Alabama-native scored fan-voted Goal of the Year in 2021
BIRMINGHAM, AL(Feb 2, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the re-signing of defender Jake Rufe, pending league and federation approval. Rufe played with the club during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, making 20 appearances and racked up 18 tackles, 14 interceptions, and five blocks.
In 2021, Rufe scored an exhilarating goal from inside Legion’s own half in the last minute of BHM’s 3-1 win over Indy Eleven, winning him the Fan-Voted Legion FC Goal of the Year.
“We are excited to bring Jake back for 2022,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President and General Manager. “He is a great fit in our locker room and adds solid depth and versatility to our defensive group.”
Rufe began his collegiate career at Indiana University before transferring to Western Michigan University where he started 52 of a possible 55 matches and added four goals and two assists. During his time at Western Michigan, Rufe earned Second Team All-MAC and Academic All-MAC honors. He also spent time with AFC Ann Arbor, in USL League Two.
Prior to his collegiate and professional career, Rufe grew up in Huntsville, Alabama, where he attended Grissom High School and was named Gatorade Alabama Boys State Player of the Year in 2014. Rufe was the third State POY to sign with Legion FC, following Chandler Hoffman (’08, ’09) and JJ Williams (’16).
Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC re-signed defender Jake Rufe on February 2, 2022.
Player Profile:
Name: Jake Rufe
Position: Defender
Number: 13
Height: 6’ 2”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Birthdate: January 22, 1996 (age: 26)
Birthplace: Huntsville, AL
Citizenship: United States
Previous Club: AFC Ann Arbor (USL League Two)
Instagram: @jakerufe
Rufe and his teammates will kick off the 2022 season on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00pm at the new home of Legion FC, Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.
For all club news and updates, like yet to be released single game tickets for the Atlanta United exhibition on Feb 20, fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media, sign up for the Legion FC Newsletter, 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 2022 schedule to your calendar HERE.