
Match Preview: Legion FC at Phoenix Rising FC - Saturday, June 4
June 3, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release
MATCH INFO:
Phoenix Rising FC vs Birmingham Legion FC
Saturday, June 4
9:30pm CT Kickoff
Wild Horse Pass - Chandler, AZ
Watch - My68 & ESPN+
Watch Party - TrimTab Brewing Company
After popping up to New York last weekend and earning a win over the Baby Bulls, Legion FC heads to the opposite corner of the country for the first time ever this Saturday to face reigning Pacific Division champs, Phoenix Rising FC.
Per usual, Legion FC has started the season with one of the best defensive units in the USL Championship, having conceded only 12 goals in 12 matches, and just three in its past five games, thanks to the likes of goalkeeper Matt VanOekel and his 30 saves (sixth in the league), captain Phanuel Kavita (team-high 13 blocks), and his center back partner Alex Crognale, who leads the team in clearances (37) and interceptions (19).
Birmingham will look to continue building its attack, and to do so will lean on its biggest threats up top, namely Prosper Kasim (team-high three goals), Juan Agudelo, and USLC TOTW member Enzo Martinez, whose 26 chances created are sixth-most in the league.
This matchup should produce some fireworks, as both teams are top four in the USLC in total shots this season, with Phoenix leading the way with 204 to Legion FC's 175.
Phoenix come into the match off a refreshing 2-1 win against Hartford Athletic after a recent dip in expected performance. In their last three matches they have conceded a combined 13 goals, including a 5-1 loss against Tampa at home.
They side has produced offensively this year, as its 21 goals are good for sixth in the league. Greg Hurst and Luis Saijas are the ones to watch out for - they both lead the team with five goals respectively. And despite conceding so many goals recently, Benjamin Lundt is a strong 'keeper that leads the Western Conference with 37 saves.
Defender Freddy Kleemann is out (torn ACL) to make up the UAB Medicine Injury Report, while midfielder Anderson Asiedu is questionable, and midfielder Bruno Lapa is out.
The Three Sparks are back at Protective Stadium on Wednesday, June 8 at 7:00pm for the next edition of the heated rivalry versus Memphis 901 FC! Gates open at 6:00pm for fans to enjoy drink deals, games and other special promotions that will be announced early next week, so grab your tickets today!
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 3, 2022
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- Notes and Quotes: "It's Going to be a Battle" - Sacramento Republic FC
- LouCity at Tampa Bay Postponed Until Sunday Night - Louisville City FC
- Rowdies vs Louisville Postponed to June 5 - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Preview: FC Tulsa vs. Miami FC - Saturday, June 4, ONEOK Field, 7:30 p.m. CT - FC Tulsa
- Memphis 901 FC's Drew Romig Nominated for USL Championship Save of the Month - Memphis 901 FC
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- Special Discounts, Prizes, and More at New Pre- and Post-March Party at Pete's Restaurant and Brewhouse - Sacramento Republic FC
- Everything You Need to Know When Orange County SC Hosts New Mexico - Orange County SC
- Matchday 14 Preview: Rowdies vs Louisville City - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Match Preview: Legion FC at Phoenix Rising FC - Saturday, June 4 - Birmingham Legion FC
- King Orthodontics Joins as Hounds' Post-Game Partner - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Phoenix Rising FC Signs Midfielder Irakoze Donasiyano on Loan from Nashville SC - Phoenix Rising FC
- Loudoun United's Kristian Fletcher Selected for United States U-19 Men's Youth National Team - Loudoun United FC
- Phoenix Rising Comes Home to Face Birmingham Legion FC - Phoenix Rising FC
- Toros Look to Build Offensive Power at Home - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Miami FC Faces FC Tulsa in Their First-Ever Meeting - Miami FC
- Monterey Bay F.C. Hosts NorCal Rivals Oakland Roots SC - Monterey Bay FC
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- LouCity Looks to Avenge Past Losses in Return to Tampa Bay - Louisville City FC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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