Birmingham Legion FC battled back from a two-goal deficit twice on Wednesday night, earning a thrilling 4-4 draw against New Mexico United at Dunnavant Valley Fields.
Legion struck first in the 11th minute when Romario Williams headed home a cross from Dawson McCartney to give Birmingham an early lead. New Mexico answered with goals from Zico Bailey and Niall Reid-Stephen before halftime, sending Legion into the break trailing 2-1.
New Mexico extended its advantage in the second half, scoring twice to take a 4-1 lead in the 66th minute. But Birmingham refused to let the match slip away.
Ronaldo Damus sparked the comeback in the 77th minute, cutting the deficit to two before Gevork Diarbian found the back of the net in the 87th minute to make it 4-3. Then, deep into stoppage time, Damus struck again in the 99th minute to complete the comeback and secure a point for the Black and Gold.
“The team showed great character, great fight, and great determination,” Williams said following the match.
With the crowd at Dunnavant Valley Fields behind them, Legion continued pushing until the final whistle. Rolando credited the home support for helping fuel the comeback, saying, “The fans added great energy to the match.”
Head coach Jay Heaps echoed the team’s resilience after the final whistle.
“I wish I had our goals sooner, but the guys showed they could fight,” Heaps said.
Birmingham finished the night with 25 total shots and 14 shots on target while generating 3.49 expected goals. Gevork Diarbian led Legion with five shots and three on target, while Samuel Shashoua recorded four shots and three on target.
QUICK HITS
- Romario Williams opened the scoring in the 11th minute, recording his seventh goal of the season.
- Ronaldo Damus scored twice, including the 99th-minute equalizer to complete Legion’s comeback.
- Gevork Diarbian scored his second goal of the season in the 87th minute.
- Dawson McCartney recorded an assist on Williams’ opener.
- Serge Ngoma assisted Diarbian’s 87th-minute goal.
- Legion recorded 25 total shots and 14 shots on target.
- Birmingham generated 3.49 expected goals compared to New Mexico’s 1.78.
- Jassem Koleilat made three saves in the match.
- Legion’s four goals came from three different players, with Damus scoring twice.
