Martinez and Brett both scored in the shutout victory that capped off a brilliant team display
BIRMINGHAM, AL (August 20, 2023) – Birmingham Legion FC picked up three points against its Southeastern rivals on Saturday afternoon, with Enzo Martinez and Neco Brett both netting a goal in the first half. With an organized defense that hardly allowed a shot on target, Birmingham cruised its two-goal lead to victory.
The Black & Gold’s opening goal came on its first real opportunity in front of the target. Getting on the end of a ball headed towards the away side’s end line, forward Diba Nwegbo skillfully kept that ball in play with a back-heel chip that landed conveniently for Juan Agudelo to swing over a cross to the far post. Receiving the ball confidently, Martinez hammered in his ninth goal of the season.
Nwegbo stepped up again less than twenty minutes later. The 21-year-old dribbled into the box and was fouled as he geared up to shoot the ball, winning a penalty kick for the good guys. Brett, Legion’s all-time goalscorer with 33 goals to his name, delivered on the penalty with no doubts and Legion cruised into halftime sitting on a 2-0 scoreline. Brett’s goal tonight also marked his career 75th USL Championship regular season goal.
“It got us back on track,” said goalkeeper Matt VanOekel about the win. “Back in the win column against a very talented, tough team. I think that’s the first time that we’ve done the double against Louisville since I’ve been here, in franchise history. So I think that’s a big step, and that’s two top teams in a week and now we look forward to Tulsa and hope to link these wins together.”
MVO is right, this is the first time Legion has ever beat Louisville with more than a one-goal difference.
Nwegbo, who had a slow start to the season but has now found his stride, had one of the best games of his career tonight. It’s just a glimpse of the player he will grow to be.
“He has grown,” said Head Coach Tommy Soehn. “He’s a kid coming out of college, so there’s some lumps and mountains you gotta get through along the way. But, we’re putting game plans in and he’s starting to really execute his timing of runs, getting in behind, defending, and keeping plays alive. He’s doing a really good job. It’s been fun to watch him grow throughout the season.”
Louisville had a couple of good opportunities on set pieces, but for the most part, Soehn’s Birmingham never allowed the Boys in Purple to get a good threat on target. Legion’s defensive performance was a massive improvement compared to the past few matches, and the Legion will look at the clean sheet as its biggest accomplishment from tonight.
“I think everyone had each other’s back,” said VanOekel about what made the difference in tonight’s defense. “I think today was one of the first times I really saw us truly fight as a family and a team. So, I look forward to continuing that against the Tulsa team.”
A well-deserved donut from Hero Doughnuts has already been ordered for every Legionnaire, and fans should join in! When Legion produces a shutout, we eat Hero Doughnuts
“We’ve been working to make sure that we’re a better team,” said Soehn. “We’ve lost some individuals and I think I’ve relied on individuals too much. These last two weeks I’ve focused on making sure we’re just a better team. More organized and more disciplined. Credit the guys as they really executed the game plan and that’s shown two weeks in a row.”
The Legionnaires now have to get ready for a quick turnaround as they fly to Oklahoma for Wednesday’s match against FC Tulsa. Fans can watch the match on My68 and ESPN+.
Box Score:
| 1st Half | 2nd Half | |
| Birmingham | 2 | 0 |
| Sacramento | 0 | 0 |
Goals:
BHM – 5′ – #19 Enzo Martinez (assisted by #9 Juan Agudelo)
BHM – 24′ – #11 Neco Brett
Starting XI:
BHM – 4-3-2-1 – #1 Matt VanOekel; #3 Phanuel Kavita, #4 Collin Smith, #21 Alex Crognale, #33 Moses Mensah; #10 Prosper Kasim, #17 Matthew Corcoran, #19 Enzo Martinez; #9 Juan Agudelo, #7 Diba Nwegbo; #11 Neco Brett
For all club news and updates, fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app.
