USL Birmingham Legion FC

Preview: Legion FC vs Louisville City FC - Winner Takes the Division

October 29, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


On the last day of the USL Championship regular season this Saturday, Legion FC stands on the brink of history. With a win or draw in the club's match against Louisville City FC, Birmingham would officially win the Central Division title, its first title in the three-year history of the club.

Legion FC has made the playoffs in each of its first two seasons, and is hosting a home playoff game on Sunday, November 7 for the firs time, but LouCity have been the gold standard in the USLC for years, having made it to six Eastern Conference Finals in a row and winning two USL Cups, in 2017 and 2018. The boys in purple certainly have aims for a third championship and will not be knocked off their perch easily on Saturday or in this year's playoffs.

Birmingham's current form suggests the club could be anybody right now, as it's on a nine-game unbeaten run following its 6-0 win over SKC on October 24. The attack was flowing, led by Bruno Lapa's two goals and one assist, as well as a goal from Zach Herivaux (one on the season), Neco Brett (18), Junior Flemmings (six) and Prosper Kasim (five).

Ryan James stepped back in at left back with fellow defenders Phanuel Kavita, Alex Crognale, and Jonny Dean, and rejoined a group, along with goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, that has only allowed three goals in the last 630+ minutes. Sunday's shutout was VanOekel's ninth of the season, tied for third-most in the USLC.

Louisville comes to town aiming to spoil that great defensive record as it has as dangerous a team as ever. The side is tied for second in the league in goals scored (60) and sports the league's fourth-best goal differential (plus-23). Forward Cameron Lancaster is one of the few players in the USL with more goals than Legion's Brett. Lancaster's 20 this season are third-most in the league, and he's just the second player in league history with two 20-goal seasons in his career. Winger Brian Ownby leads the way creatively, with a team-high 10 assists and 43 chances created.

Louisville finished the 2020 season with four players on the All-League First Team, led by Lancaster and center back Sean Totsch, but the other two nominees, midfielder Speedy Williams (Miami FC) and Ben Lundt (Phoenix Rising FC on loan from FC Cincinnati) have since joined other teams. The team is nearly unstoppable at home, 12-2-2 at Lynn Family Stadium this year, but is just average on the road, with an away record of 5-5-5.

This is the fourth matchup of the year between BHM and LOU, and the series is all tied up, 1-1-1. The game on May 8 ended in a 1-1 draw in Kentucky thanks to a third minute goal from Louisville midfielder Pat McMahon and a 60th minute answer, via the penalty spot, from Brett. On June 16, LOU took the points in a 2-0 win, as Lancaster and Napo Matsoso found the back of the net, and then on August 28, BHM returned the favor in a 2-1 win of its own, powered by goals from Brett and JJ Williams.

This game's VIVA Health injury report is, thankfully, zero names long again, but defender Freddy Kleemann (recalled from loan by Austin FC) will continue to be unavailable for selection.

MATCH INFO:

Birmingham Legion FC vs Louisville City FC

Saturday, October 30 - 6:30PM Kickoff

800 11th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205

Watch - My68, ESPN+

Check out the Birmingham Legion FC Statistics



United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 29, 2021


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