Quick Turnaround for Legion FC as it Begins Open Cup

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Following a Sunday afternoon that saw it go toe-to-toe with what has historically been one of the better USL Championship sides, things seem to be trending in a good direction for Birmingham Legion FC. But for as tough as a matchup with Louisville City FC may be, it pales in comparison to the road the Three Sparks are set to embark on over these next couple of weeks.

Beginning with its 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup first round tilt against the Little Rock Rangers on Wednesday, Legion FC is set for a 10-day stretch that will see the squad play three matches away from home, which means the entire roster that’s healthy will have to assume a larger role to secure a successful trip.

“Everybody at some point becomes an important piece to the season,” said Birmingham coach Tom Soehn. “You never want to see guys out early, but it’s always up to someone else to step in and do the job. When you are missing some of the talent that you’re used to, you have to make up for that with heart.”

That heart was clearly shown in Legion FC’s draw against Louisville City FC despite not dressing out notable players, including defenders Phanuel Kavita and AJ Paterson, as well as forwards Danny Trejo and Tyler Pasher. The depth of the roster will now have its first chance to showcase itself this week as the squad starts its Open Cup campaign, looking to equal, or perhaps surpass, its run to the quarterfinals in 2023.

“We’ve got the pieces on this team,” goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel said following a five-save performance on Sunday. “As we continue to get healthy and get the chemistry buzzing, this could be a very successful season for us.”

One player who has had no issue in quickly establishing chemistry within his new confines has been midfielder Roman Torres.

In what has been a whirlwind journey for the 21-year-old midfielder that was drafted by Minnesota United FC in January before being loaned to Birmingham last month, Torres has seemingly been unfazed. With his first two professional matches under his belt, he has not only provided the assist on both Legion FC goals, but also leads the club with four chances created, four tackles and 16 duels won.

“He weighs a buck-ten, but competes hard,” Soehn said of the Dallas, Texas-native. “He opens the game for us and I give him a lot of credit for the work that he does. He puts in a good shift.”

That’s not to say that there hasn’t been a learning curve for Torres, but any struggles that have come his way he has met head on in his short time in the Magic City.

“The physicality has been the biggest thing, but I’m going to learn more as I play,” explained Torres. “It feels really good (to be trusted by teammates and coaching staff). I know that Tom has a lot of expectations for me and I came here with expectations to be the best that I can be, whether that’s as an impact player or a role player.

“I just want to do the best that I can for the team.”

That best will be asked of Torres and the rest of the squad again on Wednesday, ahead of what could be a volatile road match against an unfamiliar opponent. Little Rock secured qualification to the US Open Cup for the second time in its history after 2024 campaign in USL2 where it was one of the best defenses in the league.

A handful of those pre-professional players will feature for the Rangers this week as it looks to pull off what would be a monumental upset.

“We don’t want to go into any games with our heads down,” said Torres. “We know we have a tough stretch coming up, but also know that if we play like we are capable of playing, we can find success.”

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