Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
We’ve made it into the first round of knockouts of the 2023 World Cup and there are some absolute bangers to watch! Our staff and friends give us their must-watch games and tell us why they’re watching.
by Protagonist Staff
Read MoreShort summer seasons crammed into a couple months doesn’t allow room for teams to find rhythms and round into form later in the season, and high turnover in most rosters due to most players typically coming through between their collegiate seasons doesn’t lend to many veteran lineups. A club’s staying power among the habitually postseason bound is a monumental credit to a club’s staff and supporting community that allows for roster depth, and later roster attrition as players are recalled for collegiate conditioning.
by Ryan Stallings
Read MoreOne of the largest leagues in the country, which regularly brings together some of the most interesting and diverse teams, is set to host its Spring 2023 National Finals this weekend, at Segra Field in Leesburg, Virginia. In what will truly be a Finals to remember, four conference number one teams will collide to find out who the UPSL’s Spring Champion is.
by Joshua Duder
Read MoreThere is an absolute ton of meaningful soccer happening this weekend - UPSL Finals Weekend, the USL League Two Final, and the NPSL Final. We also have the National Amateur Cup Finals as well as the MASS Champions Cup Semifinals. Our staff and guests have picked out what they will be either attending, watching, or wishing they could watch if only there were a stream…
by Protagonist Staff
Read MoreYesterday, an email circulated among press regarding the NPSL Leadership Change Initiative. The group aims to change the leadership of the NPSL. But will it have the strength to force changes in a league that is very resistent.
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 More“The mission of the club is to allow a place for Grays Harbor soccer players to continue playing soccer after high school as we do not have a local college soccer program. Additionally with our new academy, we have become the first competitive soccer program in our county and our goal is to lower the cost barriers to make competitive soccer an option for every family. We will soon be adding a women's team as well.”
Read MoreWhile the World Cup marches on (check out our WC Matchday Two Pick Ems) we still have playoff games, games with playoff implications, and league finals to tell you all about - here are this week’s picks by our staff and guests.
by Protagonist Staff
Read MoreThis morning, NISA released “The Open Game” to YouTube. It’s a well-made video of a discussion of the benefits of the open system in soccer. It’s worth the viewing, but certainly leaves out a lot of fact and nuance that deserve some mention.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreIt was a magical season for Minnesota Aurora’s Tianna Harris. She took home the USL W’s Defender of the Year award after an incredible season in the Central Division. Her team gave up only four goals in twelve games, before losing in the semifinals to eventual champion, Indy Eleven. Harris talks about her season and her future in an interview with our editor.
by Dan Vaughn
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