Kickoff set for 7:00pm from the Alabama Soccer Stadium in Tuscaloosa
MATCH INFO:
Birmingham Legion FC vs Southern States SC
Alabama Soccer Stadium – Tuscaloosa, AL
Kickoff at 7:00pm – Gates at 6:00pm
Free Admission for UA Students
Get Tickets HERE
Watch on ESPN+
Birmingham Legion FC returns to the U.S. Open Cup after a three-year hiatus with a second round matchup against National Premier Soccer League side Southern States SC Stars. The contest will see the Black & Gold play their first ever “home” match outside of Birmingham, as the game will be played in Tuscaloosa at the University of Alabama Soccer Stadium.
The midweek fixture for Legion FC comes after a 0-0 draw with current USL Championship Eastern Conference leaders Louisville City FC. The story of the match was that of missed opportunities – Head Coach Tom Soehn’s side managed to create chances going forward, all they lacked was the finishing touch. Fortunately, the second round Open Cup tie presents Legion FC with the perfect opportunity to break their scoring duck.
New signing Juan Agudelo will play a key role in doing so, as the 29-year-old brings MLS and international experience to Birmingham. The Colombian-born forward has tallied 28 appearances for the USMNT, scoring goals against the likes of Mexico and Argentina. In what could be his debut for Legion FC, all signs point to Agudelo opening his account for his new side.
Southern States SC progressed to the Second Round of the Open Cup by beating fellow NPSL side Georgia Revolution FC. The Stars put three past the Revolution, showcasing they are not a side to take lightly. Players to look out for include Thomas Roy Shepard, who scored twice against the Revs, and Jean Lucas Rivera Murillo, who added a goal and an assist. Touted as the underdogs, Southern States SC will hope to harness the ‘magic of the cup’ and make things difficult for BHM.
All Legion FC Season Ticket Holders have access to complimentary tickets to the match and can contact the Ticket Office with any questions. University of Alabama students get in for free by showing a student ID, and the first 250 students in attendance will receive a Chick-Fil-A sandwich card. There will also be a kid’s clinic before the game in conjunction with our friends at Tuscaloosa United Soccer Club, and then the UA Women’s Soccer team will be acknowledged at halftime of the game.
Following its Open Cup match, Legion FC will return to Protective Stadium to host fellow Eastern Conference side Hartford Athletic in USLC play. Kickoff is slated for Sunday, April 10, at 4:00PM. Tickets for the match are available HERE or by calling the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-791-7145, and the match will air live on My68 and on ESPN+.
