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USL Birmingham Legion FC

Match Preview: Legion FC at Indy Eleven - Saturday, July 3

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


MATCH INFO:

Birmingham Legion FC at Indy Eleven

Saturday, July 3 - 6:00PM CT Kickoff

Carroll Stadium - Indianapolis, IN

Watch - My68, ESPN+

Legion FC heads to Indy for the first time this season looking to improve upon its 2-2-1 record on the road and hoping for good weather after two games in the last two weeks in Birmingham were cancelled due to storms and unplayable field conditions.

The team lost out on potential points, while leading goal scorer Neco Brett also lost out on goals after he bagged his eighth and ninth in those two games, but neither will count. That would put him clear in second in the league, but for now he is tied for second with seven in ten games. He will be without the support of countryman Junior Flemmings in the attack for a while, as Flemmings has joined Jamaica for the Gold Cup, and midfielder Zach Herivaux is also on international duty for the tournament, with Haiti.

The return of midfielder Prosper Kasim from injury will help cover for those absences, as well as attacker Jaden Servania, who has provided a spark in nine appearances off the bench this season. Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel will join captain and center back Phanuel Kavita in leading from the back, as they are the two players on the team to have played every minute this year. Kavita is first in clearances, third in tackles and fourth in interceptions, and MVO is currently second in the USL Championship with 37 saves and tied for first in clean sheets with four.

Indy Eleven were on a bit of a slide recently before rattling off a win at Sporting KC II and draw at Louisville in the past two games. The last meeting with Birmingham was the first game of 2021 for both teams, and Indy left Alabama with a 1-0 victory on the back of a goal by forward Manuel Arteaga. That result began a slightly odd run of The Eleven being 3-1-1 on the road this season and just 1-3-1 at home.

Arteaga and forward Jordan Hamilton lead the team in goals this season with three apiece and Arteaga is first in shots with 26. Midfielder Gordon Wild leads the way in assists with three, and midfielder Nicky Law is tops in chances created with 18. Center back Neveal Hackshaw was another call-up for the Gold Cup from the USLC, as he has joined Trinidad and Tobago for the tournament. Indy as a team will miss him as he anchors a backline that is tied for tenth in most goals allowed with 13 and, after Hackshaw bagged his first goal and assist of the season last weekend, the team is 17th in the league in goals scored with 12.

Tomorrow's contest will see Legion FC battle to keep its position atop the Central Division, while Indy Eleven will look to reverse its fortunes playing at home and close the gap and stick around in one of the playoff positions.

No one is on the VIVA Health Injury report, and defender Freddy Kleemann has been recalled from loan by Austin FC.

Following the Black and Gold's trip to Indianapolis, the team will return to BBVA Field to host rival Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, July 10, at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available by contacting the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-600-4635 or tickets@bhmlegion.com.

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