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USL Birmingham Legion FC

Wonder Goal by Kasim, Wall in Defense Earns Legion FC a 1-0 Win over Sporting KC II

September 2, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Birmingham Legion FC News Release


KANSAS CITY, KS - Birmingham Legion FC came into Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City riding high after Saturday's huge win over Louisville City FC and had one goal in mind while preparing to play on just three days rest - get in and get out with three points. Well, thanks to a worldie of a strike from forward Prosper Kasim, and strong play from goalkeeper Matt VanOekel and his backline to allow just four shots on target on the evening, that team goal was achieved.

At the close of a relatively uneventful first half in which possession was close to even and both teams combined for just seven shots, Legion FC got the breakthrough it needed as midfielder Mikey Lopez charged down a misplaced touch from an SKC player, winning the ball and poking it to Kasim at the top of the opposing 18-yard box. The Ghanaian popped his head up for a look at the goal, let the ball run across him and onto his preferred left foot, before whipping out a goal-of-the-year nominee that curled into the top left corner.

The second half opened up a bit more than the first 45, with both teams creating more chances, but everyone in defense stepped up for the visitors, including left back Ryan James, who produced a lunging block around the penalty spot in the 49th minute to go along with a team-leading three tackles and four clearances. Center back Alex Crognale was huge in the air all night and matches James in clearances while adding five interceptions, and VanOekel stopped everything when called upon to help earn his team's sixth clean sheet of the season.

"I thought that it was a pretty disciplined performance," said Head Coach Tommy Soehn. "I thought we lacked a little bit of flair in the attack, but the agenda was making sure that we were organized. It was our first shutout in a while, and those feel really good. That's the mentality we have to have. At home, on the road, just don't give up goals. I was really pleased with that.

"While our attack lacked, it wasn't from [Prosper Kasim]. He was really the engine room, making plays happen and obviously scoring the goal. It was a beautiful strike. He's responsible for a lot of our attacks; he's progressing well and that was his first 90 minutes in a while."

When asked about his wonder goal and team's performance, Kasim said "I find myself in that spot, in most of our games, so I've started working on it extra in practice, and I'm glad it finally paid off in today's game. That goal felt good. We had a plan going into this game, and I think it really helped us defensively. It also put us in a good position to attack, so I think the team did a very good job today."

Box Score:

1st Half 2nd Half

SKC 0 0

BHM 1 0

Goals: (MATCH HIGHLIGHTS)

BHM - 42' - #10 Prosper Kasim (assisted by #5 Mikey Lopez)

Starting Lineups:

SKC - 4-3-3 - #1 John Pulskamp; #24 Kayden Pierre, #98 Matt Constant, #16 Graham Smith, #88 Isaiah LeFlore; #25 Osvaldo Cisneros (79' - #71 Michael Lenis), #39 Petar Cuic, #32 Christian Duke (79' - #84 Jahon Rad); #44 Rojay Smith (61' - #77 Enoch Mushagalusa), #99 Zion Long (77' - #70 Ropapa Mensah), #37 Jamil Roberts (77' - #49 Coby Jones)

BHM - 4-3-3 - #1 Matt VanOekel; #24 Jonny Dean, #21 Alex Crognale, #3 Phanuel Kavita ©, #7 Ryan James; #20 Zach Herivaux (56' - #27 Thomas Vancaeyezeele), #6 Anderson Asiedu, #5 Mikey Lopez (67' - #12 Eli Crognale); #10 Prosper Kasim, #23 JJ Williams (77' - #13 Jake Rufe), #17 Jaden Servania (46' - #11 Neco Brett)

Stats: Legion FC Match Center

Legion FC heads to Memphis for the second leg of the road trip to battle the rivals at 901 FC on Saturday, September 4 at 7:00PM. Fans can tune in to watch the match on My68 or ESPN+ or follow @bhmlegion on twitter for live updates.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 2, 2021


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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