USL Birmingham Legion FC

Legion FC v. Loudoun United FC

April 26, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


MATCH INFO:

Birmingham Legion FC vs. Loudoun United FC

Saturday, April 27 - 7:00PM Kickoff - BBVA Compass Field, Birmingham, AL

Stream - My68, ESPN+

Legion FC return to BBVA Compass Field to face fellow USL Championship expansion side Loudoun United FC in match six of the inaugural season on Saturday, April 27 at 7:00PM CT. While Legion FC played well on April 20 to earn the draw and its first home point against Swope Park, the team is still searching for its first goal in front of the hometown faithful.

Finishing and chance creation were the focal points during an edgy and energetic week of training. The boys are confident after earning the first shutout in Legion FC history last weekend and Head Coach Tommy Soehn likes the intensity and mindset of his squad.

"I think we came away disappointed with a tie [vs. Swope Park] - anytime you play at home, looking for that first W, you come away disappointed, but this group has been really good about that. Even with our first two losses, first day you notice a little change and grumpiness, but you get over it fast and move on so that's a positive."

According to Coach Soehn, this week's opponents "...work hard. If we're not prepared to roll up our sleeves and fight it will be a tough match for us. We kind of know what to expect, as they've taken on the identity of [Head Coach] Richie [Williams] because that's how he used to play."

"We've got to open them up and force them to come out and play a little bit, similar to how Swope was. Creating those opportunities and making sure we bury one of those, to force them to have to come out and play is important."

As a fellow expansion member of USL Championship this season, Loudoun United understandably got off to a bit of slow start, with two losses and two draws in its first four matches but is fresh off its first win versus New York Red Bulls II last weekend. As an affiliate of MLS side D.C. United, Loudoun's roster has been fluid to begin the season, but standout players so far include forwards and goalscorers Kyle Murphy and Orlando Sinclair, midfielder Connor Presley and defender Andrew Lubahn.

Loudoun are also becoming steadily more comfortable on the road, as they have yet to play a match at home. The new Loudoun United Stadium in currently under construction and will be completed later in the summer.

Marcel Appiah will miss his fifth game in a row with a calf strain, and loanees Brian Wright and JJ Williams are both back with their MLS clubs this week. Everyone else on the Legion FC roster is healthy and ready to go.

Check out the Birmingham Legion FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 26, 2019


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