2024 Wrap-up
Setting the table for 2025
It's been about two weeks since my last update here, after a pretty busy period right before that. It's been somewhat quiet, and I've caught myself waiting for the “next thing”. Over the past couple of weeks, a few minor things have happened related to Lower Alabama:
Birmingham Legion announced their first scheduled friendly against Atlanta United. This will be at home on Feb 1 at 3:30. Other friendlies are expected to be announced shortly. The noteworthy thing will be seeing the trialists for Legion during that first (?) friendly. This is about a week later than the same friendly last season, so it's possible another will land ahead of it. And it will be ATL's second of the preseason; they face Chattanooga FC the week before.
Former Legion and Rhode Island player Collin Smith signed with Phoenix Rising.
Former Legion center back Alex Crognale has signed with San Antonio.
Image credit: Hearts of Pine Facebook
Long-time Legion player Mikey Lopez signed with Hearts of Pine, in USL1. This is a great move for Mikey, coming off of a season-long injury in 2024.
Other former Legion (most recent club) players on my watch list:
Anderson Asiedu (Hartford Athletic)
Gabriel Alves (Rhode Island)
Marlon Santos (Memphis)
Neco Brett (Memphis)
Bruno Lapa (Memphis)
Grayson DuPont (Spokane)
Seth Torman (LA Force)
Prosper Kasim (Legion)
Diba Nwegbo (Legion)
International Transfer Window
There's a great deal of anticipation in Birmingham as the transfer window is about to open up. Matthew Corcoran has long been expected to move to Europe for a decent transfer fee. His recent change in agents has people speculating that he's most likely headed to Spain's second division, as the agency has a strong history there.
Additionally, Diba Nwegbo (referenced above) is rumored to be headed to a club in Europe on a free transfer, after being released by Birmingham. My personal speculation is that the release was mutually agreed, so as not to interfere with Diba's prospects. He leaves on good terms, after a historical tie to Legion dating back to his youth club, but wouldn't have been expected to command a transfer fee.
Signs of life, and…
Several Lower Alabama clubs have announced player signings and tryouts for 2025. These include summer league clubs Montgomery United and AFC Mobile, and all of the UPSL clubs except for Columbus Knight Eagles.
It's great to see the activity from so many clubs. One of the question marks headed into 2025 will be Union 10, that has played in the GCPL. Union was formed when Mobile United combined with Gulf Coast Rangers three years ago. The teams throughout the youth divisions have been very successful, but the board of Mobile United voted to separate again for Fall 2025. Early communication with the club leads me to believe that the men's and women's Union 10 GCPL teams will remain intact for Summer, but staying tuned to see that verified.
Also on the radar for 2025 is the fate of Columbus United, currently of NPSL. After the blockbuster news that Annapolis Blues are moving to USL2, in addition to Hitchcock's McKinney club, the obvious question is where Columbus United will play this Summer. USL 2 is certainly an option, and would possibly see them in the same division as Dothan United. Legion 2, and Montgomery United. I also can't rule out the possibility that fellow NPSL clubs with historical ties to GCPL (Tallahassee and New Orleans) might move back to that league, given the new fpartnership with the League for Clubs. That could potentially bring Columbus into the fold there as well.
Finally, the rumor mill has it that there will be an announcement in January regarding a USL1 club for Montgomery. Hopefully, we'll see that come to pass.
Thanks for reading and for following along in 2024.