The Birmingham Legion have already made history, but they are looking to accomplish even more this week. The Magic City soccer club recently beat a tough MLS opponent in Charlotte FC with a 1-0 score in the U.S. Open Cup’s Round of Sixteen in a game that saw attendance records get broken in Protective Stadium. That victory not only gave the Legion a big boost on the team’s resume, it means they will once again be hosting a Division 1 MLS team - this time Inter Miami - in a game that decides who advances to become one of the final four teams in the tournament. The quarterfinal showdown takes place in Birmingham this Wednesday at 7pm, and the city seems ready to pack out the stadium.
The Legion have been a source of pride in the city since they were the Birmingham Hammers playing at UAB’s soccer field. Led by the Magic City Brigade, the Bham fan base has grown with each new year to match the enthusiasm of a team that’s brought many great soccer matchups to town. The U.S. Open hostings have brought excitement to a fever pitch, especially after the team bested their first MLS opponent in late May. The Legion is one of only two USL Championship teams that made it to the tournament’s quarterfinal, with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC joining our hometown club as the two rising underdogs. Both teams are coincidentally playing on the East side of the bracket, with the Riverhounds taking on FC Cincinnati in a Tuesday match. The games on the opposite end of the bracket include Chicago Fire against Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake against LA Galaxy.
The Legion’s victory against Charlotte happened thanks to a goal in the 60th minute by Prosper Kasim after a pass from Juan Agudelo. Excellent defensive play and Charlotte playing a man short after a player received two yellow cards assisted the Legion goal in punching the Legion a ticket to the quarterfinal and another hometown matchup. The city is ready for a Wednesday showdown and many months of great soccer in the city following the cup’s conclusion.
Hammer down!
Image from Ed Villalobos for Birmingham Legion FC
