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Protagonist Soccer

Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage

Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL

Protagonist Picks 'Em - WWC 2023 - 3rd Place Match & FINAL

August 18, 2023 by Joshua Duder

Sixty-two games down and just two to go - the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia has been an emotional roller coaster - disappointment for some whose national teams didn’t progress as far as they expected and euphoria for some who got farther than they’d ever dreamed. It all comes down to the Final between Spain and England on Sunday, August 20th between Spain and England but also a very exciting matchup in the 3rd Place Match, where one of the co-hosts of the tournament have earned the opportunity to give their adoring home fans an encore.

by Protagonist Staff

Protagonist Picks 'Em - August 18th - 22nd

August 18, 2023 by Joshua Duder

An absolutely cracking weekend of soccer is upon us! From the San Francisco Soccer Football League Final to the kickoff of the UPSL Fall/Winter season. Our staff and guests have picked games from NISA, USL Championship and League One as well - if we’re missing a league that you love, fell free to let us know what else we should be picking!

by Protagonist Staff

Under the Lights: The Boston Dream SA

August 14, 2023 by Joshua Duder

“Since we wish to enhance and not compete against our fellow clubs and Leagues, we are non-League. We chose this to appeal to all players, as well as set our own schedule determined by what level the players want, and how often they want to play. We do not "own" any "player rights".”

Protagonist Picks 'Em - August 11th - 15th

August 11, 2023 by Joshua Duder

Let’s get down to business, shall we? With the national amateur leagues, women’s and men’s, in the last two or three weeks we can now focus on a couple professional leagues, regional leagues, and tournaments. Do not despair, there is ample soccer on American soil to get us through the summer. As usual, our best friends and staff tell us what they’re watching and why.

by Protagonist Staff

Protagonist Picks 'Em - WWC 2023 - Quarter Finals

August 10, 2023 by Joshua Duder

The 2023 Women’s World Cup is down to the Quarter Finals and we think you should probably make an extra pot of coffee to stay up every night and watch all four games. As usual, our reliable staff and guests will tell you why!

by Protagonist Staff

Tulsa Athletic Claims 2023 NPSL Crown

August 08, 2023 by Dan Vaughn

On Saturday, Tulsa Athletic won the NPSL National Championship in penalties over Georgia-based Apotheos FC. Sonny Dalesandro reflects on the season and what’s next for kings of NPSL soccer.

by Dan Vaughn

Under the Lights: De Deacon FC (UPSL)

August 07, 2023 by Joshua Duder

“De Deacon was the name my father used for his construction company back in Nigeria. His ability to build great things inspired me to build something great, my team. I managed young men to play in the greatest country in the world, America! Our community has so much talent; soccer can help young men realize their abilities.”

Protagonist Picks 'Em - WWC 2023 - Knockouts, Round 1

August 05, 2023 by Joshua Duder

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

USL League Two: 2023 FINAL Preview

August 05, 2023 by Joshua Duder

Short 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

UPSL National Finals, Spring 2023 Preview

August 04, 2023 by Joshua Duder

One 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