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Legion FC Signs Forward Neco Brett, Midfielder Bolu Akinyode

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Dec. 17, 2019) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of forward Neco Brett and midfielder Bolu Akinyode, pending league and federation approval. The two additions are Legion FC’s first new signings ahead of the 2020 season, the club’s second in the USL Championship.

“We’re excited to add two important players to our existing core,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “Neco brings a proven goal-scoring ability to Birmingham to help boost an area we’re focused on improving, and Bolu is a great addition to our midfield as he combines a physical presence with strong tactical awareness and technical ability.”

Brett, 27, began his professional career in Jamaica, and played for the Jamaica Under-17 and Under-20 teams, before coming to America to play college soccer at Robert Morris University from 2012 to 2015. In 2016, he was selected in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft by the Portland Timbers. The forward spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons on loan in the USL Championship with Portland Timbers II, before joining the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2018.

Upon joining the Riverhounds, Brett’s career took off, as he scored 32 goals and added 17 assists in 70 games the past two seasons. He was named USL Championship Player of the Week three times in two years and made the 2019 USL Championship All-League Second Team while helping earn PIT the USL Eastern Conference Regular Season Championship.

Akinyode, 25, joined the New York Red Bulls Academy at age 16 after moving to the United States from Lagos, Nigeria. He went on to play college soccer at Seton Hall University from 2011 to 2014 before signing with New York Red Bulls II. The defensive midfielder then spent 2016 with Bethlehem Steel FC, 2017 with North Carolina FC, and the past two seasons with Nashville SC.

Last season with Nashville SC, Akinyode made 32 appearances, including 25 starts, and scored one goal and added one assist. He won 74 tackles, and made 15 clearances, 26 interceptions, and seven blocks while completing 1,023 passes with an 88.9% passing accuracy.

Transaction: On December 17, 2019, Birmingham Legion FC signed Neco Brett and Bolu Akinyode, pending league and federation approval.

Player Profile:
Name: Neco Brett
Position: Forward
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Birthdate: March 22, 1992 (age: 27)
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Citizenship: Jamaica
Previous Club: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL)

Instagram: @necobrett15
Twitter: @necobrettj

Player Profile:
Name: Boluwatife Akinyode
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’ 1.5”
Weight: 175
Birthdate: May 30, 1994 (age: 25)
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Citizenship: Nigeria, United States
Previous Club: Nashville SC (USL Championship)

Instagram: @boluakinyode
Twitter: @_boluakinyode

About Birmingham Legion FC
Launched in 2018 as an expansion member of the USL Championship, Birmingham Legion FC is the Magic City’s first and only locally owned and operated professional soccer franchise. Legion FC finished their inaugural campaign in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the USL Championship playoffs. The club plays home matches at BBVA Field, on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. For ticket information and to purchase official Legion FC merchandise, please visit https://www.bhmlegion.com. Supporters are encouraged to download the Legion FC app and follow @bhmlegion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest club news.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Dec. 17, 2019) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of forward Neco Brett and midfielder Bolu Akinyode, pending league and federation approval. The two additions are Legion FC’s first new signings ahead of the 2020 season, the club’s second in the USL Championship.

“We’re excited to add two important players to our existing core,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “Neco brings a proven goal-scoring ability to Birmingham to help boost an area we’re focused on improving, and Bolu is a great addition to our midfield as he combines a physical presence with strong tactical awareness and technical ability.”

Brett, 27, began his professional career in Jamaica, and played for the Jamaica Under-17 and Under-20 teams, before coming to America to play college soccer at Robert Morris University from 2012 to 2015. In 2016, he was selected in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft by the Portland Timbers. The forward spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons on loan in the USL Championship with Portland Timbers II, before joining the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2018.

Upon joining the Riverhounds, Brett’s career took off, as he scored 32 goals and added 17 assists in 70 games the past two seasons. He was named USL Championship Player of the Week three times in two years and made the 2019 USL Championship All-League Second Team while helping earn PIT the USL Eastern Conference Regular Season Championship.

Akinyode, 25, joined the New York Red Bulls Academy at age 16 after moving to the United States from Lagos, Nigeria. He went on to play college soccer at Seton Hall University from 2011 to 2014 before signing with New York Red Bulls II. The defensive midfielder then spent 2016 with Bethlehem Steel FC, 2017 with North Carolina FC, and the past two seasons with Nashville SC.

Last season with Nashville SC, Akinyode made 32 appearances, including 25 starts, and scored one goal and added one assist. He won 74 tackles, and made 15 clearances, 26 interceptions, and seven blocks while completing 1,023 passes with an 88.9% passing accuracy.

Transaction: On December 17, 2019, Birmingham Legion FC signed Neco Brett and Bolu Akinyode, pending league and federation approval.

Player Profile:
Name: Neco Brett
Position: Forward
Height: 5’ 8”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Birthdate: March 22, 1992 (age: 27)
Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica
Citizenship: Jamaica
Previous Club: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (USL)

Instagram: @necobrett15
Twitter: @necobrettj

Player Profile:
Name: Boluwatife Akinyode
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’ 1.5”
Weight: 175
Birthdate: May 30, 1994 (age: 25)
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
Citizenship: Nigeria, United States
Previous Club: Nashville SC (USL Championship)

Instagram: @boluakinyode
Twitter: @_boluakinyode

About Birmingham Legion FC
Launched in 2018 as an expansion member of the USL Championship, Birmingham Legion FC is the Magic City’s first and only locally owned and operated professional soccer franchise. Legion FC finished their inaugural campaign in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the USL Championship playoffs. The club plays home matches at BBVA Field, on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. For ticket information and to purchase official Legion FC merchandise, please visit https://www.bhmlegion.com. Supporters are encouraged to download the Legion FC app and follow @bhmlegion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest club news.

Birmingham Legion FC to Kick-Off 2020 Preseason vs. 2018 MLS Cup Champions, Atlanta United FC

Birmingham Legion FC announced today that it will kickstart its 2020 season in Birmingham with a preseason friendly against MLS powerhouse and 2018 MLS Cup Champions, Atlanta United FC, on Saturday, February 8, at 3:30 pm CT at BBVA Field. 

Legion FC standouts Mikey Lopez, Matt VanOekel, Daniel Johnson, Anderson Asiedu and Prosper Kasim will return to lead the team against Atlanta United greats Brad Guzan, Josef Martinez, Ezequiel Barco, Miles Robinson and Pity Martínez, among others. The early February match is set to take place shortly before Atlanta United starts competition in the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. 

“This will be the biggest soccer event in Birmingham since the 1996 Olympics and the U.S. Women’s National Team game in 2015,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “Atlanta United has ranked in the top 10 in the world for attendance and have proven to be a top tier MLS Club. We are honored they are coming to the Magic City to play us on our home field.” 

In addition to being 2018 MLS Cup Champions, Atlanta United also won the 2019 U.S. Open Cup, were champions of the 2019 Campeones Cup in August, and most recently finished the 2019 MLS regular season as the two-seed in the MLS Eastern Conference. 

“Since launching our club ahead of the 2017 season, we’ve prioritized traveling to preseason games in the Southeast,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. “From Chattanooga to Charleston to Nashville, and now to Birmingham, we’re proud to play a role in the tremendous growth of soccer in our region. Birmingham Legion FC had a successful inaugural season in USL last year, and we’re excited to help launch their 2020 season at BBVA Field.” 

Heaps added, “If you love soccer and want to be a part of a unique piece of Birmingham soccer history, you won’t want to miss this game.” 

New and renewed Legion FC season ticket holders will receive exclusive access to the match, in addition to pre-game festivities, a post-game meet-and-greet with players, coaches and staff — and priority for purchasing additional tickets closer to the February event. 

Birmingham Legion FC’s 2020 season will officially begin in March, and season tickets are available now. Those interested in purchasing season tickets should contact the Legion FC ticket sales office at 205.791.7145 or email tickets@https://www.bhmlegion.com. All season ticket information is available at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2020tickets. 

All updates on offseason events and a preseason schedule will be announced in the coming months on https://www.bhmlegion.com and via Legion FC’s social media channels identified by @bhmlegion. 

Birmingham Legion FC announced today that it will kickstart its 2020 season in Birmingham with a preseason friendly against MLS powerhouse and 2018 MLS Cup Champions, Atlanta United FC, on Saturday, February 8, at 3:30 pm CT at BBVA Field. 

Legion FC standouts Mikey Lopez, Matt VanOekel, Daniel Johnson, Anderson Asiedu and Prosper Kasim will return to lead the team against Atlanta United greats Brad Guzan, Josef Martinez, Ezequiel Barco, Miles Robinson and Pity Martínez, among others. The early February match is set to take place shortly before Atlanta United starts competition in the 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. 

“This will be the biggest soccer event in Birmingham since the 1996 Olympics and the U.S. Women’s National Team game in 2015,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “Atlanta United has ranked in the top 10 in the world for attendance and have proven to be a top tier MLS Club. We are honored they are coming to the Magic City to play us on our home field.” 

In addition to being 2018 MLS Cup Champions, Atlanta United also won the 2019 U.S. Open Cup, were champions of the 2019 Campeones Cup in August, and most recently finished the 2019 MLS regular season as the two-seed in the MLS Eastern Conference. 

“Since launching our club ahead of the 2017 season, we’ve prioritized traveling to preseason games in the Southeast,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said. “From Chattanooga to Charleston to Nashville, and now to Birmingham, we’re proud to play a role in the tremendous growth of soccer in our region. Birmingham Legion FC had a successful inaugural season in USL last year, and we’re excited to help launch their 2020 season at BBVA Field.” 

Heaps added, “If you love soccer and want to be a part of a unique piece of Birmingham soccer history, you won’t want to miss this game.” 

New and renewed Legion FC season ticket holders will receive exclusive access to the match, in addition to pre-game festivities, a post-game meet-and-greet with players, coaches and staff — and priority for purchasing additional tickets closer to the February event. 

Birmingham Legion FC’s 2020 season will officially begin in March, and season tickets are available now. Those interested in purchasing season tickets should contact the Legion FC ticket sales office at 205.791.7145 or email tickets@https://www.bhmlegion.com. All season ticket information is available at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2020tickets. 

All updates on offseason events and a preseason schedule will be announced in the coming months on https://www.bhmlegion.com and via Legion FC’s social media channels identified by @bhmlegion. 

Legion FC Announces Initial Offseason Roster Moves

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Dec. 6, 2019) – Birmingham Legion FC today announced the return of a few key roster pieces ahead the 2020 USL Championship season.

The club has retained Mikey Lopez, Matt VanOekel, Prosper Kasim, Anderson Asiedu, Daniel Johnson, Mathieu Laurent, Razak Cromwell, Chandler Hoffman, and Trevor Spangenberg.

“We are excited to build off of a successful inaugural season and bringing back a solid core is critical as we move into the 2020 season,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “We are also actively pursuing options to improve our roster with new signings for 2020, and we hope to make those announcements soon.”

Options were declined on Eric Avila, Kyle Culbertson, Ben Kucera, Gael Mabiala, Joe Holland, and Joe Nasco. Akeem Ward and Tyler Savistky are out of contract, and Kyle Fisher decided to retire.

Negotiations are also still underway for a possible return for Daigo Kobayashi, Femi Hollinger-Janzen, and Marcos Ugarte.

Returnees include BHM’s Team MVP and leader in shots, chances created, and regular season goals in Kasim, as well as the team’s Defender of the Year and leader in passes and tackles in Lopez. The club also brings back Fan’s Choice Award winner VanOekel, who finished fifth in the league in shutouts, Newcomer of the Year, Laurent, who led the team in clearances and was third in tackles and interceptions, Community Engagement Award winner, Johnson, who was team leader in duels won, and was second on the team in chances created, tackles, and passes, and Asiedu who lead the team in assists.

BIRMINGHAM, AL (Dec. 6, 2019) – Birmingham Legion FC today announced the return of a few key roster pieces ahead the 2020 USL Championship season.

The club has retained Mikey Lopez, Matt VanOekel, Prosper Kasim, Anderson Asiedu, Daniel Johnson, Mathieu Laurent, Razak Cromwell, Chandler Hoffman, and Trevor Spangenberg.

“We are excited to build off of a successful inaugural season and bringing back a solid core is critical as we move into the 2020 season,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “We are also actively pursuing options to improve our roster with new signings for 2020, and we hope to make those announcements soon.”

Options were declined on Eric Avila, Kyle Culbertson, Ben Kucera, Gael Mabiala, Joe Holland, and Joe Nasco. Akeem Ward and Tyler Savistky are out of contract, and Kyle Fisher decided to retire.

Negotiations are also still underway for a possible return for Daigo Kobayashi, Femi Hollinger-Janzen, and Marcos Ugarte.

Returnees include BHM’s Team MVP and leader in shots, chances created, and regular season goals in Kasim, as well as the team’s Defender of the Year and leader in passes and tackles in Lopez. The club also brings back Fan’s Choice Award winner VanOekel, who finished fifth in the league in shutouts, Newcomer of the Year, Laurent, who led the team in clearances and was third in tackles and interceptions, Community Engagement Award winner, Johnson, who was team leader in duels won, and was second on the team in chances created, tackles, and passes, and Asiedu who lead the team in assists.

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