MATCH INFO:
Memphis 901 FC vs Birmingham Legion FC
Saturday, September 30
7:00 pm CT Kickoff
AutoZone Park – Memphis, TN
Watch – My68 & ESPN+
Birmingham Legion FC travels up interstate I-22 on Saturday, September 30 to take on its arch-rivals Memphis 901 FC. Having last played Bluff City at home and tied 1-1, Legion will hope for a win in this next edition of the Southern Harm Derby. A win against Memphis, if the results of FC Tulsa and Miami FC go Legion’s way, could clinch the playoffs for Birmingham. A loss, however, has the potential to be detrimental for the Black & Gold’s post-season ambitions.
Eight places or higher are required to make the USL Championship playoffs. Detroit City currently sits in eighth place with 37 points. Legion is in 7th with 40 points. FC Tulsa (36) points and Miami FC (35 points) are in ninth and tenth place respectively. Birmingham must come out with a win against Memphis to ensure it can get a spot in the playoffs.
Legion FC’s Form
Neco Brett leads Birmingham in scoring in 2023 with 11 goals in 27 appearances. Close behind him is Enzo Martinez with ten goals in 29 appearances, along with seven assists. Kasim, who scored last for Legion in its draw versus Memphis, has two goals and five assists.
In its last fixture, a tie against Miami FC, Legion lost 2-0. It was a crucial match for both teams in terms of the post-season. The Legionnaires had 23 shots and 52% possession, but could not get a shot past Miami goalkeeper Jake McGuire. Legion will be looking to replicate its offensive play style against Memphis but will be looking to finish in front of the target.
Opponent Info
Memphis 901 FC: 13W – 8L – 10D / 53 Goals Scored – 47 Goals Allowed / 49 Points / 4th in USLC Eastern Conference
Memphis sits nine points ahead of Legion FC in 4th place. Its top goalscorer this season is Rodrigo da Costa with 14 goals in 33 appearances — sixth highest in the league. Followed by him is Luiz Fernando with seven goals in 25 appearances.
Former Legionnaire Bruno Lapa has played 25 games for Memphis and has four goals and three assists. Aiden McFadden scored against Birmingham when Memphis played at Protective Stadium on September 20.
FiveThirtyEight Prediction
Memphis: 55%
Birmingham: 22%
Draw: 23%
To keep up to date on all things Legion FC, Legion encourages its fans 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.
