July 17, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Birmingham Legion FC News Release
SACRAMENTO, CA – At the tail end of a five-game road trip, Birmingham Legion FC jumped on Sacramento Republic FC early via a 2nd minute Juan Agudelo goal, and then put together a devastatingly impressive defensive performance to earn all three points and hand SAC its first home loss this season.
The goal was Agudelo’s third of the season for the Black and Goal, on the back of Enzo Martinez’s team leading fourth assist, and was the fastest goal in Legion FC history, clocking at 63 seconds. Marlon Santos got on the ball out wide right, drove at the defense and found Martinez unchecked in the middle of the field. A one touch pass split the two center backs to Agudelo, and his sliding shot hit the back of the net.
“I actually think when you score early like that it almost puts you off your game, because you often go into too much of an offensive shell,” said Head Coach Tommy Soehn. “I mean, obviously getting a goal early is always important, because it forces the other team to come out, which is great if they come out, but you also have to make them pay, and I don’t think we made them [Sacramento Republic FC] pay enough tonight. But, I will say the commitment to defending was phenomenal from our guys, from Matt [VanOekel], to the back four, to everybody. That’s how to win games on the road. We’ve been road warriors here for a little stretch, have played against some really good Western team, and I’m really proud of our effort.”
VanOekel and his defensive unit stood strong all night, buoyed by the early goal. Legion FC’s number one made a huge save to preserve the lead in the 30th minute, getting a big paw down to spot a SAC shot. Captain Phanuel Kavita and his center back partner Alex Crognale were immense and always exactly where they needed to be to snuff out any danger, and Jonny Dean continued a strong run of form with four tackles and seven clearances.
“The entire back four has a strong understanding of each other on the field,” said Crognale. “I know what I’m going to get out of each of those guys and that builds a level of trust and confidence that is hard to come by in this game. I’d run through a wall for those guys, and I know they’d do the same for me.”
Box Score:
1st Half 2nd Half SAC 0 0 BHM 1 0
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Goals: BHM – 2′ – #99 Juan Agudelo (assisted by #19 Enzo Martinez)
SAC – 3-4-3 – #31 Danny Vitiello; #5 Dan Casey, #4 Lee Desmond, #24 Conor…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Outdoor Soccer News…