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USL Birmingham Legion FC

Birmingham Legion FC Triumphs Over Loudoun United at Home

June 21, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


BIRMINGHAM, AL - Birmingham Legion FC took all three points in a decisive 2-0 victory in front of the fans on Wednesday night. Diba Nwegbo did the first round of damage in the first half, scoring off a cross from midfielder Anderson Asiedu in the 34th minute. Birmingham's backline held up and kept out any chances for Loudoun, and Neco Brett shut the door on any comeback with his 31st career Legion goal in the 82nd minute.

Nwegbo's goal in the 34th minute started in midfield. Juan Agudelo drove the ball forward, found Asiedu on the wing, and the Ghanaian shot forward with pace and crossed a ball over to a wide open Nwegbo to knock in his second of the season. A familiar sight, this goal, as Asiedu and Nwegbo combined for Legion's opening goal in its last match against Indy Eleven as well.

The Legionnaires went into the locker room at halftime with one goal up, but a task not finished. Birmingham have lost leads at home before, and this time they made sure not to repeat those mistakes. The defense did its work blocking out Loudoun in the second half, gaining more possession and reducing chances for the Virginia side.

"The clean sheet was everything," said Head Coach Tommy Soehn. "Even towards the end of that game on that corner, I wanted to make sure we shortened up because coming out without allowing goals is also a confidence builder. To get multiple shutouts, you gotta get that first one and start believing that you can do it."

Brett's goal sealed the win for the Black & Gold. Recently coming back from injury, the Jamaican looked as though he did not miss a beat. Enzo Martinez received a ball from Tyler Pasher at the top of the box, and Martinez sent a beautifully weighted ball in behind Loudoun's defense. Brett, clinical, took one touch and struck it low and across the keeper into the far post.

"I know what I can do whenever I get the ball in front of the goal and I trust my teammates," said Brett. "But it's kind of frustrating that I've been getting injured, so I just have to work hard and eat properly, rest properly, and do everything in the right way. I'm just happy that I could stay healthy and be out on the field to help my teammates. I'm just here working really hard and trying my very best to be out there with my teammates and help them get something at each and every game."

"I think we did really well," said Brett. "As a team, we are coming together, we just need to continue to work and get back to where we want to be, which is number one in the East. But were are going to take it one game at a time, and hopefully, we'll get there."

"Getting that first win the other day was the important part, getting over that hump," said Soehn on getting two wins in a row. "Once you get that one, there's a belief and a calmness about us. I felt like towards the end of that match, we were playing calmly, and it took us a little bit to grow into it and they caused some trouble with their energy, but again I think it's a confidence thing and you gotta win the first one to get on the streak. Now we've gotta keep it rolling because we dropped a few during the Open Cup run."

Dominique Wilkins brought his winning ways to Birmingham tonight, with Legion winning its first game with Wilkins as an owner.

"It's a fantastic day for the club," said Soehn. "I was a really big fan of the NBA and I was a card collector, and I probably have about 50 of his cards sitting somewhere where I might get him to sign a couple. It was the best for me, one of the best leagues I had seen with Jordan and Bird and Magic, I mean, amazing. Dominique was a big part of that, too. So, adding someone with his stature and someone that's so humble is an amazing thing for our club and it'll help our club grow."

Box Score:

1st Half

2nd Half

BHM

1

1

LOUDOUN

0

0

Goals: BHM - 34' - #7 Diba Nwegbo (assisted by #6 Anderson Asiedu) BHM - 83' - #11 Neco Brett (assisted by #19 Enzo Martinez)

Starting XI: BHM - 4-4-3 - #1 Matt VanOekel; #3 Phanuel Kavita, #16 Gabriel Alves, #21 Alex Crognale, #13 Jake Rufe; #6 Anderson Asiedu, #17 Matthew Corcoran, #10 #19 Enzo Martinez; #15 Tyler Pasher, #7 Diba Nwegbo, #9 Juan Agudelo

When Legion wins, you win! Tomorrow you can buy a pizza and get one free at Papa Johns using the promo code LEGIONWINS!

The guys hit the road next weekend to take on San Antonio FC on July 1st! Tune into MY68 and ESPN+ and cheer on the Black & Gold!

For all club news and updates, fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android, and sync our 2023 schedule to your calendar.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 21, 2023


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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