Birmingham Legion FC battled to a 1-1 draw against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday night at CHI Memorial Stadium before claiming the extra point with a 3-2 win in the penalty shootout.
After a scoreless first half, Legion found the breakthrough in the 67th minute when Sebastián Saucedo finished off an attacking move assisted by Ronaldo Damus to give Birmingham a 1-0 lead. The goal marked Saucedo’s first of the USL Cup campaign and came just six minutes after he entered the match as a second-half substitute.
Chattanooga responded in the 77th minute through Greyson Mercer, bringing the hosts level late in the second half and setting up a decisive finish from the penalty spot.
“It was a tough game to get on our terms,” said Legion Head Coach Jay Heaps. “Chattanooga played really well. The boys did a great job to get the extra point in the shootout.”
Legion goalkeeper Trevor McMullen played an important role in keeping Birmingham in the match, recording two saves as Chattanooga pushed for a winner. With the game still level after regulation, Legion stepped up in the shootout, converting through Dawson McCartney, Saucedo and Serge Ngoma to earn the 3-2 shootout victory.
Both teams finished with three shots on target, while Seth Antwi helped drive the midfield with two chances created. Tyler Pasher and Peter-Lee Vassell led Legion with three shots apiece.
The result keeps Birmingham unbeaten in regulation through two USL Cup group-stage matches. Legion now sits on two draws from two matches in Group 3, with one goal scored and one goal conceded.
Next Up at Protective Stadium
Legion will head west next weekend to face Monterey Bay FC before returning home to Protective Stadium on Wednesday, June 3. Fans can welcome the boys back to Birmingham and help bring the energy as Legion continues its push through the season.
