Forward Prosper Kasim’s finish enough to separate the two sides
PHOENIX, AZ (June 4, 2022) – Birmingham Legion FC claimed a massive victory away at Phoenix Rising FC for what is the club’s second win in a row. It was forward Prosper Kasim who scored the winner for the Three Sparks, while goalkeeper Matt VanOekel came up big in between the sticks to deny the hosts any chance of finding the back of the net.
The first half saw both sides jockey for control of the match, with either outfit doing well to create chances and force the opposing defense into action. Phoenix would be the first side to knock on the door, as forward Santi Moar’s strike just five minutes into the contest would graze the outside netting.
Greg Hurst would be the next to try his hand at opening the scoring for Rising FC, but VanOekel made light work of Hurst’s attempt from just inside the 18 yard box. Legion FC would not be deterred by their opponent’s pressure, countering each Phoenix attack with one of their own. Doing well to break through the Rising FC defense, it seemed as though the visitors had earned a penalty after midfielder Enzo Martinez was brought down, but the referee deemed it a fair challenge.
Phoenix would again come close to opening scoring toward the end of the first half, but it was VanOekel again to deny them with a massive save.
“That was a monster save,” said Legion FC Head Coach Tom Soehn. “We’re fortunate to have someone with his experience and his ability to make game saving saves. He’s done it for us as long as he’s been here.”
The second half would see the Black & Gold finally open the scoring on the night. Starting at the back with defender Jonny Dean, ‘Hotlinks’ managed to beat his defender, find Martinez in space, who would then lay it off to Kasim for a beautiful first-time finish into the bottom left corner of Ben Lundt’s net.
Kasim’s goal would propel his side to its second win in a row, as well combine with the defense and VanOekel’s commanding performance to make Legion FC the first side to shut out and defeat Phoenix Rising FC at home since October of 2018.
“Absolutely massive for this group,” said VanOekel. “With us missing some guys, our ability to come together as a group, and what we have, it’s massive. Everyone fought for each other. The team unity and togetherness, as well as the shift and the performance we put out tonight showed it.”
Box Score:
| 1st Half | 2nd Half | |
| PHX | 0 | 0 |
| BHM | 0 | 1 |
PHX – 4-3-3 – #39 Ben Lundt; #2 Darnell King, #15 Joseph Farrell, #41 James Musa(Subbed out in the 69’ for #18 Luis Seijas), #6 Baboucarr Njie (Subbed out in the 83’ by #45 Claudio Repetto); #5 Sivert Haugli, #14 Aodhan Quinn, #21Joseph Calistri (Subbed out in the ’ for #8 Irakoze Donasiyanu); #7 Santi Moar, #17 Greg Hurst, #20 Marcus Epps (Subbed out in the 75’ for #4 Ryan Flood)
BHM – 4-3-3 – #1 Matt VanOekel; #24 Jonny Dean, #21 Alex Crognale, #3 Phanuel Kavita ©, #13 Jake Rufe ; #5 Mikey Lopez, #20 Zach Herivaux, #19 Enzo Martinez; #11 Marlon Santos (Subbed out in the 70’ by #7 Ryan James), #10 Prosper Kasim (Subbed out in the 88’ by #17 Matthew Corcoran); #99 Juan Agudelo (Subbed out in the 78’ by #9 Edi Horvat)
Legion FC is back at Protective Stadium on Wednesday, June 8, at 7:00pm against bitter rival Memphis 901 FC! ‘Everybody Wins on Wednesday’ drink deals continue, so get your tickets HERE and contact the Legion FC Ticket Office with any questions.
