The 2020 USL Championship All-League Second Team defender led Birmingham in clearances and interceptions in 2022
BIRMINGHAM, AL (Nov. 8, 2022) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today that center back Alex Crognale has signed a new multi-year contract with the club, pending league and federation approval.
“As we begin to focus on the 2023 season, we’re excited to extend Alex’s time here in Birmingham,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “He has proven to be a great center back in this league, he’s a leader in our locker room, and we think he’s a big part of our team.”
2022 served as Crognale’s third in the Magic City, and the big man again excelled in Black and Gold. He finished the season with 33 starts, going the full 90 in all 33, and led the team in clearances (136), aerial duels (124), aerial duels won (80), and interceptions (53). He also finished the year with the second most passes (1,527 at an 80.1% pass completion rate), third in blocks (18), sixth in tackles (39), and with one goal scored.
The Columbus, OH native earned Team of the Week nods twice in 2022, once for his defensive efforts in a 1-0 win at Phoenix in Week 13, and again after a 1-1 draw at Tampa Bay in Week 29.
“We are building something really special here in Birmingham,” said Crognale. “I came here to win games and fight for trophies and that job isn’t finished yet. I look forward to the next few years with this club and continuing to connect and make a difference in the community.”
Transaction: Legion FC signed defender Alex Crognale to a new multi-year contract, pending league and federation approval.
Player Profile:
Name: Alex Crognale (CROW-nya-lay)
Position: Center back
Height: 6’ 5”
Weight: 205 lbs.
Birthdate: August 27, 1994 (age: 28)
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Citizenship: United States, Italy
Previous Club: Columbus Crew SC (MLS)
Instagram: @alexcrognale
Twitter: @alexcrognale
2023 Legion FC Season Tickets are available now! Fans looking to purchase or find more information can do so at bhmlegion.com/2023tickets or are encouraged to email tickets@bhmlegion.com or call the Legion FC Ticket Office at 205-791-7145.
For team updates throughout the offseason, follow @bhmlegion on social media, sign up for Legion FC’s Newsletter, or visit bhmlegion.com. The Legion FC app is also available for download via Apple or Android.
