Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
Protagonist Soccer brings you our prestigious Top 24 Tops of 2024 list and this year we’ve done it in style. Nine Kitnerd panelists from across the US Soccer podcasting and writing community weigh in and share their opinions about this year’s most impressive US-based club kits! In Part One, we explain the process, give you a list of notable exclusions, and start the countdown. from number 24 to number 15.
Read More2024 is almost done. With the New Year set for launch, let’s take a look back on the good and bad we saw in soccer in 2024.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreFive nominations, one incredible year of soccer. Time for the fans to cast their vote for Protagonist Soccer Club of the Year.
Read MoreThe California Storm are a shining example of how an amateur soccer team should be run, with partnerships off the pitch, coaching courses, and youth soccer camps. The club is engaged online and responsive to media; no matter how big or small you are, they will find the time to communicate. Successful from stem-to-stern, California Storm are 2024 WPSL Champions and a nominee for Protagonist Soccer’s Club of the Year.
by Joshua Duder
Read MoreUSL Championship newcomers, Rhode Island FC, seemed to get everything right in their first season of play. From hiring the right coach for the job to the right kit manufacturer to create an exciting appearance; RIFC showed grit and resiliency during the down times and created a road map for future clubs to follow on their way to being, not only entertaining, but competitive.
by Joshua Duder
Read MoreOnce again our podcasters, writers and friends have assembled to tell you what soccer they’re going to get stuck into the weekend before Christmas, and why you should figure out a way to watch it too. From the Round of 32 in the UPSL Playoffs to the opening weekend of Major League Indoor Soccer. Major Arena Soccer League is now underway and we get a little MASL W League as well.
by Protagonist Staff
Read MoreAfter exiting the NPSL four months ago, the founders of The League For Clubs have made an offer to unify their league with their former home. Is the stated aim of stability enough to entice the shrinking NPSL to capitulate or will amateur soccer wars continue?
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreNews broke today that NISA will not be sanctioned as a professional league in 2025. If the rumor is true, it certainly took US Soccer long enough.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreUnion Omaha made 2024 a special one. Aside from claiming the USL League One title, the team excelled at connecting with its community and building a player culture within its four walls. Union Omaha deserve consideration for Protagonist Soccer Club of the Year.
by Rich Flemings
Read MoreThe retirement of defender Becky Sauerbrunn marks the end of an era. But there’s still plenty of lessons for current players to take from the career of one of the greatest to ever lace up boots.
by Danielle Gawronski
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