Legion FC Returns Home Seeking to Extend Unbeaten Run

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Back at home for the first time in two weeks, Birmingham Legion FC gets set to take the Protective Stadium and keep the summer vibes strong. Coming off of a big road victory against North Carolina FC, the Three Sparks have pulled back above the USL Championship playoff line thanks to a three-match unbeaten streak and now have a chance to solidify that positioning even more ahead of Saturday’s tilt with defending champions Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

“We take it game by game,” said Legion FC coach Mark Briggs. “I talk about where we want to be at the end of the season and how we’re going to get there. I’m not stupid, we all look at the table and see that we’ve jumped up, but it’s about getting this group’s mindset right and getting their confidence. If we stay above that line, teams are going to be nervous to play us.”

Looking back on the most recent win, Briggs does not even believe it was the best performance from the squad this month, but he and the rest of the team were more than happy to achieve their first three-point outing on the road to validate this stretch of good form.

A big reason for that has been the play of forward Tyler Pasher who has kicked things into an extra gear under Briggs.

“You’re seeing a Tyler Pasher that is hungry,” Briggs said of the 31-year-old veteran winger. “He wants to show his leadership and show his qualities to pull the group forward. He’s been exceptional.”

Pasher provided the assist on the first of Danny Trejo’s two second half goals last Friday, but his head coach was even more impressed by a cross field sprint in the final minute of stoppage time to end a North Carolina threat and, ostensibly, the match. It’s that type of work rate that earned Pasher the captain’s armband, and although it’s a new role he’s assumed with club, he doesn’t feel the pressure thanks to a veteran-laden roster.

“At the end of the day, all of our older guys are leaders,” Pasher explained. “We all have a job collectively to work together and pull the rest of the squad to buy into what we’re doing here. I’m grateful for it, but in reality, me, Enzo, Phanny and Matt are all united as one captain in helping the team grow.”

Birmingham has an opportunity to put that growth on full display this weekend as it hosts a Switchbacks FC side that is finding out how tough a title defense can be.

In search of a first victory in over a month, defense has been quite the issue for Colorado Springs, having allowed 22 goals on 59 shots. It currently sits in last place in the Western Conference and that frustration has manifested itself in four red cards, which is tied for second most in the USL-C. On top of that, the squad will be reminded of its golden 2024 run with Legion FC forward Ronaldo Damus lining up on the other side.

Currently Birmingham’s leading scorer with 10 goals across all competitions, the Haitian striker made his mark in Colorado Springs last season with a team-leading 14 goals.

“He’s got a chip on his shoulder,” Briggs said of Damus, who found the back of the net in his last two outings. “Anytime you play against a former team there’s a little bit more incentive and spice, so I’m sure he’ll be ready for gametime. He’s got aspirations and something to prove.”

But despite the opposite run of form for the two teams coming into the match, Briggs is still quick to point out that Colorado Springs is still a proven champion that can cause problems if his squad isn’t up for it on Saturday. After all, a quick snapshot of the league shows that 18 of the 24 teams across both conferences are within 10 points of each other, so nothing is given.

“This league is to the point now where there is no longer games where you can just show up and win,” he said. “Those days are gone because every team can beat you. You can’t take anyone for granted.”

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