January 27, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Birmingham Legion FC News Release
Birmingham, AL – Saturday night’s preseason clash against MLS side Atlanta United ended 2-1. Both sides tried out potential players for their upcoming seasons, and fans got to enjoy some live soccer early in the year.
For the first thirty minutes, Atlanta United fronted its full starting XI. The Georgia side managed to score two to open up the game. Giorgos Giakoumakis, Atlanta’s top-goalscorer in 2023, scored first in the 20th minute. Just two minutes later, Nicolas Firmino scored the second.
The Legionnaires, darning their new gold Lady Electra Kits, responded with a goal of its own just before the halftime whistle in the 42nd minute. Enzo Martinez, who begins his third season with the club, scored from just outside the box.
In the second half, both sides got a chance to try out some trialists. The score stayed locked at 2-1.
“I think early our press wasn’t good enough, and we allowed them to play too much,” said Head Coach Tommy Soehn on his assessment of Legion’s first game of the year. “Because when we were on the ball, we created some stuff, but we didn’t see enough of it. So we adjusted our press a little bit in the second half with the second group, and it was much better. Put them on their heels a little bit. They were cycling players through – both teams got a chance to see some of the younger guys that have been training.”
Legion FC took control of the game in the second half when both sides fronted their trainees.
“Yeah, I mean you train with them all week and you always see a different side of them when you strap ’em on and play a game,” said Soehn on whether any of the trialists stood out. “Some guys shine a little more, but there were some good showings tonight.”
The Birmingham squad travels to Nashville in ten days for its second preseason match as the team continues to become acquainted with each other before the start of the USL Championship season on March 9.
“We have Nashville in ten days”, Soehn said on what’s next for the team. “So obviously we’ll be watching the game tape and there’s a lot to work on, but some positives as well. At this stage of the season, you expect that.”
Box Score:
1st Half 2nd Half
BHM 1 0
ATL 2 0
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