Match Preview: Legion FC at Loudoun United FC– Saturday, April 15 at 5:00pm

MATCH INFO:
Loudoun United FC vs Birmingham Legion FC
Saturday, April 15
5:00pm CT Kickoff
Segra Field – Leesburg, VA
Watch – My68 & ESPN+

Legion FC heads to Virginia to take on Loudoun United FC in its third away match of the 2023 season. Kickoff is at 5:00pm CT and fans can tune in on My68 and ESPN+.

Last time out, Legion FC suffered its first loss of the season against Phoenix Rising FC. Prior to its loss, Birmingham led the Eastern Conference standings and will look to claim that position again with a win against Loudoun on Saturday. The Three Sparks have a 2-0-0 away performance and are one of the better sides on the road in this early season.

Legion FC leads its attack through Legion goal-scoring record holder Neco Brett (29 goals for club), and former USL All-Team stars Tyler Pasher and Enzo Martinez. Them, alongside Juan Agudelo (8 chances created; =1 for BHM) and Team of the Week leftback Gabriel “Gabi” Alves will put pressure on Loudoun’s goal.

Defensively, the Birmingham side has two clean sheets on the season (=2 in the League), all while working with its backup goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg who has impressively kept goalscoring opportunities rare for opposition.

Last time the Three Sparks faced the Virginia side, the boys from Birmingham achieved an impressive 6-1 victory in July of 2022. It was a milestone match, with former Legionnaire Bruno Lapa scoring the club’s first ever hat trick.

Opponent Info:Head-to-Head:

Birmingham – 3 – 1 – 0 – Loudoun

FiveThirtyEight Prediction

Birmingham: 46%
Loudoun: 28%
Draw: 26%

Loudoun United come into its third home match of the year looking for its first USL win in front of the fans. The Virginia side will be well-rested, with its last match being a win against USL1’s North Carolina FC on April 5 in the U.S. Open Cup. Loudoun sits in 8th place in the Eastern Conference standings, with four total points acquired from one victory, one draw, and two losses.

Zach Ryan is the club’s leading goalscorer, having scored three matches in two appearances for Loudoun to make himself tied for third top goalscorer in the USLC.

For this week’s UAB Medicine Injury Report, midfielder Mikey Lopez is unavailable for selection.

The Three Sparks return to protective stadium on Sunday, April 30th to face the Hartford Athletic, and fans can grab tickets today at bhmlegion.com/tickets! 

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.