Jason Barbato Joins the SoccerNation Podcast

On the latest edition of the SoccerNation Podcast – powered by soccerloco, Jason Barbato drops by to talk about literally everything. We talk about the origins of the North County Battalion who played in the NPSL for one glorious year before pivoting to PDL and adding a youth component to their first team with San […]
Soccer Nation Q&A with San Diego Native Duarte Andrade

Duarte Andrade is perhaps one of the most active and hard-working people in the San Diego soccer scene. With a role in numerous organizations and teams, the San Diego native is undoubtedly an excellent source for insight and advice. In an exclusive interview with Soccer Nation, Duarte discussed his goals for the year, gave his […]
Episode 8 – Club Tijuana Crashes Out of LigaMX Playoffs, NC Battalion and Surf Merge, soccerloco Surf Cup and more!

Nate and Dike relive the exhilarating Liga MX playoff match between Club Tijuana and Leon. Los Xolos needed to win 3-0 or more in order to advance after falling in the first leg 3-0, and they almost pulled it off. The guys then review the weekend’s action in the Premier League, including Bob Bradley’s first […]
North County Battalion and San Diego Surf Soccer Club Join Forces to Move into the USL’s PDL

When Joe Barone, Chairman of the National Premier Soccer League, described the lower leagues of American soccer as being subject to “organized, structured chaos,” the first thing that comes to mind for people familiar with the literature of George R.R. Martin is Petyr Baelish’s definition of chaos (viewer discretion advised). Baelish described chaos as a ladder, […]
NPSL Chairman Joe Barone Provides League Update

The American soccer pyramid is a tenuous thing. It tends to be both tedious and temperamental at times too. At the moment though, the pyramid is in flux, and at the center of that flux is “organized, structured chaos,” according the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Chairman Joe Barone. The Chairman spoke exclusively to SoccerNation.com […]
NC Battalion Terminated as an NPSL Franchise

It’s official. The North County Battalion’s National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) franchise agreement has been terminated. A source close to the league has confirmed that a Letter of Termination was sent to the Battalion, citing unpaid league fees for the 2017 season as grounds for termination from the league, effective immediately. NC Battalion majority owner Jason […]
NC Battalion Parts Ways With NPSL

On the same day that the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) announced an impressive expansion capture of the Kitsap Soccer Club, news broke that the North County Battalion will not be participating in the NPSL in the 2017 Spring Season. The club declined to comment on report when asked, but there seems to be some […]
Soccer Nation Sitdown: Sergio Palafox (Part 2)

In Part 2 (Part 1 found here) of our latest Soccer Nation Sitdown, North County Battalion and Encinitas Express Head Coach Sergio Palafox takes our own Nate Abaurrea on a fascinating trip down memory lane. Much of the mental journey takes place in East Los Angeles and revolves around Palafox’s relationship during his playing career […]
Soccer Nation Sitdown: Sergio Palafox (Part 1)

In Part 1 of the latest Soccer Nation Sitdown, we get a deeper look into the mind of Sergio Palafox. The North County Battalion Head Coach spoke with Nate Abaurrea, sharing some fascinating insight on the craft of coaching and what it all means. Here’s their conversation, with topics including Palafox’s pathway to the touchline, […]
Around the World With a Six Pack

Apart from marquee tournaments, international breaks are often viewed as a nuisance rather than a blessing. Thankfully for soccer fans here in California and around the globe, there was plenty of quality action on which to feast this weekend, despite the hiatus from our favorite leagues. There were heated World Cup Qualifiers in Europe, South […]
Soccer Nation Sitdown: Jason Gerlach of NC Battalion (Part 2)

If you missed part 1 of our interview with North County Battalion co-owner Jason Gerlach, you can find it here. If you are ready for more, you’re in luck. In part 2 of the latest Soccer Nation Sitdown, Gerlach shares his thoughts on the National Premier Soccer League, and the rapid growth of club soccer entities […]
Soccer Nation Sitdown: Jason Gerlach of NC Battalion (Part 1)

Jason Gerlach has a deep passion for the game of soccer. Earlier this year, he jumped at the opportunity to be involved with the game in an ownership capacity. As a co-owner of North County Battalion, (the San Diego based NPSL side that won a playoff match and reached the last 16 in their inaugural season) Gerlach […]
NC Battalion Gears Up for Fall Friendlies

Since wrapping up their inaugural season competing in the National Premier Soccer League, San Diego’s North County Battalion soccer club have been active. It was hard for them not to remain in motion, riding the wave of momentum generated by their inaugural campaign in which they finished as top scorers and in second place overall […]
Looking Back on July

July was one heck of a month in the soccer world, from the crowning of continental champions to transfer sagas and fairy tales. Here’s Soccer Nation’s Nate Abaurrea with his 10 best storylines from a wild 31 days, spanning across the globe with a sprinkling of local San Diego flavor. 10. The Messi Saga Though […]
Best of the 2016 NPSL West Region Playoffs

The Sonoma County Sol are doing their best to replicate history. The 2009 NPSL National Champions are off to the final four here in 2016, winning three straight playoff matches to be crowned the champions of the West Region. Soccer Nation’s Nate Abaurrea is here with the three best stories from three incredible weekends of […]
Duach Jock: Football For Peace South Sudan

The day is March 23rd, 2016. The South Sudan national soccer team is hosting Benin in an African Cup of Nations qualifying match in the South Sudanese capital city of Juba. It is two hours before a scheduled 6:30 PM kickoff. It is 113 degrees. The players speed through town in a bus led by […]