
MATCH INFO:
Birmingham Legion FC vs Sacramento Republic FC
Saturday, August 12
6:30 pm CT Kickoff
Protective Stadium – Birmingham, AL
Watch – My68 & ESPN+
Get Tickets HERE!
Birmingham Legion FC return home to Protective Stadium on Saturday, August 12 for Camp Legion! After a series of away matches that did not go its way, the Legionnaires will look to bounce back and make a statement against Sacramento Republic. Come enjoy a last summer hurrah with the Legion FC as it takes on one of the best teams in the USL Championship.
Birmingham’s last three matches have not been ideal — a loss at home and two losses on the road — so an upset against Sacramento could be a huge difference maker in the Legion’s end-of-season form.
In its last fixture on Wednesday, August 9, Birmingham lost to Indy Eleven 4-0 after conceding once in the first half and three in the second. It will have to have a more organized defense, and more firepower from its final third, to garner a result against a very good Sacramento side.
The last time, and first time, Legion and Republic FC met was in July of 2022, where Birmingham defeated Sacramento on its home turf thanks to a goal in the 2nd minute by Juan Agudelo. Agudelo and Legion’s current front four of Enzo Martinez (eight goals in 2023), Neco Brett (five goals), and Prosper Kasim (five assists) will look to break down Sacramento’s organized defense.
Midfielder Mikey Lopez has been training with the team again and appeared on the bench against Indy Eleven but did not play. Legion fans may get a chance to see the Legion veteran make an appearance during tomorrow’s game. For those unfamiliar, Lopez, 30 years old, has been at the club since its inaugural 2019 season and is a versatile player that can defend and make aggressive challenges in the midfield as well as generate attacking play.
Opponent Info
Sacramento Republic FC: 12W – 3L – 8D / 38 Goals Scored – 16 Goals Allowed / 44 Points / 1st in USLC Western Conference
H2H: BHM – 1W – 0D – 0L
Sacramento Republic top the USL Championship Western Conference table in first place by four points to second place San Antonio FC. Having conceded the least amount of goals, the Californian side also has the highest goal differential in the League with +22.
Russel Cicerone is the biggest attacking threat that Sacramento has at its disposal. The league-legend has 13 goals to his name in 2023 (second most in USLC), eight more goals than Luis Felipe who has the second most goals scored for the Republic (five). With teammates like Keko (six assists) and Jack Gurr (four assists) feeding Cicerone chances, its attack is one of the most lethal in the USL.
Sacramento come to Birmingham on a three-match win streak, including two back-to-back away wins. The Legionnaires must be on their A-game to triumph over the Western conference leaders.
To keep up to date on all things Legion FC, fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media 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 2023 schedule to your calendar HERE.