In an exclusive interview with Alabama media, Chris Richards and Tanner Tessmann talked about the World Cup, growing up in Birmingham, Legion FC, and the growth of soccer throughout state
Birmingham, Ala. (September 07, 2023) — Chris Richards and Tanner Tessmann both grew up in Birmingham. Now they play for the United States Men’s National Team. Both stars sat down for an exclusive interview with Alabama media on Wednesday.
Richards, 23, attended Hoover High School. He notably scored the opening goal of USA’s victory over Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League Final on June 18, cementing himself into both USMNT and Alabama sports history. His career has saw him go from playing for Hoover SC to the FC Dallas Academy, before being transferred to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. He now plays for Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
“It’s dope,” said Richards on the growth of soccer in Birmingham. “I went to a Legion game and met Dominque Wilkins and Jay Heaps. The plans they have for the future of [Legion FC] and for the city — hopefully we can get a World Cup Qualifier or a friendly in Birmingham. The opportunities that we have there and the vision that everybody sees for Birmingham is really refreshing.”
Richards attended Legion’s 2-0 home victory over Loudoun United on June 21. It was a well-attended game despite it raining throughout the entire match.
“It rained the whole time but fans still came out,” said Richards. “It was a really good atmosphere to be a part of for my first Legion game. It just shows the growth of soccer back home.”
Tanner Tessman played for BUSA while growing up in Birmingham. Like Richards, Tessman also went to the FC Dallas Academy at a young age. He now plays for Venezia in Serie B.
“Growing up in Alabama, with the generation we had, it was a good group of guys that were pushing to try to make a career for themselves,” said Tessmann. “Growing up in that environment really helped me develop as the player I am today. The group of guys we had, always working hard and staying hungry, it helped in soccer.”
Tessmann, a midfielder, was recently called up to represent the National Team after midfielder Johnny Cardoso sustained an ankle injury. He will play in the USMNT’s friendlies against Uzbekistan and Oman
“It’s unbelievable,” Tessmann said on getting called up to the USMNT. Not a lot of players from Alabama have made the debut for the national team. Only Chris, myself, and Brandon Servania has one. It’s an honor to be a part of this group and this campaign. We’re trying to go to the World Cup and make a statement.”
“For the guys that have made it out of Alabama, to have a professional career, we’ve paved the way,” said Tessmann. “There’s many more to come behind us. [Chris and I hope] to inspire the next generation, let them know its possible to have a career in MLS or overseas. If they put their minds to it, it can happen. We have a lot of talent in Alabama now, it’s just about finding the right places to train and the right groups to train in. Now with Birmingham Legion, having a academy-to-professional-team in Alabama, it’s really good for us to have that atmosphere and to bring players in and to make soccer a primary sport.”
“I’m always supporting Alabama teams,” said Tessmann on how he keeps tabs on Birmingham Legion and the growth of soccer throughout the state.
The full interview with Tessmann and Richards can be seen below.
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