August 21, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Birmingham Legion FC News Release
Memphis came out on the front foot and then opened the scoring in the 18th minute when a Leston Paul through ball found Luiz Fernando darting into the box to then put away the finish, but the visiting side did not trail for long.
Legion FC midfielder Anderson Asiedu danced into the Memphis box just four minutes later, was hacked down, and earned his team a penalty. Forward Juan Agudelo stepped up, in the 22nd minute, and baited the ‘keeper into diving first before lofting the finish right down the middle to tie things up.
Birmingham grew into the match and took control after its goal, ending the first half with an edge in shots (nine to six), shots on target (five to one), and possession (53%-47%). More importantly, the Three Sparks also went into the break with an advantage on the scoreboard, courtesy of center back Alex Crognale. Legion won a corner kick in the 44th minute, midfielder Bruno Lapa put it right on the penalty spot, and Crognale wheeled around from the back post to meet it, directing in a pinpoint header just inside the post.
“It’s about time,” said Crognale when asked about scoring his first goal of the season. “When we have great service, it gives us opportunities to score. Great ball from Bruno, and I was happy to put it away.
“It’s a big 6 points, regardless of the opponent. Sweeping the rivals makes it a bit sweeter though.”
Legion FC kept the pressure on as the second half got underway and grabbed a third goal in the 59th minute. Forward Marlon Santos pounced on a loose touch from a Memphis defender at the top of the home side’s 18-yard box, and the Brazilian slotted the shot home first time.
901 FC almost immediately struck back in the 61st minute, albeit via a goal scorer that some viewers at home would argue looked to be in an offside position. A ball bounced across the Legion box, Memphis forward Phillip Goodrum got to it and got a shot off that was going wide, but defender Jeremy Kelly was there at the back post to turn it in and shrink the deficit.
Despite giving up another goal, Head Coach Tommy Soehn was pleased with his team’s focus and energy to not let off the gas and to keep pushing to extend its lead again.
“I know we had a lot of dismay about the goal. I can’t wait to see it because I felt like it was offside seeing it live. It could be a distraction at that point and we just, again, moved on and said: “Keep going,” and then…