MATCH INFO:
Birmingham Legion FC vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Saturday, March 11
6:30pm CT Kickoff – 5:30pm CT Gates
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
Get Tickets Now
Watch – My68 & ESPN+
Birmingham Legion FC kicks off its fifth season against post-season rivals Pittsburgh Riverhounds on March 11 at 6:30pm CT. For important info about match-day, including pre-game festivities, check out our Know Before You Go article.
After a busy off-season with eight new signings, the Three Sparks return with a new system that has a lot of firepower up front and the same characteristic backline that has made Birmingham a defensive powerhouse in seasons past.
Last time out, the Black & Gold lost to the Hounds in one of the most exciting post-season matches in USL Championship history. Pittsburgh beat Birmingham in the first round of the USL Playoffs at Protective Stadium after a 2-2 scoreline took the game to a penalty shootout where the Hounds won 8-7. The match remains bitter in the mouths of Legion fans, and so Saturday’s season opener serves as a rematch where those emotions can come to light again.
2023 Off-season Highlights:
Tyler Pasher
28 Years Old
Two goals, one assist, 17 appearances in MLS during the 2022 season.
Neco Brett
30 Years Old
Legion FC all-time top goal scorer (26 goals), 5th all-time goal scorer of USL (74 goals).
This year’s lineup has lots of anticipation – both Legion fans and USL pundits are excited to watch its new squad in action. You can watch Pasher, Brett, and all of Legion’s new signings hit the field for the first time on Saturday. For more info on Legion’s postseason acquisitions check out our news feed.
Opponent Info:
Head-to-Head:
Birmingham – 1 – 0 – 5 – Pittsburgh
FiveThirtyEight Prediction
Birmingham: 53%
Pittsburgh: 22%
Draw: 26%
Pittsburgh finished out their preseason with only one goal allowed in its five matches, including a 0-0 draw against 2022 Eastern Conference Champions Louisville City FC on March 4. The Hounds have made a flurry of roster changes in the 2023 off-season, with 17 new players added to their squad. Players to watch out for on Saturday include returning players Robbie Mertz and Kenardo Forbes, but overall expect a vastly different team than what Legion FC faced last year in the post-season.
Fans interested in 2023 Season Tickets can find more information at bhmlegion.com/2023tickets or are encouraged to email tickets@bhmlegion.com or call the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-791-7145.
For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android, and sync our 2023 schedule to your calendar HERE.
