Match Preview: Legion FC vs Sporting KC II - Sunday, October 24
October 22, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release
MATCH INFO:
Birmingham Legion FC vs Sporting KC II
Sunday, October 24 - 4:00PM CT Kickoff
800 11th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Get Tickets HERE
Watch - My68, ESPN+
Legion FC recently extended its unbeaten run to eight games last weekend to move two points clear of Louisville City FC at the top of the Central Division. If LouCity drop any points on Saturday, October 23 playing at home versus Memphis, Birmingham can clinch first place in the division with a win in its own home game over Sporting Kansas City II on Sunday, October 24. If LOU wins, the pressure will be on BHM to at least grab a point Sunday, and then the top spot will be decided on the final day of the regular season, when Louisville travels to the Magic City on Saturday, October 30.
The backline continued its string of stellar performances by earning its ninth shutout of the season last Sunday at OKC Energy FC. Versus SKC, the group will be without the services of Mikey Lopez, who will miss out due to a one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation, but the other three members of the backline in Oklahoma, captain Phanuel Kavita, center back Alex Crognale, and right back Jonny Dean, have seemingly gelled and peaked at the right time as all three have played every minute of the last six matches and only allowed three goals in those 540+ minutes.
Last weekend's 0-0 draw was just the third time this season the Birmingham attack has been blanked. Forward Neco Brett leads the way going forward, as his 17 goals this season are tied for fourth-most in the USLC, and he will get support from attackers like Junior Flemmings, Bruno Lapa, Prosper Kasim, JJ Williams and Jaden Servania. The team has scored three goals in each of its last two home games and will look to keep that streak going on Sunday.
The contest against SKC will be the teams' fourth matchup of the season, and Birmingham won all three previous meetings, 4-2 in BHM on August 11, and via dual 1-0 score lines in Kansas City on September 1 and October 1.
SKC comes into the contest having already been eliminated from the playoffs, as the team sits in eighth place in the Central, on 20 points, so the young team will be playing for pride to close out the year, while some of the team's young talent will look to gain some valuable professional experience. The team has scored just 34 goals this season, the eighth fewest in the league, while allowing 54, fifth-most and is currently sporting a 2-9-3 road record on the season.
SKC will also be missing a key piece, midfielder Jacob Davis, due to yellow card accumulation. The team is led by forward Enoch Mushagalusa's eight goals and 65 shots, while Davis is tops in assists (six) and chances created (41).
This game's VIVA Health injury report is zero names long, but defender Freddy Kleemann (recalled from loan by Austin FC) will continue to be unavailable for selection, as well as Lopez.
Fans can get tickets HERE and can use promo code WIN for access to $5 tickets in general admission for this game!
Legion FC's next game is next Saturday, October 30 at 6:30PM against Louisville City FC! Fans can get tickets HERE to come watch the team fight to clinch first place in the division, and are encouraged to reach out to the Legion FC Ticket Office (205-791-7145 / tickets@bhmlegion.com) with any questions or requests.
Mark your calendars for Birmingham's first-ever home playoff game, set for Sunday, November 7 at 4:00PM! Fans can grab tickets, recently released at lowered, specialty playoff pricing so that BHM fills The Bank, by going HERE. Keep an eye on bhmlegion.com and Legion FC social media pages for upcoming match info.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 22, 2021
- Real Monarchs Draw 1-1 with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC - Real Monarchs
- Switchbacks FC Score Stoppage Time Goal to Equalize in Utah - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Charlotte Independence Sweep Hartford in Come from Behind Win - Charlotte Independence
- Second Half Goals Down Hartford in Loss to Charlotte - Hartford Athletic
- Memphis 901 FC Face Final Road Test of Regular Season - Memphis 901 FC
- Preview: Riverhounds SC vs. Charleston Battery - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- RGV FC Looks to Earn a Playoff Spot as they Take on New Mexico United - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Riverhounds Issue Statement on USL Decision to Replay End of Miami FC Match - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- The Miami FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds Match to be Replayed on October 27, Starting from 67th Minute - USL
- Game Information and Match Notes - SAFC vs. Austin Bold FC - San Antonio FC
- Match Preview: Legion FC vs Sporting KC II - Sunday, October 24 - Birmingham Legion FC
- Preview: FC Tulsa at Indy Eleven, Saturday, October 23, 6 p.m. CT - FC Tulsa
- Rowdies Trusting Depth in Final Stretch - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Don't Miss Our Regular Season Finale On Saturday, October 30th - Oakland Roots
- New Study Ranks Louisville Among America's Top Soccer Cities - Louisville City FC
- Rising's Oktoberfest Match Tomorrow vs. Sacramento - Phoenix Rising FC
- What to Watch for with LouCity vs. Memphis 901 FC - 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.
