Birmingham Legion earned a hard-fought point in Prix Tires Cup group play but fell short in penalties after a scoreless draw against San Antonio at Toyota Field.
Under sustained pressure for much of the match, Legion were forced into a disciplined defensive performance, with San Antonio controlling 58.2% possession and registering 23 shots to Birmingham’s six. Despite the imbalance, Birmingham’s structure held firm, limiting clear-cut chances and keeping the game within reach.
Goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat was a standout, making six saves to preserve the clean sheet and give Legion an opportunity heading into the shootout.
After a difficult first half, Head Coach Jay Heaps made tactical adjustments at the break, introducing Amir Daley for Peter-Lee Vassell and Samuel McIllhatton for Kadeem Cole to bring added stability and energy to the side.
Birmingham showed greater resilience in the second half, tightening defensively and competing with more intensity across the pitch. However, the visitors struggled to find rhythm in possession, generating just 0.26 expected goals and placing only two shots on target over 90 minutes.
The match ultimately came down to penalties, where San Antonio converted three of their attempts to Birmingham’s one, securing the additional point.
Head Coach Jay Heaps reflected on the performance post-match:
“Happy we were able to come away with a point in the group play. A little disappointed in our first half, but loved the grit we showed in the second. We defended well but never found our game with the ball.”
About the Prix Tires Cup
The Prix Tires Cup is an in-season tournament played alongside league matches, featuring teams from across the USL Championship and League One. Each team plays four group-stage games, earning three points for a win, one for a draw, and an additional point for winning a penalty shootout after a draw. The top team from each group advances to the knockout rounds, along with the best second-place finisher.
What’s Next
Birmingham continues a busy stretch of matches, returning to league play on the road on May 2 before hosting a special night at Protective Stadium on May 7, where fans will have the chance to see soccer’s greatest prize in person. Tickets are available now.
Legion then return to Prix Tires Cup group play with a trip to face Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday, May 16 at 6:00 PM. With only four group games, every result is critical as Birmingham look to move into the top spots and advance.
