USL Birmingham Legion FC

Legion FC Clinches Third Straight Playoff Berth and Takes Top Spot in the Central Division

October 2, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


KANSAS CITY, KS ‚¬" Birmingham Legion FC won 1-0 on the road against Central Division rival Sporting Kansas City II to clinch its third straight playoff berth and go top of the Central Division. It was defender Alex Crognale who scored the lone goal for the Three Sparks, finding the back of the net off of a well-delivered corner kick from midfielder Bruno Lapa.

The first half saw SKC push the tempo early, with the hosts hoping to force a slow start from Birmingham. They might well have done so, if not for Crognale's finish in the 10th minute of play. Legion FC forward and leading goalscorer Neco Brett almost doubled his side's lead off of a freekick, but his attempt was denied by the crossbar.

"The goal tonight was huge, ‚¬Â said Crognale. "Not only did I get on the scoresheet, but it proved to be the game winning goal that clinched playoffs, pushed us to first place. It was an important goal, not only for myself, but for the entire group. ‚¬Â

Similar to the first half, Sporting Kansas City II came out aggressive, applying heavy pressure early on in search of an equalizer. The hosts almost found it just three minutes after the restart, as Enoch Mushagalusa had his shot cannon off of the woodwork after beating his defender. The Three Sparks were not without chances, though, as Brett once again came close to doubling his side's lead with an attempted chip over the goalkeeper shortly after Mushagalusa's chance on the other end.

This would be the theme for the remainder of the contest, as both sides had multiple opportunities to find the back of the net. SKC would have their best opportunities of the night thanks to second half substitute Mataeo Bunbury. Bunbury, just 16 years old, forced Legion FC goalkeeper Matt VanOekel into action with a pair of strikes from outside the box.

Legion FC were able to hold on to their one-goal advantage, securing all three points to jump Louisville City FC in the Central Division standing, as well as clinch a postseason appearance for the third straight season. While a huge moment for the club, the mood within the ranks is one of determination.

"The message is really simple, this is what we strived to get to, ‚¬Â said Head Coach Tom Soehn. "I actually watched the emotions of the guys and they are very grounded at this moment. It's still one game at a time.

The win is a big one for the Three Sparks, as it showcased their ability to withstand pressure and see out tough games.

" Today's game wasn't easy, ‚¬Â said Soehn. "They knocked it around really well and we had some difficult moments, but we were able to fight through that. Good teams find ways to win, and we did it today and we kept a clean sheet. I'm really happy for the guys, because, to be fair, I felt like the last stretch of games have been piling up on us and they still looked a little bit tired on a big field. They were able to gut it out and it's a good win. Those are the wins that make a difference. ‚¬Â

Box Score:

1st Half

2nd Half

SKC

0

0

BHM

1

0

Goals: (VIDEOS)

BHM ‚¬" 9' ‚¬" #21 Alex Crognale (assisted by #8 Bruno Lapa)

Starting Lineups:

BHM ‚¬" 4-3-3 ‚¬" #1 Matt VanOekel; #7 Ryan James, #3 Phanuel Kavita ©, #21 Alex Crognale, #24 Jonny Dean; #6 Anderson Asiedu (Subbed out by #7 Ryan James in the 83'), #8 Bruno Lapa (Subbed out by #12 Eli Crognale in the 67'), #5 Mikey Lopez (Subbed out by #27 Thomas Vancaeyezeele in the 67'); #10 Prosper Kasim (Subbed out by #13 Jake Rufe in the 90'), #11 Neco Brett, #77 Junior Flemmings (Subbed out by #20 Zach Herivaux in the 75')

SKC ‚¬" 4-3-3 ‚¬" #31 Brooks Thompson; #13 Amadou Dia© (Subbed out by #58 Isaiah Leflore in the 61'), 33 Danny Barbir, #48 Kaveh Rad(Subbed out by #16 Graham Smith in the 61'), #24 Kayden Pierre; #39 Petar Cuic, #46 Jake Davis, , #25 Ozzie Cisneros; #77 Enoch Mushagalusa (Subbed out by #44 Rojay Smith in the 77'), #19 Grayson Barber (Subby out by #47 Mataeo Bunbury in the 46') , #96 Wilson Harris (Subbed out by #70 Ropapa Mensah in the 77')

Stats: Legion FC Match Center

The team returns home on Sunday, October 10, at 4:00PM to take on Central Division rival Indy Eleven.

Check out the Birmingham Legion FC Statistics



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