Lower Tier Soccer | Top Tier Coverage
Protagonist soccer is a media organization dedicated to lower-tier soccer; UPSL, NPSL, BSSL
In a pitched battle between two worthy foes, Hickory FC claimed its first league championship over lower league-darlings El Farolito. The new NPSL Champions won 3-2, scoring the match winner in stoppage.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreIn a league full of well-run, ambitious, and social media savvy sides, two of the very best in the country faced off in Burlington, Vermont. Smartly kitted and well-coached, Vermont Green and Ballard FC gave the country one of the most exciting games of the year to end the season.
by Mathieu Starke
Read MoreTonight, the NPSL will crown their next champion. The final will feature two clubs leading the way into the future, one with a bright past and the other with aspirations of being the next success story in amateur soccer. El Farolito will host Hickory FC in San Francisco tonight.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreWhile fans may see a player play 90 minutes a week, there’s a whole other side for every player on the pitch. Every kit is filled with a person with dreams, aspirations, hopes for the future, and a reality that may not involve soccer.
by Jadyn Hsieh-Bailey
Read MoreAuthor Stephen Brandt joins Protagonist to perform club-by-club retrospective of the original NASL. In Part Two, we explore the several managers of Ft Lauderdale Strikers during their NASL tenure. This will be an ongoing series with clubs’ histories being shared over multiple parts. Here is part one of Kicking Back: the NASL Era - Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
by Stephen Brandt
Read MoreProtagonist Contributor, and Team Manager for Little Rock Rangers SC’s UPSL teams, takes some time after the inaugural season of the UPSL Women’s Division, to reflect on what worked and what could use some adjusting to make year two, and beyond, even better.
by Ryan Stallings
Read MoreThe USL W League wrapped up its season with a decisive win for its new champions, Utah United. The match featured an early red card, which Utah took full advantage of to blowout NC Courage U23, 4-0.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreThe Western half of the country have already completed their Round of 16 matches and the league spotlight shines on the Eastern conferences. UPSL delivers four great matchups this weekend and we take a look at the teams involved and what got them here.
by Josh Duder
Read MoreThe USL W League playoffs are almost over and a champion is set to be crowned on Saturday. Two clubs, NC Courage U23 and Utah United, head into this match with two very different styles and paths to the final. It’s a clash of styles that will showcase the impressive talent in this league.
by Dan Vaughn
Read MoreJadyn shares the experience of earning a roster spot, the difference between the U23s and the first team for a USL 2 side, and the joy of getting the number of your dreams. Ever wonder what it’s like to fight for playing time at this level? Read “The Life of a USL League 2 Player” to find out!
by Jadyn Hsieh-Bailey
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