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Birmingham Legion Defeats Miami FC on the Road
April 21, 2024 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release
Birmingham Legion are back in the winning column after defeating Miami FC. Legion FC's sole goal came in the 62nd minute when Prosper Kasim went behind Miami's goalkeeper and crossed the ball for Stefano Pinho to slot it into the net.
The match featured a phenomenal performance by the entire group.
"It was a good performance from everyone," said Defender AJ Paterson. "I feel as though this was the first performance where we controlled the tempo and dictated most of the play. A very good stepping stone and a great way to end a difficult stretch of games in a short period of time."
This would be a massive win for the Legion after getting swept by Miami in the 2023 season. The two clubs will meet again on September 22nd in Birmingham.
First Half
In the 21st minute, Kobe took a Freightliner free kick but Pinho's header was pushed out by Miami's goalkeeper, Ndiaye. Phanuel Kavita tried to get a touch on it but miscalculated his slide and was unable to get a rebound shot in the back of the net.
Miami had a dangerous chance when Forward Frank Lopez shot an attack on goal but defenders AJ Paterson and Kavita cleared it away.
"We showed our quality on the ball and our ability to really control the game, having said that, we can sharpen up in the attacking third and start to put away more chances but that will come when our playmakers and attackers gain confidence as the season goes on," said Defender AJ Paterson. "If we can do that and continue to enjoy the ball, more results will begin to go our way."
17-year-old Fernando Delgado held strong in between the sticks by making great saves to prevent from letting the home team score early. Miami had its first big chance in the 36th minute when Miami's Molina tried to chip it in with a header but Delgado with his quick reflexes was able to keep it out.
In the 41st minute, Kasim goes for a strike outside the big box, but the keeper was able to get a touch and prevent it from going into the bottom left corner.
"Coming out of the first half not getting a goal was disappointing because we did so much to get in good spots and then lacked the finishing touch in the final third," said Head Coach Tommy Soehn. "But I think I credit the group that even though we came out of that a little disappointed that we didn't get one [in the first half], we were still able to finish it off and get three important points on the road."
Despite not scoring in the first half, Legion FC came out as the aggressor controlling 70% of possession and having 12 shots compared to Miami's two shots.
Second Half
Miami FC came out firing shots once the whistle blew. Substitute, Gabriel Cabral took an ambitious shot from the middle of the field and it went above the net.
Legion's first chance in the second half happened in the 46th minute when Kasim found Pinho outside the box but Miami's Ndiaye came off his line at the right time to challenge the Brazilian.
Legion's biggest opportunity of the night happened in the 62nd minute when Kobe Hernandez-Foster crossed a beautiful ball to Kasim. Miami's goalkeeper was off his line, a little bit outside of the 18-yard box, and lost his balance unable to challenge Kasim who went behind him and gave a great assist to Pinho. Pinho had an open net and slotted the goal in past Miami's defenders.
In the 72nd minute, another big chance for Miami happened in the attacking third, when Luis Pedro made a great pass to Andrew Booth but his header went above the net. Miami kept pushing for an equalizer in stoppage time when Luisinho fired a long-distance rocket but was punched by Delgado. Miami tried for a rebound shot but Delgado kicked it out.
"He had an awesome night, I think he showed composure for a 17-year-old with his feet," said Soehn. "It looked like he'd been with us from the beginning. He didn't skip a heartbeat and made a couple of really nice saves, too."
When asked about our match next Saturday against rivals Memphis 901 FC, Coach Soehn expressed that the team is moving in the right direction.
"I was pleased with our performance tonight. Just got to get cleaner as far as the finishing aspect," said Soehn. "But overall, I thought the ball moved at the tempo in which we played, it was still improving and continues to grow. And that's important. We're in the right direction."
Score 1st Half 2nd Half
MIA 0 0
BHM 0 1
Goals:
62 ¬Â² - BHM - Stefano Pinho (Prosper Kasim)
What's Next
Legion FC returns to action at Protective Stadium next Saturday, April 27th for a big rivalry matchup against Memphis 901 FC. Kickoff will be at 6:30pm CT. Tickets are on sale now at www.bhmlegion.com/tickets.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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