Match Preview: Legion FC at Memphis 901 FC - Saturday, September 5
September 4, 2020 - United Soccer League Championship (USL) - Birmingham Legion FC News Release
Legion FC travels to AutoZone Park for the first time this season to take on Memphis 901 FC. The Black and Gold are currently undefeated against Memphis this season, a trend they are looking to maintain this Saturday.
901 FC looked as if it was about to earn its first-ever victory over Legion FC when the two sides last met on August 22, but a stoppage time equalizer via a Neco Brett penalty kick ensured that the points would be shared on Matchday Nine. Midfielder Bruno Lapa also found the net for Birmingham, while Rafael Mentzingen and Keanu Marsh-Brown marked their names on the scoresheet for Memphis.
Tim Mulqueen's side took another blow to its playoff chances by following up the draw in the Magic City with a 2-0 defeat away to the Charlotte Independence on Wednesday, September 2. Memphis 901 FC's playoff odds currently sit at two percent (per the USL Championship), and while the door is not completely shut on the club's postseason ambitions, it is going to take a lot to push it open. Memphis has shown its ability to hang around in games and trouble opposing backlines (as it did at the beginning of its contest with Charlotte and against Birmingham on August 22), but the biggest concern for the Tennessee-based outfit presents itself in Mulqueen's backline. Memphis 901 FC is fifth in the Eastern Conference in goals conceded (19), equating to an average of 2.1 goals allowed per game.
Fans of the club will be relying on forward Brandon Allen and Marsh-Brown to provide on the offensive end, as the two currently lead Memphis 901 FC in scoring with a combined five goals. At the back, the likes of defenders Liam Doyle, Mark Segbers, and Zach Caroll will have to step up their play in order to hold a Legion FC attack that is third in the entire USL Championship in goals scored (21).
BHM enters the match looking to return to winning ways after falling to North Carolina FC by two goals to one on September 2. Midfielder Prosper Kasim was the lone goal scorer for Tom Soehn's side; Neco Brett had the opportunity to draw Legion FC level in the final minute, but his penalty was saved by NCFC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis. Despite losing, Birmingham remains at the top of Group G with 21 points, six points ahead of the second place Charlotte Independence, 11 points ahead of North Carolina, and 15 points ahead of Memphis 901 FC.
Legion FC Match Notes
Legion FC remains as the Group G club with the highest odds of qualifying for the postseason, while Memphis 901 FC falls on the other side of that spectrum. The third rivalry meeting between these two sides is crucial to both, with Birmingham looking to solidify its spot in the playoffs and Memphis looking to keep its hopes alive.
Defender Mathieu Laurent (torn ACL) and goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg (Groin) will be unavailable for the match, per the VIVA Health injury report.
Legion FC returns home to face the Charlotte Independence again on Saturday, September 12. For live match updates, follow @bhmlegion on Twitter, or tune in as the match will air live on My68 and ESPN+. Download the Legion FC app to preorder concessions on gameday, load the full season schedule straight into your calendar, and stay up to date with Legion FC.
The last home match of the regular season is scheduled for Saturday, September 26 vs. North Carolina. For the 12th and 26th, get tickets at bhmlegion.com/tickets, by emailing tickets@bhmlegion.com, or by calling the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-791-7145.
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MATCH INFO:
Birmingham Legion FC at Memphis 901 FC
Saturday, September 5 - 7:00PM CT Kickoff
AutoZone Park - Memphis, TN
Watch - My68, ESPN+
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