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Lower League eCup Crowns Champions

May 28, 2020 by Dan Vaughn

It was just a month or so ago when the NPSL cancelled their season due to the pandemic. Around the same time, the WPSL followed suite, while UPSL and UWS decided to go on hold for the foreseeable future. USL League 2 had cancelled the month before, while the rest of the pro leagues, including USL, MLS, and NISA took steps to either close down for the year or look for modified approaches to the season. Soccer was going into hibernation in this country, while the vast majority of the country was at home with little distraction from the news of death and sickness that filled social media platforms.

Sometimes a moment picks a person, not the other way around. For Joe Meyer, a high school senior from Albany, NY, it was his time to shine. “I'm a huge sports fan, so once I realized that it would be at least a few months until live sports could return, I began to look at eSports as an innovative alternative. Originally, I had planned for 12-16 clubs, so to see the rapid growth of the tournament was amazing.” The competition’s growth certainly was amazing, going from his planned 12-16 competitors to 120. Those clubs and supporters groups provided “a total of 153 entries across the three consoles (78 PS4, 67 Xbox, 8 PC). These clubs came from 26 different leagues, stretching from professional leagues to the third and fourth divisions of local amateur leagues, and everywhere in between.”

In a short interview with Joe, we got feedback on the entire experience. “By far the biggest challenge was the launch. I only had ten days from when I first put the eCup on twitter until the group stage draw. That meant ten days to not only market the cup and process over 120 clubs, but also develop a streaming strategy, business plan, format, rules, and everything else that goes into a tournament/league. Everything else came down to adapting on the fly and working to make the event better every day.” So in some ways, just like most lower leagues. 

The massive success of the Lower League eCup brought some profiteers into the picture, including one individual who attempted to create his own league (with a similar name and branding as Joe’s competition). We’re happy to report that, at least for the moment, the backlash was enough for this individual to shut down entirely. 

The competition ended this week with the resulting champions:

Xbox One - In the Xbox One Final, the Oly Town Artesians took down fan-favorites Minneapolis City SC, who were represented by center back Jonah Garcia. Oly Town’s Angel Trejo ran the table, going 10-0 and set the tournament record for goals in a single match, putting 22 past a supporter from the Cal United Strikers in the group stage.

PS4 - Deiver Lopez of FC Motown held off a late comeback by Providence City FC’s Chris Moura to claim the title. Motown certainly benefited from having a professional FIFA player in their club, Lopez qualified for the FIFA20 World Championships this winter, and I’ve been told he already has an offer to join a major European club as an official eSports player. 

PC - Finally, Metro Louisville took down Oakland County FC for the PC championship, winning 9-4 on aggregate. Supporter Wyatt Weeks led the NPSL expansion side to the title, winning every match along the way.

Image courtesy of Lower League eCup.

Image courtesy of Lower League eCup.

And of course, success breeds more success, as Joe has already begun to plan for the 2021 version of the competition. “I'm excited to announce that the eCup is transitioning to an annual event to be held every year from January-mid February! My perspective is that the Lower League eCup can be an extremely valuable asset to the lower league community as an annual tournament that brings together supporters, players, and clubs from across the country. Furthermore, by playing in the offseason, it provides clubs with a platform to grow their brand on a national level, engage with their supporters, and stay relevant in their communities!” 

Our favorite response to any question was Joe’s enthusiasm for his favorite memory of the tournament, “The Xbox One Final between Minneapolis City SC and Oly Town Artesians certainly has a compelling argument for the most memorable night of the tournament. Still waiting on confirmation, but between the streams of both clubs, we had over 100 viewers tune in to that match (official number will be released soon). That amount of viewership is incredible for a FIFA tournament, and I am willing to assume that the Minneapolis City stream had the best viewership numbers of any club or league across the several leagues and tournaments that are currently ongoing. It’s a testament to the success and popularity of this event, and the hard work and dedication of the staff at Minneapolis City and Oly Town for helping promote and broadcast the event!”

“Thank you to all of the players, clubs, supporters, and sponsors who helped make the event so special. I appreciate that all of you were willing to take a chance on this event, and I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out! Stay tuned to the Twitter page as there will be some commemorative merchandise available next week, and a few promotional activities that will keep the eCup active on social media! Registration for 2021 will open in November, and I can’t wait to see everybody back in January!”
— Joe Meyer

Joe Meyer saw a gap and filled it. Not for profit or fame, but with a solution that was “designed to be a platform for clubs and supporters groups to compete in some form of competition and engage with their fans during an extremely difficult time, while also helping bring the lower league community together.” The moment picked Joe and he responded.

Follow Joe Meyer and the Lower League eCup on Twitter.

- Dan Vaughn

Editor’s Note: While Protagonist Soccer did not create or run this tournament in any way, we did provide financial sponsorship.

May 28, 2020 /Dan Vaughn
Lower League eCup, esports, soccer, fifa, xbox, playstation, MPLS City, FC Motown, Oly Town Artesians, Providence City, metro louisville, oakland county fc, home
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Nigro.jpg

Player Profile: Matt Nigro

March 02, 2019 by Lola Vaughn

After being knocked out of the Regional Finals in 2017, FC Motown came back with fury and carved a path through the national playoffs, finishing in the Final, facing Miami FC 2. Of course, the story didn’t have a happy ending for FC Motown, as they were beaten 3-1. But the season was a success by any measure and the club had to credit much of that success to the great play of 2018 NPSL Golden Ball winner Matt Nigro. Nigro had an amazing statistical season for FC Motown, finishing the season with 7 goals and 12 assists. We sat down with Matt to discuss his success last season, his plans for this season, and what he’s working on to be ready to shine in 2019.


So describe your game for those that have never seen you play.

I believe I am a very simple player who has built a game around hard work. I am constantly working for the entire 90 and can get up and join the attack as well as help out defensively. I show a bit of flair and personality at the right times in games because you have to enjoy the beautiful game. I believe in technique and I try to keep myself sharp with constant technical, finishing, and passing work.

Your social media is full of references to European soccer, which clubs/players do you follow?

I am a massive Manchester United fan. But I enjoy following a lot of players that have their own style and stand out a bit on the field. The list can go on forever but a couple of players would be Pogba, Rashford, Rooney, Thiago Alcantara, Beckham, etc.

Do you model your game after any particular player?

I am a really big David Beckham fan. I think what he has been able to accomplish on the field is extremely impressive. He made himself into a pro by focusing on fitness, touch, and technique more so than anything else. I like to think my range of passing is similar to his but i still have a way to go on the free kicks. 

Image courtesy of FC Motown and NPSL.

Image courtesy of FC Motown and NPSL.

You had a very successful year in 2018, earning the Golden Ball, looking back, what stands out from last season? 

I think the thing that stands out for me was how talented that team was. We had guys that deserved to play at the next level but there is no system to help them get there. The players in the locker room were incredible guys both on and off the field and it showed on the field. The club in general is ran by Scott and Dan who are two great guys to be around and they do everything for their players benefit. Knowing they are in charge makes you want to win games for them to repay them for all of the hard work they do. 

What have you worked on, skill-wise, to make 2019 even greater?

I actually work and train at a facility called Advanced Physical and Technical Training, we train multiple pros in the offseason from MLS, USL, NWSL, and overseas. It is an extremely competitive environment and one that gets me to my peak fitness before any season. I am always looking for extra technical drills and trainings to continue to develop on the field but also mentally. Everyone has a skill or gift but its the players that separate themselves in the mental capacity that propel themselves to the next level. 

What are your goals for this season?

Personally I try to help the team as much as I can. I set my own goals before the season and try to hit a certain number of goals and assists but for me team achievements come first. I would like to get back to the final and have another shot the championship, and with the talent around me in that team you never know what the future holds.

Founders Cup has dominated lower league news lately, as a player in the league, how do you see the new professional level?

I think the league has a good foundation to build. But a league is only as good as its fans. In order for this to grow the fans have to support and get behind their teams to push the whole league to the next level. When players are willing to fight for every point and not take a second off, the fans will pour in to see that passion. 

What are your long term goals in the game?

I was fortunate enough to play professionally at multiple prestigious clubs and play with some greats such as Didier Drogba, Guiseppe Rossi, and Sean Wright-Philips. My goal is to continue to work with player to help them achieve what I was able to. I am currently the Technical Director at AP2T and I am fortunate enough to impact young players lives and help them enjoy the game with a smile on their face. 

Chips Ahoy - Original or Chewy? 

Original, but microwave it for 10 seconds. 

What music are you listening to lately?

My music is all over the place. The shuffle can start at Darius Rucker, switch to Drake, then finish with some Billy Joel. I can listen to anything and love music to help relax!

Thanks Matt!

March 02, 2019 /Lola Vaughn
FC Motown, NPSL, Amateur Soccer, Soccer, American Soccer, Matt Nigro, Miami FC 2, Chips Ahoy
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