July 1, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Birmingham Legion FC News Release
MATCH INFO: Birmingham Legion FC at Louisville City FC Saturday, July 2
7:00pm CT Kickoff Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, KY
Watch – My68 &â¯ESPN+
Legion FC heads to Kentucky to battle Louisville City FC on Saturday, July 2 at 7:00pm CT at Lynn Family Stadium. The first opponent Legion has faced twice this year, Birmingham will be looking to take care of business this time around. The last time out, the two sides ended in a draw despite Legion dominating statistically at home and being up a man the whole second half after Napo Matsoso drew a red card for the visitors.
Birmingham’s strong defense will be crucial against a lethal Louisville attack that is tied for third most goals in the USL Championship (32). Having allowed the third fewest goals (12) in the USLC this season, and only given up just three goals in its last eight games, Birmingham will not be easy to break down.
While the defense does its job, Legion FC will continue to build on an attack centered around a blossoming connection between forward Juan Agudelo and midfielder Enzo Martinez. Martinez leads the team in chances created (33 – sixth in the league) and assists (three). Their chemistry was displayed in full force last time out in the win at New Mexico United when Martinez slotted home a perfect, across-the-box assist from Agudelo, who also scored his second goal of the season during the match as well.
Saturday’s match may prove to be the toughest challenge for the Three Sparks so far this season. As per usual, Lou City sits towards the top of the league standings and stat pages. Their plus-19 goal differential (32 for, 13 against) leads the league, while they also lead the league with eight shutouts. Newcomer Wilson Harris leads the team in goals (eight) and shots (36) and is tied for the team lead in assists (Dia, three). Forward Brian Ownby is tops in chances created (24), and perennial all-league striker Cameron Lancaster has two goals in three games after a recent return from injury.
With a stellar home record of 6-1-1 at Lynn Family this season, Birmingham surely needs to give everything it’s got to take down Louisville and continue its rise towards the top of the Eastern Conference.
For this week’s UAB Medicine Injury Report, midfielder Prosper Kasim is listed as questionable with a hamstring and defender Freddy Kleemann is out due to a torn ACL.
Fans can tune in to My68 or ESPN+ to…