BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC suffered a 2-1 loss to Detroit City FC on Thursday night at Protective Stadium, conceding the match-winning goal deep into second-half stoppage time despite an inspired response after an early setback.

Detroit struck first just two minutes into the match when Rio Hope-Gund finished off a cross from Kobe Hernández-Foster to give the visitors an early advantage. “Obviously, it’s tough when you give up a goal in the first minute.” Coach Heaps says, “It took us a couple of minutes to settle in, and we started playing the way we needed to in the first half.”

Legion answered in the 24th minute through Tyler Pasher, who found the back of the net to level the match at 1-1. The goal was Pasher’s fourth of the USL Championship season and capped off a strong first-half response after the early concession.
The hosts continued to push for a winner throughout the second half, creating several dangerous opportunities. Birmingham finished with 14 shots, four on target, and generated 2.32 expected goals while holding nearly even possession against Detroit.

Jay Heaps turned to his bench midway through the second half, bringing on Sebastián Saucedo, Dawson McCartney, Samuel McIllhatton, Romario Williams, and Serge Ngoma in search of a breakthrough. Saucedo nearly made an immediate impact, registering a shot on target after entering the match.
As the match appeared destined for a draw, Detroit found the decisive moment in the second minute of stoppage time. Ben Morris scored in the 92nd minute to hand the visitors all three points in dramatic fashion.

Tyler Pasher led Legion with four shots, while Samuel Shashoua created a team-high four chances. Ronaldo Damus recorded two shots on target as Birmingham continued to threaten throughout the evening. Goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat finished with six saves.

Despite the difficult result, defender Seth Antwi emphasized the team’s mindset moving forward.

“We have to keep believing in the team and keep coming in each day, trying to get better and put the result behind us. Most importantly, keep believing, because that’s what we can control.”

“No one is going to feel sorry for us, we have to pick ourselves up and go again… It’s a short week and quick turnaround, which is another chance to pick up maximum points and kick start the second half of our season and keep pushing.” Romario Williams adds.

Birmingham Legion FC will look to bounce back next week as the club returns to USL Championship action on the road against Miami FC.