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BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 11, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of center forward Edi Horvat, pending the finalization of a P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“We are excited to add Edi to our attacking group,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President & General Manager. “He is a natural forward with speed, strength, and the upside and ability to be a dangerous goal scorer in our league.”

Horvat most recently competed for Slovenian Second Tier side NK Fužinar, where his seven goals were tied for seventh in the league through the first half of the season. He also added five assists in those 16 appearances this season, and his eight goals in 22 games last season were good for top 15 in the league.

The Croat kicked off his professional career as an 18-year-old playing for NK Aluminij Kidričevo in the Prva Liga, the Slovenian First Tier, and then he transferred to NK Brežice 1919 where he scored five goals in 21 appearances across two seasons. Before moving to Slovenia, Horvat recorded 16 goals in 20 games playing in his home country for the Inter Zaprešić Under-19s.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC signed forward Edi Horvat on January 11, 2022.

Player Profile:
Name: Edi Horvat
Position: Center Forward
Height: 6’ 1”
Weight: 176 lbs.
Birthdate: November 29, 1998 (age: 23)
Birthplace: Zagreb, Croatia
Citizenship: Croatian
Previous Club: NK Fužinar (Druga Liga – Slovenian Second Tier)
Instagram: @edihorvat_

Horvat and his new teammates will kick off the 2022 season at home on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00pm at the new home of Legion FC, Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 11, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of center forward Edi Horvat, pending the finalization of a P1 visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

“We are excited to add Edi to our attacking group,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President & General Manager. “He is a natural forward with speed, strength, and the upside and ability to be a dangerous goal scorer in our league.”

Horvat most recently competed for Slovenian Second Tier side NK Fužinar, where his seven goals were tied for seventh in the league through the first half of the season. He also added five assists in those 16 appearances this season, and his eight goals in 22 games last season were good for top 15 in the league.

The Croat kicked off his professional career as an 18-year-old playing for NK Aluminij Kidričevo in the Prva Liga, the Slovenian First Tier, and then he transferred to NK Brežice 1919 where he scored five goals in 21 appearances across two seasons. Before moving to Slovenia, Horvat recorded 16 goals in 20 games playing in his home country for the Inter Zaprešić Under-19s.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC signed forward Edi Horvat on January 11, 2022.

Player Profile:
Name: Edi Horvat
Position: Center Forward
Height: 6’ 1”
Weight: 176 lbs.
Birthdate: November 29, 1998 (age: 23)
Birthplace: Zagreb, Croatia
Citizenship: Croatian
Previous Club: NK Fužinar (Druga Liga – Slovenian Second Tier)
Instagram: @edihorvat_

Horvat and his new teammates will kick off the 2022 season at home on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00pm at the new home of Legion FC, Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 10, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the re-signing of midfielder Eli Crognale, pending league and federation approval.

“Eli is somebody that fits in well with our group in the locker room and on the field,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President & General Manager. “He’s shown continued growth as a player, and we are excited to be able to keep him to Birmingham.”

Crognale made 28 appearances in 2021 as a do-it-all central midfielder for Head Coach Tommy Soehn. On top of scoring his first two professional goals, two long range efforts that were a couple of the best goals in the USL Championship this season, the younger of the two Crognale brothers in the team added two assists, 16 chances created, 21 interceptions, 14 tackles, seven clearances, and completed 84.2% of his passes.

“I’m blessed to be able to continue my professional career in Birmingham,” said Crognale. “The city is truly beginning to feel like a home to me. I have such a good connection with the players and staff, and I think there is no better place for me to grow as a person and a player. I have high hopes for the upcoming season, and I think the guys will do big things together. I look forward to a few more relaxing meditations on the field this season.”

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 10, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the re-signing of midfielder Eli Crognale, pending league and federation approval.

“Eli is somebody that fits in well with our group in the locker room and on the field,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President & General Manager. “He’s shown continued growth as a player, and we are excited to be able to keep him to Birmingham.”

Crognale made 28 appearances in 2021 as a do-it-all central midfielder for Head Coach Tommy Soehn. On top of scoring his first two professional goals, two long range efforts that were a couple of the best goals in the USL Championship this season, the younger of the two Crognale brothers in the team added two assists, 16 chances created, 21 interceptions, 14 tackles, seven clearances, and completed 84.2% of his passes.

“I’m blessed to be able to continue my professional career in Birmingham,” said Crognale. “The city is truly beginning to feel like a home to me. I have such a good connection with the players and staff, and I think there is no better place for me to grow as a person and a player. I have high hopes for the upcoming season, and I think the guys will do big things together. I look forward to a few more relaxing meditations on the field this season.”

Legion FC’s #12 had a successful rookie season in Birmingham in 2020, as he played in 15 of the club’s 17 matches. In 971 minutes, he led the team in tackles (30), was fifth in chances created (9), and was tied for fifth in assists (2), interceptions (12), and blocks (4).

Crognale played college soccer at Belmont before transferring to his older brother Alex’s alma mater, the University of Maryland. While a Terrapin, he started 42 of a possible 50 matches, racked up nine assists and recorded four goals, and controlled the midfield as the Terrapins won the 2018 National Title. For his efforts on the way to the championship, Crognale was named to the 2018 College Cup All-Tournament Team. He was also named to the 2019 All-Big Ten First Team and the 2019 United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Second Team.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC re-signed midfielder Eli Crognale on January 10, 2022.

Player Profile:
Name: Eli Crognale
Position: Midfielder
Number: 12
Height: 6’ 0”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Birthdate: December 15, 1997 (age: 24)
Birthplace: Columbus, OH
Citizenship: United States
Previous Club: University of Maryland (NCAA D1)
Instagram: @elicrognale

Crognale will kick off his third season in Birmingham at home on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00pm at the new home of Legion FC, Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

Legion FC’s #12 had a successful rookie season in Birmingham in 2020, as he played in 15 of the club’s 17 matches. In 971 minutes, he led the team in tackles (30), was fifth in chances created (9), and was tied for fifth in assists (2), interceptions (12), and blocks (4).

Crognale played college soccer at Belmont before transferring to his older brother Alex’s alma mater, the University of Maryland. While a Terrapin, he started 42 of a possible 50 matches, racked up nine assists and recorded four goals, and controlled the midfield as the Terrapins won the 2018 National Title. For his efforts on the way to the championship, Crognale was named to the 2018 College Cup All-Tournament Team. He was also named to the 2019 All-Big Ten First Team and the 2019 United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Second Team.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC re-signed midfielder Eli Crognale on January 10, 2022.

Player Profile:
Name: Eli Crognale
Position: Midfielder
Number: 12
Height: 6’ 0”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Birthdate: December 15, 1997 (age: 24)
Birthplace: Columbus, OH
Citizenship: United States
Previous Club: University of Maryland (NCAA D1)
Instagram: @elicrognale

Crognale will kick off his third season in Birmingham at home on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00pm at the new home of Legion FC, Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 7, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of attacker Enzo Martinez, pending league and federation approval. Martinez was named to the USL Championship All-League First Team in 2016 and 2017 and has accounted for 44 goals and 30 assists in his time in the USLC.

“We’re excited to have Enzo in a Legion FC jersey as he is a proven winner and finds ways to make players around him better,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President & General Manager. “He’s versatile with the ability to play multiple positions in the attack and with his competitiveness, will add an immediate toughness to our group.”

Martinez joins Legion FC after six seasons and 161 appearances with the USLC’s Charlotte Independence. In 2021, Martinez led the team with five assists, was tied for second with seven goals, was third in shots with 32, and was tied for third with 30 chances created.

After earning that All-League nod in 2017, Martinez signed with MLS-side Colorado Rapids for the 2018 season and played 25 times while adding three assists, before returning to Charlotte, where he was named team captain, for the past three years.

The Uruguayan sits just outside of the top 50 in career appearances in the USL Championship (153), is 48th in minutes played (12,004), and is tied for 21st in regular season goals (44) and tied for 11th in regular season assists (30).

“I’m really excited for this opportunity to get to know new teammates and staff and to become a part of this community,” said Martinez. “But most importantly, the reason why Birmingham became the number one choice for me is because I truly believe that this team can win a championship. At this point in my career, the only thing I want is to win a championship, and I truly believe I have a chance to do so with Birmingham.”

Martinez’s first stint in Major League Soccer came with Real Salt Lake when the club drafted him 17th overall in the 2012 SuperDraft. He spent 2013 and 2014 with NASL outfit Carolina RailHawks, where he won the 2013 NASL Supporters Cup.

Before turning pro, Martinez was a standout player at the University of North Carolina, where he won the 2011 National Championship playing alongside current Legion FC midfielder Mikey Lopez. It is also no exaggeration to call Martinez one of the greatest high school soccer players of all time, after ESPN named him the ESPN Rise High School Boys Soccer Player of the Decade in 2009.

While in high school, he was named South Carolina Player of the Year four years in a row, won three state championships and a national title while scoring 182 goals at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, SC, and added a national title with his club team, Discoveries SC.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC signed attacker Enzo Martinez on January 7, 2022.

Player Profile:
Name: Enzo Agustin Martinez Beltrán
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Height: 5’ 7”
Weight: 150 lbs.
Birthdate: September 29, 1990 (age: 31)
Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay
Previous Club: Charlotte Independence (USL Championship)
Instagram: @enzomartinez19
Twitter: @Enzo_Martinez90

Martinez and his new teammates will kick off the 2022 season at home on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00pm at the new home of Legion FC, Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 7, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of attacker Enzo Martinez, pending league and federation approval. Martinez was named to the USL Championship All-League First Team in 2016 and 2017 and has accounted for 44 goals and 30 assists in his time in the USLC.

“We’re excited to have Enzo in a Legion FC jersey as he is a proven winner and finds ways to make players around him better,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President & General Manager. “He’s versatile with the ability to play multiple positions in the attack and with his competitiveness, will add an immediate toughness to our group.”

Martinez joins Legion FC after six seasons and 161 appearances with the USLC’s Charlotte Independence. In 2021, Martinez led the team with five assists, was tied for second with seven goals, was third in shots with 32, and was tied for third with 30 chances created.

After earning that All-League nod in 2017, Martinez signed with MLS-side Colorado Rapids for the 2018 season and played 25 times while adding three assists, before returning to Charlotte, where he was named team captain, for the past three years.

The Uruguayan sits just outside of the top 50 in career appearances in the USL Championship (153), is 48th in minutes played (12,004), and is tied for 21st in regular season goals (44) and tied for 11th in regular season assists (30).

“I’m really excited for this opportunity to get to know new teammates and staff and to become a part of this community,” said Martinez. “But most importantly, the reason why Birmingham became the number one choice for me is because I truly believe that this team can win a championship. At this point in my career, the only thing I want is to win a championship, and I truly believe I have a chance to do so with Birmingham.”

Martinez’s first stint in Major League Soccer came with Real Salt Lake when the club drafted him 17th overall in the 2012 SuperDraft. He spent 2013 and 2014 with NASL outfit Carolina RailHawks, where he won the 2013 NASL Supporters Cup.

Before turning pro, Martinez was a standout player at the University of North Carolina, where he won the 2011 National Championship playing alongside current Legion FC midfielder Mikey Lopez. It is also no exaggeration to call Martinez one of the greatest high school soccer players of all time, after ESPN named him the ESPN Rise High School Boys Soccer Player of the Decade in 2009.

While in high school, he was named South Carolina Player of the Year four years in a row, won three state championships and a national title while scoring 182 goals at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, SC, and added a national title with his club team, Discoveries SC.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC signed attacker Enzo Martinez on January 7, 2022.

Player Profile:
Name: Enzo Agustin Martinez Beltrán
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Height: 5’ 7”
Weight: 150 lbs.
Birthdate: September 29, 1990 (age: 31)
Birthplace: Montevideo, Uruguay
Previous Club: Charlotte Independence (USL Championship)
Instagram: @enzomartinez19
Twitter: @Enzo_Martinez90

Martinez and his new teammates will kick off the 2022 season at home on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00pm at the new home of Legion FC, Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced today that Birmingham Legion FC will kick off its 2022 regular season at home versus the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00PM.

The match will serve as a chance at revenge for the Three Sparks after two consecutive playoff showdowns with the Rowdies, and it will be played at the club’s new home, the brand-new Protective Stadium in Uptown Birmingham.

2022 Legion FC Season Tickets are available now!

The USL Championship will open the 2022 season with a full slate of 13 games on the opening weekend of the campaign, and 23 of the 27 clubs will play their first home match within the first two weeks of the regular season, as the league opens its 12th season on Saturday, March 12.

Newcomers Monterey Bay F.C. and Detroit City FC will make their debuts on the road, with Monterey Bay and Head Coach Frank Yallop set to visit one of his former clubs in Phoenix Rising FC. Detroit City, meanwhile, will feature in the lone interconference match of the opening weekend as it visits San Antonio FC.

Other opening day highlights include a pair of playoff rematches as 2021 USL Championship title winner Orange County SC visits Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, while two-time Eastern Conference title winner the Tampa Bay Rowdies visit Birmingham Legion FC at its new home, Protective Stadium, to round out the weekend’s action on Sunday, March 13.

The second Saturday of the season, March 19, brings another intriguing set of matches highlighted by one of the league’s best rivalries when El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United meet at Southwest University Park. Elsewhere, Orange County SC will welcome fellow 2021 postseason club Rio Grande Valley FC in its home opener as defending title holders, while Detroit City FC will take on the Charleston Battery in the first USL Championship game at Keyworth Stadium in what is sure to be a raucous and memorable atmosphere.

For Monterey Bay F.C., the freshly-renovated Cardinale Stadium on the campus of CSU Monterey Bay will be worth waiting for as it hosts its inaugural home match against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, May 7.

The full 2022 USL Championship schedule will be announced next Wednesday, Jan. 12, with the 459-game regular season set to conclude on the weekend of October 14-16 ahead of the 2022 USL Championship Playoffs.

2022 USL Championship Home Openers
Subject to change. Start times & national TV schedule to be announced later

Saturday, March 12
Charleston Battery vs. FC Tulsa
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Orange County SC
Loudoun United FC vs. Indy Eleven
Louisville City FC vs. Atlanta United 2
Memphis 901 FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Miami FC vs. New York Red Bulls II
New Mexico United vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Monterey Bay F.C.
Rio Grande Valley FC vs. Oakland Roots SC
Sacramento Republic FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC
San Antonio FC vs. Detroit City FC
San Diego Loyal SC vs. LA Galaxy II

Sunday, March 13
Birmingham Legion FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

Wednesday, March 16
Atlanta United 2 vs. New York Red Bulls II

Saturday, March 19
Detroit City FC vs. Charleston Battery
El Paso Locomotive FC vs. New Mexico United
LA Galaxy II vs. San Antonio FC
Las Vegas Lights FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC
New York Red Bulls II vs. Loudoun United FC
Orange County SC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Hartford Athletic
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Indy Eleven
FC Tulsa vs. Birmingham Legion FC

Saturday, March 26
Oakland Roots SC vs. Monterey Bay F.C.

Saturday, April 2
Indy Eleven vs. LA Galaxy II
Hartford Athletic vs. Atlanta United 2

Saturday, May 7
Monterey Bay F.C. vs. Las Vegas Lights FC

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship announced today that Birmingham Legion FC will kick off its 2022 regular season at home versus the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00PM.

The match will serve as a chance at revenge for the Three Sparks after two consecutive playoff showdowns with the Rowdies, and it will be played at the club’s new home, the brand-new Protective Stadium in Uptown Birmingham.

2022 Legion FC Season Tickets are available now!

The USL Championship will open the 2022 season with a full slate of 13 games on the opening weekend of the campaign, and 23 of the 27 clubs will play their first home match within the first two weeks of the regular season, as the league opens its 12th season on Saturday, March 12.

Newcomers Monterey Bay F.C. and Detroit City FC will make their debuts on the road, with Monterey Bay and Head Coach Frank Yallop set to visit one of his former clubs in Phoenix Rising FC. Detroit City, meanwhile, will feature in the lone interconference match of the opening weekend as it visits San Antonio FC.

Other opening day highlights include a pair of playoff rematches as 2021 USL Championship title winner Orange County SC visits Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, while two-time Eastern Conference title winner the Tampa Bay Rowdies visit Birmingham Legion FC at its new home, Protective Stadium, to round out the weekend’s action on Sunday, March 13.

The second Saturday of the season, March 19, brings another intriguing set of matches highlighted by one of the league’s best rivalries when El Paso Locomotive FC and New Mexico United meet at Southwest University Park. Elsewhere, Orange County SC will welcome fellow 2021 postseason club Rio Grande Valley FC in its home opener as defending title holders, while Detroit City FC will take on the Charleston Battery in the first USL Championship game at Keyworth Stadium in what is sure to be a raucous and memorable atmosphere.

For Monterey Bay F.C., the freshly-renovated Cardinale Stadium on the campus of CSU Monterey Bay will be worth waiting for as it hosts its inaugural home match against Las Vegas Lights FC on Saturday, May 7.

The full 2022 USL Championship schedule will be announced next Wednesday, Jan. 12, with the 459-game regular season set to conclude on the weekend of October 14-16 ahead of the 2022 USL Championship Playoffs.

2022 USL Championship Home Openers
Subject to change. Start times & national TV schedule to be announced later

Saturday, March 12
Charleston Battery vs. FC Tulsa
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC vs. Orange County SC
Loudoun United FC vs. Indy Eleven
Louisville City FC vs. Atlanta United 2
Memphis 901 FC vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Miami FC vs. New York Red Bulls II
New Mexico United vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Monterey Bay F.C.
Rio Grande Valley FC vs. Oakland Roots SC
Sacramento Republic FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC
San Antonio FC vs. Detroit City FC
San Diego Loyal SC vs. LA Galaxy II

Sunday, March 13
Birmingham Legion FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

Wednesday, March 16
Atlanta United 2 vs. New York Red Bulls II

Saturday, March 19
Detroit City FC vs. Charleston Battery
El Paso Locomotive FC vs. New Mexico United
LA Galaxy II vs. San Antonio FC
Las Vegas Lights FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC
New York Red Bulls II vs. Loudoun United FC
Orange County SC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Hartford Athletic
Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Indy Eleven
FC Tulsa vs. Birmingham Legion FC

Saturday, March 26
Oakland Roots SC vs. Monterey Bay F.C.

Saturday, April 2
Indy Eleven vs. LA Galaxy II
Hartford Athletic vs. Atlanta United 2

Saturday, May 7
Monterey Bay F.C. vs. Las Vegas Lights FC

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 5, 2022) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today that an agreement has been reached with French Ligue 2 side Toulouse FC over the transfer of forward Junior Flemmings.

“We are excited for Junior to have this opportunity to join a club of Toulouse FC’s caliber,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President and General Manager. “We feel this transfer highlights the quality within Legion FC and across the USL Championship, while also setting our club up for success moving forward.

“We wish Junior the best in his move to Toulouse and thank him for all of his efforts in his time in Birmingham, both on and off the field.”

Flemmings finished the 2021 season second on the team with six goals and his three assists were tied for third. Toulouse FC currently sit in second place in Ligue 2, the French second division, having won 10, drawn seven, and lost just two of its first 19 matches of the season. A top-two finish in the league this season would see Toulouse, and Flemmings, move up to play in Ligue 1 next season.

“We are delighted to have been able to complete this transfer with Junior Flemmings and Birmingham Legion,” said Damien Comolli, President of Toulouse Football Club. “The USL Championship is a quality league full of talented players. With his power, speed, explosiveness, and finishing ability, Junior has all the skills to be successful in French football. We would like to thank Birmingham Legion FC for the way this transfer was handled.”

Per the terms of the international transfer agreement between Legion FC and Toulouse FC, the fee will remain undisclosed.

2022 Legion FC Season Tickets at the club’s brand-new home, Protective Stadium, are available now. For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 5, 2022) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today that an agreement has been reached with French Ligue 2 side Toulouse FC over the transfer of forward Junior Flemmings.

“We are excited for Junior to have this opportunity to join a club of Toulouse FC’s caliber,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President and General Manager. “We feel this transfer highlights the quality within Legion FC and across the USL Championship, while also setting our club up for success moving forward.

“We wish Junior the best in his move to Toulouse and thank him for all of his efforts in his time in Birmingham, both on and off the field.”

Flemmings finished the 2021 season second on the team with six goals and his three assists were tied for third. Toulouse FC currently sit in second place in Ligue 2, the French second division, having won 10, drawn seven, and lost just two of its first 19 matches of the season. A top-two finish in the league this season would see Toulouse, and Flemmings, move up to play in Ligue 1 next season.

“We are delighted to have been able to complete this transfer with Junior Flemmings and Birmingham Legion,” said Damien Comolli, President of Toulouse Football Club. “The USL Championship is a quality league full of talented players. With his power, speed, explosiveness, and finishing ability, Junior has all the skills to be successful in French football. We would like to thank Birmingham Legion FC for the way this transfer was handled.”

Per the terms of the international transfer agreement between Legion FC and Toulouse FC, the fee will remain undisclosed.

2022 Legion FC Season Tickets at the club’s brand-new home, Protective Stadium, are available now. For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 3, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of Marlon Santos, pending league and federation approval.

"We're excited to add a player like Marlon to our team," said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. "He's a dangerous, attacking player that we tracked closely, and he will add a creative dynamic to our attack in Birmingham."

Santos most recently played for FC Tulsa for two and a half seasons, scoring seventeen goals and adding eight assists in 56 games. The attacker was named Tulsa’s ‘Offensive Player of the Year’ this past season after finishing 2021 with nine goals and four assists and helping lead the team to the playoffs.

“I am very happy to begin this new season with the Birmingham Legion FC family,” said Santos. “I hope I can do my best so we can be the champions. I am very happy and looking forward to this new season.”

A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Santos got his professional career started with Brazilian club Nova Iguacu in Rio and went on to play for the likes of Bangu, Botafogo, and Madureira before moving to the United States. While he mostly was deployed as a winger with Tulsa, he has proven to be an effective attacking midfielder as well in his time in the USL Championship.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC signed forward Marlon Santos on January 3, 2022.

Player Profile:
Name: Marlon dos Santos Prazeres
Position: Forward
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 145 lbs.
Birthdate: April 29, 1995 (age: 26)
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazilian
Previous Club: FC Tulsa (USL Championship)
Instagram: @maarlonsantos10
Twitter: @marlin0ficial10

Santos and his Legion FC teammates will kick off the 2022 season at a new home, the brand-new Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 3, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of Marlon Santos, pending league and federation approval.

“We’re excited to add a player like Marlon to our team,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “He’s a dangerous, attacking player that we tracked closely, and he will add a creative dynamic to our attack in Birmingham.”

Santos most recently played for FC Tulsa for two and a half seasons, scoring seventeen goals and adding eight assists in 56 games. The attacker was named Tulsa’s ‘Offensive Player of the Year’ this past season after finishing 2021 with nine goals and four assists and helping lead the team to the playoffs.

“I am very happy to begin this new season with the Birmingham Legion FC family,” said Santos. “I hope I can do my best so we can be the champions. I am very happy and looking forward to this new season.”

A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Santos got his professional career started with Brazilian club Nova Iguacu in Rio and went on to play for the likes of Bangu, Botafogo, and Madureira before moving to the United States. While he mostly was deployed as a winger with Tulsa, he has proven to be an effective attacking midfielder as well in his time in the USL Championship.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC signed forward Marlon Santos on January 3, 2022.

Player Profile:
Name: Marlon dos Santos Prazeres
Position: Forward
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 145 lbs.
Birthdate: April 29, 1995 (age: 26)
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazilian
Previous Club: FC Tulsa (USL Championship)
Instagram: @maarlonsantos10
Twitter: @marlin0ficial10

Santos and his Legion FC teammates will kick off the 2022 season at a new home, the brand-new Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship today announced its competition structure for the 2022 season. The league’s 27 teams will be divided into two conferences – 14 in the Eastern Conference and 13 in the Western Conference (see lists below).

A 34-game regular season will be played from March 11 to Oct. 15, 2022. The home openers and full schedule for the 2022 USL Championship season will be announced in January 2022.

Every team will play each of its conference foes twice – once at home, once away. For Eastern Conference clubs, the remaining eight games will be against interconference opponents – four at home, four away. For Western Conference clubs, the remaining 10 games will be against a combination of interconference and intraconference opponents – five at home, five away.   

At the conclusion of the regular season, the top seven teams in each conference will qualify for the 2022 USL Championship Playoffs. The first overall seed in each conference will receive a bye to the Conference Semifinals of the playoffs. The bracket will be reseeded following the Conference Quarterfinals to ensure the first overall seed in each conference plays against the lowest-seeded remaining opponent. The USL Championship Playoffs will remain a single-elimination format, culminating in the 2022 USL Championship Final on a to be determined date between Nov. 10 and Nov. 14, 2022.

“We are pleased and eager to see the Championship in a traditional two-conference alignment in 2022,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “This regular season format increases the importance of each intra-conference match while also providing the variety and intrigue of more cross-conference matchups. The schedule footprint allows our teams time to compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and finish the playoffs prior to call-ups for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.” 

USL Championship debutants Detroit City FC and Monterey Bay F.C. will join the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively. Detroit City will be the league’s northernmost club, with its nearest conference opponents being Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (291 mi.), Indy Eleven (322 mi.), and Louisville City FC (363 mi.). Monterey Bay counts five California neighbors among its conference opponents, including Oakland Roots SC (116 mi.) and Sacramento Republic FC (186 mi).

2022 USL CHAMPIONSHIP

TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship today announced its competition structure for the 2022 season. The league’s 27 teams will be divided into two conferences – 14 in the Eastern Conference and 13 in the Western Conference (see lists below).

A 34-game regular season will be played from March 11 to Oct. 15, 2022. The home openers and full schedule for the 2022 USL Championship season will be announced in January 2022.

Every team will play each of its conference foes twice – once at home, once away. For Eastern Conference clubs, the remaining eight games will be against interconference opponents – four at home, four away. For Western Conference clubs, the remaining 10 games will be against a combination of interconference and intraconference opponents – five at home, five away.   

At the conclusion of the regular season, the top seven teams in each conference will qualify for the 2022 USL Championship Playoffs. The first overall seed in each conference will receive a bye to the Conference Semifinals of the playoffs. The bracket will be reseeded following the Conference Quarterfinals to ensure the first overall seed in each conference plays against the lowest-seeded remaining opponent. The USL Championship Playoffs will remain a single-elimination format, culminating in the 2022 USL Championship Final on a to be determined date between Nov. 10 and Nov. 14, 2022.

“We are pleased and eager to see the Championship in a traditional two-conference alignment in 2022,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “This regular season format increases the importance of each intra-conference match while also providing the variety and intrigue of more cross-conference matchups. The schedule footprint allows our teams time to compete in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and finish the playoffs prior to call-ups for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.” 

USL Championship debutants Detroit City FC and Monterey Bay F.C. will join the Eastern and Western Conference, respectively. Detroit City will be the league’s northernmost club, with its nearest conference opponents being Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (291 mi.), Indy Eleven (322 mi.), and Louisville City FC (363 mi.). Monterey Bay counts five California neighbors among its conference opponents, including Oakland Roots SC (116 mi.) and Sacramento Republic FC (186 mi).

2022 USL CHAMPIONSHIP

Legion FC will kickoff the 2022 season at a new home, the brand-new Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Get yours today and find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

Legion FC will kickoff the 2022 season at a new home, the brand-new Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Get yours today and find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Dec. 9, 2021) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of forward Amadou ‘Macky’ Diop, pending league and federation approval.

"We're excited to add Macky to our team," said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. "He's a talented, versatile forward with experience in the USL Championship and is a great addition to compliment the players we have in the attack."

Diop most recently played for Atlanta United 2, scoring nine goals and adding two assists, including one against Legion FC this past August, in 32 games across the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Before joining Atlanta, Diop played college soccer at Radford University and scored 13 goals in 16 appearances for the Highlanders. While in college, he also played with USL League Two side New York Red Bulls Under-23s and bagged four goals in six games.

Before coming to the United States, Diop got his start with Diambars FC, a team in the Senegalese First Division, and spent a year on loan with Dinamo Zagreb II. He joined the Croatia outfit a month before his 20th birthday, and managed to score three goals in 20 appearances.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC signed forward Macky Diop on December 9, 2021.

Player Profile:
Name: Amadou ‘Macky’ Diop
Position: Forward
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 190 lbs.
Birthdate: August 17, 1995 (age: 26)
Birthplace: Dakar, Senegal
Citizenship: Senegalese
Previous Club: Atlanta United 2 (USL Championship)
Instagram: @macky_st

Diop and his teammates will kickoff the 2022 season at a new home, the brand-new Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Dec. 9, 2021) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of forward Amadou ‘Macky’ Diop, pending league and federation approval.

“We’re excited to add Macky to our team,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “He’s a talented, versatile forward with experience in the USL Championship and is a great addition to compliment the players we have in the attack.”

Diop most recently played for Atlanta United 2, scoring nine goals and adding two assists, including one against Legion FC this past August, in 32 games across the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Before joining Atlanta, Diop played college soccer at Radford University and scored 13 goals in 16 appearances for the Highlanders. While in college, he also played with USL League Two side New York Red Bulls Under-23s and bagged four goals in six games.

Before coming to the United States, Diop got his start with Diambars FC, a team in the Senegalese First Division, and spent a year on loan with Dinamo Zagreb II. He joined the Croatia outfit a month before his 20th birthday, and managed to score three goals in 20 appearances.

Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC signed forward Macky Diop on December 9, 2021.

Player Profile:
Name: Amadou ‘Macky’ Diop
Position: Forward
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 190 lbs.
Birthdate: August 17, 1995 (age: 26)
Birthplace: Dakar, Senegal
Citizenship: Senegalese
Previous Club: Atlanta United 2 (USL Championship)
Instagram: @macky_st

Diop and his teammates will kickoff the 2022 season at a new home, the brand-new Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.

For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.