USL Birmingham Legion FC

Match Preview: Legion FC at OKC Energy FC - Saturday, June 12

Published on June 11, 2021 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


MATCH INFO:

Birmingham Legion FC at OKC Energy FC

Saturday, June 12 at 7:30PM CT

Taft Stadium - Oklahoma City, OK

Watch - My68, ESPN+

Live Stats - Legion FC Match Center

Legion FC Game Notes

Birmingham heads to Oklahoma this weekend to take on OKC Energy FC in the second-ever matchup between the two clubs, looking to ride the wave of three straight wins. The streak began with a 1-0 win at home over OKC on May 26 via a Bruno Lapa goal. Lapa, who is tied for second in the USL Championship in shots (17) and third in chances created (15) will look to continue leading the attack alongside leading goal scorer Neco Brett, who has five goals in seven games this season. Brett's two goals last time out moved him up to a tie for second in the league in goals scored and earned him a spot on Team of the Week, Legion's fourth honor this season. The team as a whole is also itching for more goals, with just seven in seven games, despite being second in USLC with 95 shots.

Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, who was named USLC Player of the Week in Week 4 and was up for USLC Player of the Month in April/May, will lead from the back, as he has only given up five goals in seven games and is currently second in the USL Championship with 25 saves and tied for first in clean sheets with three.

OKC comes into the match still looking for its first win of the season, but has been competitive all year, with four draws in its last five games. The Energy sit tied for second-to-last in the USL Championship with just five goals in seven games but are tied for 14th with 17 shots. The attack is led by forward Frank Lopez who is tops with two goals so far this season, Villyan Bijev leads in assists (two) and is tied for the lead in shots (eight), and Aidan Daniels is first in chances created with 12.

Center back Conor Donovan is dangerous on set pieces and is tied for the team lead in shots, while having played every minute so far this season for the Greens. The team will have been off for ten days by game time, and the game will be the first for interim head coach Leigh Veidman after John Pascarella was let go on June 4.

Midfielder Prosper Kasim is the only Legion FC player on this week's VIVA Health Injury Report while recovering from a tweak to his hamstring. Midfielders Jaden Servania are both back in the travelling party, as Servania rejoins the team from international duty with Puerto Rico and Mikey Lopez makes his return from a hamstring injury.

The Black and Gold stay on the road for the first two-game trip this season as the team heads to Kentucky to take on Louisville City FC on Wednesday, June 16. Tune in to watch the match on My68 or ESPN+.

Legion FC will return to BBVA Field on Saturday, June 19 at 6:30PM to take on Austin Bold FC. Tickets are available HERE or by contacting the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-600-4635 or tickets@bhmlegion.com.

Check out the Birmingham Legion FC Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 11, 2021


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