Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
With the second half of the season hours away, Danielle takes a look back over the first season and discusses what we’ve learned about the USL Super League and how that might impact the second half.
by Danielle Gawronski
Read MoreOne of the original Locos, Memo Diaz has spent the last four seasons helping propel Oakland Roots into a consistent USL Championship playoff contender. Now Dias returns to El Paso with fresh perspective, a wealth of experience, and a new baby in tow.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreOn a foggy Sunday night, Soda City faced off against FC Folsom for the UPSL Championship. The two teams went toe to toe but Soda City emerged victorious in the second half and claimed the crown of National Champion. The team is the first to win back-to-back UPSL titles.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreOne of the most well-established clubs of lower league soccer got a rebrand for the 2025 USL League Two season and the more things change, the more they stay the same. Des Moines Menace have returned to the world’s angriest soccer ball and it’s angry, rad, and chic.
by John Howard-Fusco
Read MoreSure, the spotlight of women’s soccer tends to shine on Europe, but what does the expansion of the USL Super League mean for the beautiful game? More dominant footballers getting developmental minutes in a professional league. That will pay dividends for the CONCACAF region and the sport in general.
by Danielle Gawronski
Read MoreAfter a long season and extended playoffs, the UPSL National championship weekend is set to kick off on Friday. Matchups are set with teams from across the country meeting up in Irvine, CA.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreThis weekend our writers and guests take a look indoors at MASL and MASLW with teams jockeying for the top spots and scrapping to avoid the bottom. We also have one more playoff game before the UPSL heads off to their National Championships. Let’s take a look at those games and why you should try to watch them if possible.
by Protagonist Staff
Read MoreAs Florida looks to bounce back from last year’s horrible hurricane season, 3.2m in funding has been approved to repair the home of the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Al Lang Stadium.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreAfter five years, the Denton Diablos are headed to a new league. USL League Two will be the new home of the former NPSL champions. Co-founder Damon Gochneaur sat down to discuss the decision and why now was the right time.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreAfter almost a decade in net for Detroit City Football Club, goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher sat down with Dan Vaughn to discuss his career in the Motor City and what’s next for him.
by Dan Vaughn
Read More