Birmingham, Ala (Jan. 22) Birmingham Legion FC re-signs defender Jake Rufe, pending league and federation approval.
“Jake has been a key member of our team since 2020 and we are excited to keep him in Legion FC jersey,” said President & General Manager Jay Heaps.
2023 served as the defender’s third year with the club. Rufe finished the season with 23 appearances and garnered one assist, 12 chances created, 42 clearances, and 16 interceptions. The Alabama native earned Team of the Week honors in 2023, for his defensive efforts in a shutout win over Loudoun United FC at Protective Stadium in Week 16.
Rufe made 22 appearances in 2022, including ten starts. Rufe accumulated 26 clearances, 21 interceptions, and made 437 passes. During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Rufe made 20 appearances and racked up 18 tackles, 14 interceptions, and five blocks. In 2021, Rufe scored an exhilarating goal from inside Legion’s own half in the last minute of BHM’s 3-1 win over Indy Eleven, winning him the Fan-Voted Legion FC Goal of the Year.
Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC re-signed defender Jake Rufe on January 21, 2024 pending league and federation approval.
Rufe and his teammates will kick off the 2024 season with a preseason friendly against Atlanta United on Saturday, January 27 at 2:00pm at Protective Stadium. Find more info at www.bhmlegion.com/tickets.
Name: Jake Rufe
Position: Defender
Number: 13
Height: 6’ 2”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Birthdate: January 22, 1996 (age: 27)
Birthplace: Huntsville, AL
Citizenship: United States
Previous Club: AFC Ann Arbor (USL League Two)
Instagram: @jakerufe
