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USL Birmingham Legion FC

Eric Avila Rejoins Legion FC as Academy Director and First Team Assistant Coach

March 2, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


BIRMINGHAM, AL. - Birmingham Legion FC announced today that former player Eric Avila has been hired as a First Team Assistant Coach and Legion FC Academy Director. The San Diego, California native was a big part of the inaugural Birmingham team in 2019, as he played in 34 games and added four assists.

"We're excited to bring Eric back to Birmingham as our Academy Director and First Team Assistant Coach," said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President and General Manager. "He understands what we're building and has a wealth of playing and coaching experience that will translate well with our academy team and first team."

The 34-year-old spent the 2021 season and start of 2022 coaching in his hometown, with the San Diego Nomads under-15 team playing in the MLS Next Academy League. Besides his stop in the Magic City in 2019, he played for San Diego Loyal SC in its first season in the USL Championship in 2020, spent 2018 with the Las Vegas Lights, 2017 in Phoenix with Rising FC, and 2016 with the Rowdies in Tampa.

"I'm excited to get started with the club as the new Academy Director and First Team Assistant," said Avila. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to be back in the city of Birmingham, which has always welcomed me with open arms. I'm looking forward to building upon the foundation Jay and Tommy have laid and helping the Birmingham Legion FC Academy make its mark on youth soccer in the city.

"We want to provide an opportunity to young players around the city, and the state of Alabama, to experience a professional soccer pathway firsthand. I want to implement the same philosophy we have at the First Team level and not only help the young players in their development, but also teach them what it takes to be a Legion FC player. I can't wait to get started!"

Before Avila joined the Rowdies, he was signed by Liga MX team Santos Laguna in 2015 and spent the season on loan with Orlando City SC. He played for Chivas USA in their final two seasons in Major League Soccer in 2013-2014 and spent 2011-2012 in Ontario with Toronto FC. His professional career kicked off in 2008 when he was drafted by FC Dallas with the 19th pick in the MLS SuperDraft. Overall, he appeared in 174 games across eight seasons in MLS.

Avila also had a successful college career, capped off by scoring the game-winning goal for UC-Santa Barbara in the 2006 NCAA Division 1 Men's Soccer Championship. While in college, Avila also played in the USL League Two for the San Fernando Valley Quakes and Ventura County Fusion.

As a youth player, Avila was in residency with the United States U-17 National Team program at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and spent time playing with the Under-20's. He was also a member of the Chivas USA U-19 team before enrolling at UCSB.

More information about the 2022 Legion FC Academy season will be released in the coming weeks.

The next time Avila will patrol the Protective Stadium sideline is March 13 for Legion FC's season opener versus the Rowdies, and the game will air on ESPN2! Get your tickets today.

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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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