Protective Stadium Proves to be Top-Notch Soccer Venue During Legion FC's First Exhibition

February 20, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Legion FC christened its move to Protective Stadium by welcoming 2018 MLS Cup Champions Atlanta United for a preseason friendly on Sunday. The match saw the Three Sparks fall to the visitors 4-0, yet the atmosphere was one that should leave fans excited for more.

Despite the result, Head Coach Tom Soehn's side showed flashes of their potential throughout the match. The new additions of midfielder Enzo Martinez and forward Edi Horvat threatened the Atlanta goal on multiple occasions in the first half, but an early BHM own goal, followed by a goal from ATL forward Josef Martinez saw the visitors take a 2-0 lead into the break.

United tacked on two more goals courtesy of Martinez and fullback Ronald Hernandez right after the restart to make it four. Legion FC again managed to break into the Atlanta box, whether through substitutes Prosper Kasim or Marlon Santos, or via a full-field Jonny Dean run down the right but were unable to breakthrough on the day.

All involved thanked the fans for their support and spoke highly of the atmosphere and amenities at Protective Stadium. Legion FC Head Coach Tommy Soehn said he and the team is looking forward to the season playing in this 'amazing' venue.

"Today was great," said Soehn. "You know, I love our fans, I've always said that. They're fantastic. And our supporters groups, the were all out in numbers. Today was an awesome experience. It's not often you get Atlanta United to come visit you. And our fans, it made for a really cool atmosphere...Obviously, we faced Atlanta which is no easy game to play against. They've been in season a lot longer than we have and it showed tonight. But for us it's a great experience, shows what we need to work on, but ultimately it gave our fans a taste of what this place is going to be like.

"A lot of [what we need to work on] is about the attack - we just got three of our attackers in this week [Macky Diop, Kasim and Santos] so we haven't had time to really work them. You can see the chemistry isn't there yet, but we have three more weeks to work and bring those guys in."

Legion FC's next game is our regular season home opener at Protective Stadium on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00pm against the two-time Eastern Conference Champs, the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The game will be nationally televised, on ESPN2, and the team wants to #PackProtective! Get your tickets today at bhmlegion.com/tickets.

Birmingham Legion FC vs. Atlanta United

United Soccer League Championship Stories from February 20, 2022

• Protective Stadium Proves to be Top-Notch Soccer Venue During Legion FC's First Exhibition - Birmingham Legion FC
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