Birmingham earns a point and shutout, and extends its unbeaten run in the league to three
BIRMINGHAM, AL (May 4, 2022) – Birmingham Legion FC played out a 0-0 draw with fellow Eastern Conference side Miami FC on Wednesday night at Protective Stadium. The draw was full of chances for both sides, but neither were able to capitalize and collect all three points.
Despite the scoreless draw, Legion FC especially created numerous dangerous chances, including midfielder Zach Herivaux hitting the cross bar late in the second half. Midfielder Anderson Asiedu led the team with three shots on the night, including one early in the first half that spun just over the bar and another in the second that was palmed over the bar.
Midfielder Enzo Martinez and forward Prosper Kasim also added two shots each, with Kasim breaking into the box right before second half stoppage time for a chance on goal, but the Miami ‘keeper came up with the stop.
Legion FC goalkeeper Matt VanOekel earned his second shutout of the season by stepping up to make three big saves, and his defense was solid on the night, led by Martinez winning all six of his tackles, and defender Alex Crognale stepping back into the starting lineup and stepping up with five clearances.
Midfielder Mikey Lopez was also integral to the team’s performance on the night, playing in the midfield and then at left back, while adding three tackles and completing 36 of 42 passes.
“It was definitely a grind, definitely a battle,” said Lopez. “I think we had the clearer of the chances, and it’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to capitalize on those opportunities. But, it was a hard-fought point, and we’ll take the points right now, so it is what it is — it’s a good point.”
While understandably being disappointed in the missed opportunities, Head Coach Tommy Soehn was pleased with his team’s effort and ability to keep the clean sheet, which was a goal of his heading into the game against a talented Miami team.
“I think we’re starting to figure out our identity a little more,” said Soehn. “I don’t think we’re as concerned about missing the chances as we were before because we’ve put some away now. There’s going to be some days where you’re just not scoring, but… let’s be fair, [Miami FC] were a good team and they were organized. I think we got the better of them, unfortunately we came out with a point.
“Still, the shutout is important, that was our agenda to stop leaking goals. Matt [VanOekel] came up with a big save, as he should, and we walk away knowing that we grew again today, and we’ll keep pushing the guys to get better and better.”
Box Score:
| 1st Half | 2nd Half | |
| BHM | 0 | 0 |
| MIA | 0 | 0 |
BHM – 4-2-3-1 – #1 Matt VanOekel; #24 Jonny Dean, #21 Alex Crognale, #3 Phanuel Kavita, #7 Ryan James (46’ – #20 Zach Herivaux); #5 Mikey Lopez, #6 Anderson Asiedu; #10 Prosper Kasim, #8 Bruno Lapa (82’ – #13 Jake Rufe), #19 Enzo Martinez; #11 Marlon Santos (62’ – #99 Juan Agudelo)
MIA – 4-2-3-1 – #24 Connor Sparrow; #96 Mark Segbers, #22 Ben Ofeimu, #5 Paco Craig © (90’ – #18 Junior Palacios), #12 Aedan Stanley; #80 Speedy Williams, #21 Bolu Akinyode (82’ – #14 Christian Sorto); #13 Lamar Walker (64’ – #30 Adonijiah Reid), #10 Florian Valot, #7 Josh Perez (64’ – #98 Pierre da Silva); #9 Kyle Murphy (64’ – #27 Romeo Parkes)
The team travels to Pittsburgh this Saturday, May 7, to face the Riverhounds at 6:00pm CT. Watch the game on My68 or ESPN+, and follow @bhmlegion on Twitter for live updates.
The next home game is back at Protective Stadium on Wednesday, May 18, at 7:00pm against Las Vegas Lights! ‘Everybody Wins on Wednesday’ drink deals continue, so get your tickets HERE and contact the Legion FC Ticket Office with any questions.
