MATCH INFO:
Birmingham Legion FC vs Loudoun United
Wednesday, June 21
7:00pm Kickoff
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
Get Tickets HERE!
Watch – My68 & ESPN+
Birmingham Legion FC (6th) returns to Protective Stadium to host Loudoun United FC (8th) on Wednesday, June 21. Both Legion and Loudoun come into the game on short rest after playing a game on Saturday, June 17. This is a crucial match for Birmingham to get another win at home and launch itself into better USL Championship form.
In addition to the game itself, there is other exciting news! New investor, NBA Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins will be in the stands for his first match as an owner. Joining Legion FC ownership with his storied career as player and now Vice President of Basketball for the Atlanta Hawks, Wilkins brings his passion for investing in communities through sports as a new owner of Birmingham’s longest-standing, privately owned professional team.
USMNT star and Birmingham native Chris Richards will also be in the stands! Richards, born and raised in Hoover, scored the opening goal in the national team’s triumph over Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League Final. A tribute to Richards will be made at halftime.
The Black & Gold come into tomorrow’s match looking to improve upon its 2-1 win over Indy Eleven on Saturday. Forwards Diba Nwegbo and Enzo Martinez made the goal scoring difference against Indy, with Nwegbo netting the first USLC goal of his professional career. Martinez, who leads Legion in goals scored this season (six), scored the game-winner over Indy in the 89th minute. Forward Neco Brett made an immediate impact in his first game back from injury with the game-winning assist.
Birmingham played a positive, high-attacking style against Indy that it will look to replicate, leading in shots 17-8 with just 44% of possession. Martinez, Brett, Juan Agudelo, Prosper Kasim, and Tyler Pasher are all available in Legion’s attacking arsenal.
OPPONENT INFO
Loudoun United: 5W – 9L – 1D / 18 Goals Scored – 24 Goals Allowed / 16 Points / 8th in USLC Eastern Conference
All-Time Head-to-Head:
Birmingham – 3 – 1 – 1 – Loudoun United
Loudoun ride into the Magic City on a two-game win streak, having beaten FC Tulsa and Miami FC confidently with five goals total between the two matches. In both games, Loudoun let their opponents hold the ball and relied on fast buildup and set piece opportunities. Its dramatic, extra time goal that won it against Miami came off a set piece.
Zach Ryan has been the Virginia side’s main man, with eight goals to his name in 12 matches. The 24-year-old is tied for second most goals scored in the USL Championship so far this season. On the defensive side of things, Loudoun and Birmingham are evenly matched. Both sides have conceded the second most goals in the Championship (24). Wednesday’s game will not be easy for either side.
FiveThirtyEight Odds
Birmingham: 60%
Loudoun: 18%
Draw: 23%
For this match’s UAB Medicine injury report, everyone is available!
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.
