Mid-week Recap
Legion gets a big win; Dothan knocks off Tennessee SC
Birmingham Legion FC
Image credit: Birmingham Legion (their game recap); a great photo taken the moment after the game-winning goal
There were a handful of games played on Wednesday, and the first stop will be Birmingham Legion at home against Sacramento FC. The crowd on hand was lean, as it has been throughout most of the season. Mid-week, a round of heavy storms through the afternoon, and the local minor league baseball team in action at the same time - all things that had an impact on the crowd. But what's really been missing is more wins, especially at home. Maybe this game can get that ball rolling.
I won't get into a blow-by-blow for the game, but I have some observations, other than the primary talking point. Legion won the game 1-0 on a thrilling goal at the death.
Tyler Pasher and Stephen Turnbull are developing some great chemistry on the right side. They were a handful for Sacramento throughout the first half.
There were only two yellow cards issued in a match that was chippy at times. The first was a soft yellow given to Moses Mensah in the 27th minute. Probably not deserved. Then just before halftime, Moses made a late challenge that should have been his second yellow. Apparently, the ref decided to make up for the first call, and didn't send him off.
Speaking of chemistry, Sebastian Tregarthen got the winning goal from a counterattack. Preston Tabort-Etaka was the key driver on the counter. Seba's first goal of the year was a couple of weeks ago on a counterattack where Preston drove the ball into the box. The two are speedy, and very dangerous together.
This was Briggs’ first home win, and Legion's first clean sheet for the season.
The game-winning counter involved five Legion players, starting in the Legion box after a Sacramento corner. Four out of the five players were second half substitutions.
There was incredible energy on the field after the game. Jay Heaps (CEO) is typically on the field among the fans and players, win or lose. But he made the rounds to different players, singling them out for contributions that they made during the game. That's not as typical, as I'm sure he would normally do that in the locker room after the fans clear out. But it was great to see the personal touch. This was the kind of win that can propel a team forward. They need to ride that into the game against Oakland on Saturday and take three more points.
Dothan United
Image credit: Dothan United
First and foremost, I'm a Legion fan, and last night's win was big for the team. But make no mistake, the biggest game in the state last night took place in Dothan. Dothan United was at home against Tennessee SC, in a crucial match-up in the hotly contested South Central Divsion of USL League Two. Entering the night, Dothan was on second place on points (behind Asheville City), and Tennessee was one point behind - undefeated, but trailing points due to two draws. Huge stakes for the teams that finished second and third in the division last season. The Dragons put together a commanding 3-0 win, and moved into a tie for first place with Asheville City on points. Up next, Dothan will face Asheville City on the road. The importance of that contest can't be overstated, as the first tiebreaker will be head-to-head results. The winner will have a clear advantage for winning the division. On a draw, Asheville City would kick in their massive +30 goal differential to remain in first place.
Montgomery United vs Columbus United
Image credit: Montgomery United; Heather Gonsoulin (HMG Sports Photography); always great pics for Montgomery games
Also in action in USL2, Columbus United was up to visit Montgomery United. This was the first official match for these two clubs against each other, having come into USL2 from different leagues. Interestingly, their first-ever action was against each other in a friendly last year, which Columbus won. They would keep the advantage, and come away with three points last night, winning 2-0. With the win, Columbus moves up to 11 points, and is lurking just three points behind Legion 2 and Tennessee SC. They still have matches against Tennessee and Dothan, and have a chance to sneak up into second place. The loss for Montgomery has them in eigth place, and they'll be in spoiler mode for the rest of the season.
Union 10 vs AFC Mobile
Image credit: The League for Clubs
The second leg of the 251 Derby was claimed by Union 10 last night, at home. In addition to holding onto bragging rights over their old rivals, the win moves Union 10 up to 15 points, tied for the lead in the West with Gaffa, with two games in hand. The later start for Union has meant that Gaffa has had more of the focus, but Union is in the driver's seat for the top seed from the West in the playoffs.