USL Birmingham Legion FC

Legion FC and Memphis 901 FC Play Out 1-1 Draw at AutoZone Park

Published on August 14, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


MEMPHIS, TN - Birmingham Legion FC drew 1-1 on the road against rival Memphis 901 FC following a second half equalizer from USL Championship Player of the Month for July, Kyle Murphy. Junior Flemmings found the back of the net for the Three Sparks, tallying his fourth goal of the season.

The beginning of the first half saw both sides battle for control of the tempo, with each having opportunities to open the scoring early on. Legion FC forward Neco Brett seemed to have given his side the lead with a long-range attempt from beyond the halfway line, but the ball went just wide of the goal and deceived broadcasts by hitting the outside of the back netting. Soon after, it was Memphis 901 FC's Kyle Murphy with a chance on goal, but his point-blank effort was well saved by Legion 'keeper Matt VanOekel.

It was Head Coach Tom Soehn's men who took control of the match, however, asking questions of the Memphis defense with constant pressure. Among those applying pressure was Brett, looking to add to his tally of 11 goals on the season. After forcing a turnover in the midfield, Legion midfielder Eli Crognale played Brett in behind the 901 FC defense for a look at goal, but it was well saved by Memphis' Brady Scott. The breakthrough would come for the Three Sparks, though, as Junior Flemmings found the back of the net in the 37th minute for his fourth goal in his last five matches played. It was Eli Crognale who played Flemmings through on goal, outworking two Memphis players to create the opportunity.

The home side managed to find their way back into the game in the second half, with USL Championship Player of the Month for July, Kyle Murphy, heading the ball past VanOekel off a corner kick delivered by Memphis #10 Kadeem Dacres. With both sides searching for the goal to take the lead, the game became stretched and a back-and-forth affair. Flemmings seemingly took the lead for his side once again by way of a bicycle kick, but the goal was called back by the official due to reckless play.

Despite the result, Legion FC put together a solid showing, as the side's depth was once again on display with a strong showing from the likes of Eli Crognale.

"We've had five games in two weeks, and I think we used everybody for the most part." said Soehn. "Those are important moments, because everybody works hard and it's nice to see them get their opportunities. I thought Eli did well tonight, his asset is playing the ball over a distance and he does a good job in possession. It's good, everybody pitches in and this five-game stretch over two weeks has been a real team effort."

Eli, starting alongside his brother Alex, was second in passing accuracy for his side at 91.2 percent, adding an assist to his performance. He felt that his side's success in switching the field of play and ability to get in behind opposing defenses will be key going forward, as he and his teammates return home on August 22 to take on FC Tulsa.

"I think our ability to switch the field of play and attack with 1v2s and 2v3s allowed us to get in behind them quickly, that's where we really took our best chances," said Crognale. "I think these next couple of days are important for the guys to get away from the game a little bit mentally and physically and decompress and then come back on Tuesday ready to get back to work."

Box Score:

1st Half 2nd Half

MEM 0 1

BHM 1 0

Goals: (VIDEOS)

BHM - 38' - #77 Junior Flemmings (assisted by #12 Eli Crognale)

MEM - 58' - #9 Kyle Murphy (assisted by #10 Kadeem Dacres)

Starting Lineups:

MEM - 3-4-1-2 - #28 Brady Scott; #50 Niall Logue, #3 Zach Carroll, #36 Andre Reynolds (Subbed out for #5 Brecc Evans in the 72'); #2 Mark Segbers, #23 Leston Paul ©, #18 Dominic Oduro (Subbed out for #14 Francis Atuahene in the 57'), #10 Kadeem Dacres; #30 Laurent Kissiedou; #11 Michael Salazar (Subbed out for #16 Rashawn Dally in the 72'), #9 Kyle Murphy

BHM - 4-3-3 - #1 Matt VanOekel; #5 Mikey Lopez, #3 Phanuel Kavita ©, #21 Alex Crognale, #24 Jonny Dean; #27 Thomas Vancaeyezeele (Subbed out for #20 Zach Herivaux in the 68'), #12 Eli Crognale (Subbed out for #7 Ryan James in the 90'), #6 Anderson Asiedu; #10 Prosper Kasim (Subbed out for #17 Jaden Servania in the 74') , #77 Junior Flemmings, #11 Neco Brett

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