August 2, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release
Birmingham Legion FC lineup
(Birmingham Legion FC)
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC enters Saturday’s contest against Hartford Athletic with a chance to do something it has yet to over the course of the 2024 USL Championship season – win consecutive games at Protective Stadium.
The Three Sparks capped off July with some fireworks as it looked the part in a 3-0 victory over Orange County SC for its second home win in its last three matches and fourth overall. So as things appear to be turning around on home soil, it’s not lost on the team the opportunity that stands in front of them this weekend as it sits in fifth place in the Eastern Conference table and just on the outside of a home playoff spot with 13 matches to go.
“It’s a home game and we should always be winning at home,” said Legion FC coach Tom Soehn. “In the past, that’s where we have been letting ourselves down, so it’s a priority.”
MATCH INFO
Birmingham Legion FC (9W-8L-4D) vs Hartford Athletic (6W-11L-3D)
USL Championship | Matchday 22
Saturday, August 3 – 6:30 p.m. CT
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
Watch: WABM My68 (Birmingham)
Stream: ESPN +
Another priority for Birmingham has been returning to full fitness with the squad having dealt with an assortment of injuries dating all the way back to preseason. Having to go through stretches of matches without key players on the field has hindered Legion FC in some aspects, however it has also forced the squad to adapt, whether that’s been with tactics or expanding the roles of certain players.
Last time out against Orange County, captain Phanuel Kavita moved away from his usual centerback spot to more of a stay-at-home right back, pushing Derek Dodson further up the field where he completed five of his eight passes in the final third while leading Birmingham with five total crosses.
“Not just this past game, but the past three or four games, players that have come in have made a massive difference,” said midfielder Enzo Martinez. “Whether it has been a young player or an older player, everyone has stepped up when the team needs it.”
Meanwhile, Ramiz Hamouda – who has been deployed exclusively as a left back off the bench for much of the season – has now made two straight starts in the midfield as the 16-year-old U.S. youth international continues to grow the resume in his first professional season.
“Coach has given me more roles to play and they are asking me…