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Birmingham Legion FC

Match Preview: Legion FC vs Charlotte Independence - Sunday, September 26

September 24, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


Legion FC's attack got back on track in a resounding 4-0 win at Atlanta on Wednesday night, thanks to a brace and assist from forward Neco Brett, a goal and assist from midfielder Prosper Kasim, and a first goal in Black and Gold from midfielder Thomas Vancaeyezeele.

The two goals move Brett into a tie for second-most goals in the USL Championship, and the victory moves Birmingham to just three points back of first place Louisville City FC in the Central Division, and six points clear of FC Tulsa in third. The top two teams in the division secure home playoff games in at least the first round.

Goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg made his third start in a row last game, filling in again for Matt VanOekel, and earned his first clean sheet of the season. The shutout was the team's seventh, tied for seventh-most in the league this year.

Charlotte comes into the match in the Magic City as one of the few teams in the league with an arguably better defensive record than Legion FC. While the Independence have conceded 28 goals this year to BHM's 27, the visitors this Sunday have registered 11 clean sheets this season, second-most in the USLC and have not given up a goal in four straight games, all victories.

The CLT attack has also been potent as the team has scored the seventh-most goal in the league (38), two more than the Legion (36). Thankfully for the BHM squad, while Charlotte's recent run of form has been stellar, as is its home record, the team's road record is just 4-7-1 in 2021.

Forward Irvin Parra leads the team in goals scored (10) and is tied for first in shots (34) with forward Dane Kelly, the USL Championship's all-time leading goal scorer. Midfielder Sylvain Marveaux paces the side in assists (four), and Marcelo Palomino and Jake Areman are tops in chances created (24).

Marveaux has been a big addition to the team this season and, along with two other midseason signings, Gabriel Obertan, and Charlotte FC loanee Christian Fuchs, brings top-level pedigree to the Queen City. All three players spent time playing in the Premier League in the early 2010's, Marveaux with Newcastle, Obertan with Newcastle and Manchester United as well, and Fuchs recently signed for the MLS club after a lengthy career with Schalke, Leicester City and the Austrian National Team.

On this week's VIVA Health injury report, Legion FC midfielder Daigo Kobayashi (knee) is still listed as questionable. The only other player unavailable for selection is defender Freddy Kleemann, as he has been recalled from loan by Austin FC.

Sunday will be the team's first-ever Kids Club Night, so all Kids Club members will get in free. Fans aged 12 and under can join and will receive a welcome package, exclusive swag and access to the Legion FC FunZone at BBVA Field during games. Find more info about Kids Club at bhmlegion.com/kidsclub.

Legion FC will also be hosting a Prostate Cancer Awareness drive at the game on Sunday, in partnership with the Mike Slive Foundation, with several in-game activations to bring a spotlight to prostate cancer. When purchasing a game ticket, fans can use the promo code SLIVE and $3 per ticket will go back to the Mike Slive Foundation. Urology Centers of Alabama will be at BBVA Field offering free PSA testing to men aged 40 and over.

Fans can get tickets for Sunday's game HERE and can contact the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-600-4635 or tickets@bhmlegion.com with any questions or requests.

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MATCH INFO:

Birmingham Legion FC vs Charlotte Independence

Sunday, September 26 - 4:00PM CT Kickoff

BBVA Field - Birmingham, AL

Get Tickets HERE

Watch - My68, ESPN+

Stats - Legion FC Match Center

Check out the Birmingham Legion FC Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 24, 2021


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