September 14, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Birmingham Legion FC News Release
TAMPA, FL – They’re the games that as a club mean that little bit more – the rivalry contests that build history and bragging rights between two fanbases and cities.
So, when Birmingham Legion FC claimed a season sweep of the Southern Harm derby against Memphis 901 FC on August 20 with a 4-2 victory at AutoZone Park – where a season ago the side had suffered a dramatic and devastating defeat – you’d better believe it was one of the big wins this season for the club from the Magic City.
“Those rivalry matches are always crucial,” said Legion FC Head Coach Tom Soehn. “I don’t put too much weight on last year and try to look at each year differently. Anytime we go up against Memphis, and you know, to their credit, they’re a good team, so being able to beat them in their building, for a rivalry match, is always special.”
The win provided a topper to what was a strong month for Legion FC overall, which on Wednesday saw Soehn voted as the USL Championship’s Coach of the Month for August. Leading his side to four wins in five games, as well as a league-best 15 goals on an Expected Goals mark of 13.94xG, the veteran Head Coach has already guided the side to a fourth consecutive postseason berth.
On Wednesday night, the side is set to face one of its most important games of the remainder of the regular season as it plays host to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The Hounds arrive at Protective Stadium in fourth place, one point ahead of Legion FC, as they duel for a home playoff game in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals next month.
It’s a game Soehn is looking forward to as his side aims to turn around a 1-0 victory for the Hounds in their first meeting this season. Having claimed a notable road victory against Sacramento Republic FC – Legion FC remains the lone visitor to win at Heart Health Park in all competitions this season – as well as San Diego Loyal SC, New Mexico United and a sweep of rival Memphis, Soehn expects his side will be ready to step up to the challenge.
“This year when we’ve played the big games, I feel like we’ve gotten up for it,” said Soehn. “When there hasn’t been much on the line, I feel like we haven’t always performed up to the ability that we can. So, I expect us to make sure to show up and know what the game is about, because for seeding we need to beat them because they beat us at their place – those are the consequences of it. Every big…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Outdoor Soccer News…