Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
Protagonist Podcasts Presents: America’s Greatest is a brand new podcast series co-hosted by several of Protagonist’s writers and podcasters. We want to explore the history and pedigree of the sport in the United States. In episode two we explore the 2017 Summit League Final between Denver and Omaha with Broadcaster Donny Baarns.
by Joshua Duder
Read MoreWhat a weekend of MASL action! Big matchups that really shook up the standings were kicking off all over the country. Geo recaps the action from the weekend!
by Geo Monterroso
Read More“We choose the UPSL because it has a National platform with nearly 400 teams including now 16 MLS clubs. The UPSL was re-booted in Chicago by Garrett Hayward who ran 3 teams in 2021 and recruited 4 others creating the UPSL Midwest Central.”
Read MoreEvery year we nominate five clubs for Protagonist Soccer Club of the Year. Our readers vote on who deserves the award. So let’s celebrate an amazing year of lower league soccer by highlighting four tremendous clubs who deserve your vote. Here’s the first nominee, Tulsa Athletic.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreThe soccer world is on fire about MLS’ announcement to exit the USOC. Our editor responds and gives his take on the situation.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreThis weekend is the perfect time to get into the MASL. With 12 matches across 3 days, it’s easy to find a match and connect with indoor soccer. Dan picks three matchups you should consider watching this weekend!
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreIt’s the warm hot plate season in lower league pro soccer as teams bring back players and start filling holes created by releasing others. This two-article series will look at the players from the 2023 NISA season who should be on the radar of other organizations. Part two focuses on midfielders and forwards.
by Dan Creel
Read MoreThe USL Championship season may have ended in November but teams have already started moving to make sure they improve in 2024. This series will look at the moves teams have made and what gaps still need to be addressed as they take this offseason to build a Championship-caliber squad. This week, we look at the teams that finished 2nd, 7th, and 11th in their respective conferences.
by Phil Baki
Read MoreProtagonist Podcasts Presents: America’s Greatest is a brand new podcast series co-hosted by several of Protagonist’s writers and podcasters. We want to explore the history and pedigree of the sport in the United States. In episode eight, we meet up with regular contributor and friend of the pod Chris Walker and co-host of CHN Radio and SB Nation writer, Elijah Newsome to discuss the legacy of DeAndre Yedlin and the power of representation.
by Joshua Duder
Read MoreThe Sahara Gunners lost in the Third Round of US Open Cup Qualifying of the 2024 tournament - but their story isn’t over, its just beginning. We reached out to the club from Buffalo, NY to learn more about what makes them tick and Kovan Menr enthusiastically replied. He shared articles which other outlets had put together about them and answered our basic questions to share the background of a club founded by immigrants.
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