MATCH INFO:
The Miami FC vs Birmingham Legion FC
Wednesday, May 5
6:00pm CT Kickoff
FIU Stadium – Miami, FL
Watch – My68 & ESPN+
Birmingham Legion FC (1st) takes to the road on Wednesday, May 3 to take on The Miami FC (7th) for the first time of 2023. Kickoff is at 6pm CT and fans can tune in on My68 and ESPN+.
Birmingham currently sits in first place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference Standings, one point ahead of second place Charleston Battery, thanks to a win against Hartford Athletic at home on Sunday, April 30. Midfielder Enzo Martinez was the star of the show against Hartford, registering two goals and one assist in a five goal game that saw Birmingham come back from two deficits and win 3-2 in injury time. His performance brought his career goal contributions (goals and assists) in the USLC regular season to 102 and earned the Uruguayan the honor of USL Player of the Week for Week Eight of the regular season. Forward and Legion OG Prosper Kasim got himself on the Team of the Week as well thanks to his two assists against the Connecticut side.
Prior to its win against the Athletic, the Three Sparks overcame Chatanooga FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, April 26 to advance to the Round of 32. Wednesday’s match against Miami will be Legion’s third match in seven days — fitness will surely be tested as the Three Sparks hope to defend their place on top of the Eastern Conference.
At its disposal, the visitors have forward Tyler Pasher and midfielder Mikey Lopez who have recently come back from injury. The pair will add some depth to the low-rested roster. Legion have got the better of Miami in previous encounters, unbeaten in their last four USL Championship meetings (W2 D2 L0). Birmingham have outscored the Florida side 6-1 during its unbeaten streak.
Opponent Info:
The Miami FC: 1W – 2L – 5D / 7 Goals Scored – 7 Goals Allowed / 8 Points / 7th in USLC Eastern Conference
Head to Head:
Birmingham – 2 – 2 – 0 – Miami
FiveThirtyEight Prediction
Miami: 47%
Birmingham: 25%
Draw: 28%
The Miami FC come into Wednesday’s match off of a 1-1 draw against the Oakland Roots. Having played the Oakland side on Saturday, April 29, and then impressively bringing MLS side Inter Miami to penalties in the USOC on April 27 before losing, Miami also operate on little rest. Statistically, the goal-scoring burden is evenly split across its roster, with six players contributing to the club’s seven goals in eight matches played. Defender Paco Craig leads in goals scored with two.
On home soil this season, Miami have one win, three draws, and one loss in five USLC contests. The Florida side are in the midst of a three-match home unbeaten streak (W1 D2 L0) dating to April 1 against Memphis 901. Legion boast a fine away record this season, however, with three wins and just one loss in league matches away from home.
For this week’s UAB Medicine Injury Report, all Legion FC players are available for selection.
Birmingham’s next game is on Saturday, May 6 at HOME against USLC Western Conference side Oakland Roots. The match will kick off at 6:30pm CT at Protective Stadium. Tickets can be purchased HERE.
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.
