoVa FC was a model of managing rosters and playing to win. This is a well-deserved nomination for Protagonist Soccer’s 2022 Club of the Year.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreIn a season that began with a life lost, FC Motown made their teammate’s memory a battle cry. The club won title after title, including the NPSL National Championship. In the Open Cup, the club was the final amateur club in the competition. It was an incredible season and one worthy of Protagonist Soccer’s 2022 Club of the Year Award.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreIn the first of five Protagonist Soccer’s Club of the Year nomination articles, Dan Vaughn profiles the equally successful Tormenta teams. The men’s side won USL League 1 and advanced to the fourth round of the US Open Cup. In its first season of existence, the women’s team won the USL W. Tormenta is the model of focusing on both sides of the ball and generating equal excellence.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreThe legacy of California Storm is one of community-building, elevating the women’s game in California, regardless of club. This year, the Storm won its fourth WPSL National Championship and announced its expansion into the USL W in 2023. An incubator of talent, Cal Storm has been impacting US Soccer for decades and this year, it deserves nomination for the Protagonist Soccer 2022 Club of the Year.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreToday, the USL W League announced its first California division, aptly named the NorCal Division. The division will finally be home to the previously announced Oakland Soul and Stockton Cargo. Joining the two clubs are Academica SC, California Storm, Marin FC, The Olympic Club, Pleasanton RAGE, and San Francisco Glens.
by Protagonist Staff
Read MoreAfter a rough finish in its first NISA season, Flower City Union heads into the offseason with plenty of lessons learned and a path forward. Andrew Hoyt, club Vice President, sat down with Dan Vaughn to discuss the club’s path forward.
Read More“In 2023 I'm most excited for our indoor programs given that they are new to our club in the last 2 years, especially looking to have the Ladies' indoor squad go back to back as champions. Secondly, I'm looking forward to all the new programs that we have launched and engaging with the community. We can't survive without the community so I'm very excited to connect with people, businesses, and government officials to talk about our vision in helping serve the community.”
Read More“We play in the UPSL. We thought this was a great starting point for the team and our views for the future. It was cost effective to join and did not involve any crazy travel. Regionally we only travel about two and half hours one way to a game.”
Read More2023 US Open Cup Qualifying Rounds head into their third and final set before the winter break and the professional teams declare their entrance. Protagonist recounts some of the more interesting results so far and gives you a list of matches to scour for links to anywhere they can be found.
By Joshua Duder
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