MATCH INFO:
Birmingham Legion FC vs Austin Bold FC
Saturday, June 19 – 6:30 PM CT Kickoff
BBVA Field – Birmingham, AL
Watch – My68, ESPN+
Birmingham Legion FC return home on short rest for their matchup against Austin Bold FC on Saturday, June 19th at BBVA Field. After being shutout for just the second time this season, and first time in over a month, the squad will be aiming to get back on track and back on the scoresheet.
In a special match to honor the Juneteenth holiday, the squad will wear limited edition, commemorative kits in partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. After the game, the jerseys will all be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting the BCRI.
Keep an eye on the site and team's social media pages for more info on the jersey auction.
Defender Ryan James says the team is looking forward to wearing these jerseys and playing a game that means more than just soccer. “I think people can know what Juneteenth means and it gives you a sensation of that pride and honor to put on the jersey, step on the field and represent the team and your community,” he said.
Legion FC will look to make a quick turnaround from Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat away at Louisville City FC. BHM responded well to the controversial penalty call in the 25th minute that put them behind early, nearly equalizing late in the first half. Legion finished with 56% possession and created five chances but could not find the net after Louisville grabbed their second in the 48th minute.
Leading goal scorer Neco Brett (six goals in nine games, t-1st in USLC) will be joined in the attack by midfielder Bruno Lapa, who is t-ninth in the USLC in shots (17) and t-sixth in chances created (15), with forwards JJ Williams and Junior Flemmings. Williams just earned a spot on USLC Team of the Week for Week 8 following a one goal, one assist performance last weekend in Oklahoma City, and Flemmings has a couple assists on the season but is still looking for his first goal with the Black and Gold.
The team is also itching for more goals, with just nine in nine games, despite being fifth in USLC with 109 shots. Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, who was USLC Player of the Week in Week 4 and was up for USLC Player of the Month of April/May, will lead from the back, as he has only given up eight goals in nine games and is currently second in the USL Championship with 30 saves and tied for first in clean sheets with three.
Austin Bold FC are coming off a big win against USL powerhouse Rio Grande Valley FC. Defender Fabien Garcia scored a beautiful game-winning free kick in stoppage time to give his side the three points. Garcia will be the leader in the back for Austin FC as he has 25 clearances and 16 interceptions in just seven games for the Bold. Paired with defender Gustavo Rissi, Austin has a very solid backline that will be put to the test against Birmingham’s attack. Rissi, who is on loan from Brazilian side Cruzeiro, has also proven to be a force in the back with an 81% tackle success rate, 39 clearances, and 12 interceptions.
While Austin FC looks strong in defense, expect Birmingham to create plenty of attacking chances as they come into the match 3rd in completed passes and 5th in shots taken in the USL Championship.
Midfielder Prosper Kasim is listed as questionable with a leg injury on this week’s VIVA Health Injury Report.
The Black and Gold head to Miami next week for their matchup against Miami FC on Wednesday, June 23 at 7:00 PM. Fans can watch the Legion on My68 or ESPN+, and follow @bhmlegion on Twitter for live match updates.
Legion FC will return to BBVA Field on Wednesday, June 30 at 7:00 PM to face Atlanta United 2. Everybody Wins on Wednesdays with Legion FC! Join us downtown for one dollar hot dogs, two dollar beers, and a post-game fireworks show! Tickets are available HERE or by contacting the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-600-4635 or tickets@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/bhmlegion.
MATCH INFO:
Birmingham Legion FC vs Austin Bold FC
Saturday, June 19 – 6:30 PM CT Kickoff
BBVA Field – Birmingham, AL
Watch – My68, ESPN+
Birmingham Legion FC return home on short rest for their matchup against Austin Bold FC on Saturday, June 19th at BBVA Field. After being shutout for just the second time this season, and first time in over a month, the squad will be aiming to get back on track and back on the scoresheet.
In a special match to honor the Juneteenth holiday, the squad will wear limited edition, commemorative kits in partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. After the game, the jerseys will all be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting the BCRI.
Keep an eye on the site and team’s social media pages for more info on the jersey auction.
Defender Ryan James says the team is looking forward to wearing these jerseys and playing a game that means more than just soccer. “I think people can know what Juneteenth means and it gives you a sensation of that pride and honor to put on the jersey, step on the field and represent the team and your community,” he said.
Legion FC will look to make a quick turnaround from Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat away at Louisville City FC. BHM responded well to the controversial penalty call in the 25th minute that put them behind early, nearly equalizing late in the first half. Legion finished with 56% possession and created five chances but could not find the net after Louisville grabbed their second in the 48th minute.
Leading goal scorer Neco Brett (six goals in nine games, t-1st in USLC) will be joined in the attack by midfielder Bruno Lapa, who is t-ninth in the USLC in shots (17) and t-sixth in chances created (15), with forwards JJ Williams and Junior Flemmings. Williams just earned a spot on USLC Team of the Week for Week 8 following a one goal, one assist performance last weekend in Oklahoma City, and Flemmings has a couple assists on the season but is still looking for his first goal with the Black and Gold.
The team is also itching for more goals, with just nine in nine games, despite being fifth in USLC with 109 shots. Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, who was USLC Player of the Week in Week 4 and was up for USLC Player of the Month of April/May, will lead from the back, as he has only given up eight goals in nine games and is currently second in the USL Championship with 30 saves and tied for first in clean sheets with three.
Austin Bold FC are coming off a big win against USL powerhouse Rio Grande Valley FC. Defender Fabien Garcia scored a beautiful game-winning free kick in stoppage time to give his side the three points. Garcia will be the leader in the back for Austin FC as he has 25 clearances and 16 interceptions in just seven games for the Bold. Paired with defender Gustavo Rissi, Austin has a very solid backline that will be put to the test against Birmingham’s attack. Rissi, who is on loan from Brazilian side Cruzeiro, has also proven to be a force in the back with an 81% tackle success rate, 39 clearances, and 12 interceptions.
While Austin FC looks strong in defense, expect Birmingham to create plenty of attacking chances as they come into the match 3rd in completed passes and 5th in shots taken in the USL Championship.
Midfielder Prosper Kasim is listed as questionable with a leg injury on this week’s VIVA Health Injury Report.
The Black and Gold head to Miami next week for their matchup against Miami FC on Wednesday, June 23 at 7:00 PM. Fans can watch the Legion on My68 or ESPN+, and follow @bhmlegion on Twitter for live match updates.
Legion FC will return to BBVA Field on Wednesday, June 30 at 7:00 PM to face Atlanta United 2. Everybody Wins on Wednesdays with Legion FC! Join us downtown for one dollar hot dogs, two dollar beers, and a post-game fireworks show! Tickets are available HERE or by contacting the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-600-4635 or tickets@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/bhmlegion.
