Week Ahead Preview
Time has nearly run out for Birmingham; Huntsville is the driver's seat for a home playoff spot
Birmingham Legion FC
Image credit: Birmingham Legion
This week sees Legion kick off three games in an eight day stretch, with two of those games on the road. First up is a trip to face San Antonio FC, the fourth place team in the West. The playoff race in the West is very tight, and San Antonio can't consider themselves safe for a playoff spot, much less a spot for a home game. Legion is going to be fighting for their last gasp at a chance to find their way to a playoff spot. Given the emotions of the moment, and the fact that eight of San Antonio's games have seen a red card this season, expect fireworks. It looks like Legion will have most people back from recent injuries, which will be sorely needed. Birmingham can't afford a draw or a loss here. The game will be Saturday, September 27 at 7:30.
Birmingham's second game of the week will be on Wednesday night at 7:00 against North Carolina FC. North Carolina is one of the four teams that Legion has beaten this season, which was also the last time Birmingham won a game, back on July 11. The most encouraging thing for this is probably the weather - the high on Wednesday should top out around 80 degrees, a far cry from the oppressive heat at the last home game. The prospects for this game are almost certainly dependent on how Legion performs against San Antonio. If that was a loss, Birmingham will just be playing for pride.
The third game of the stretch will be away against Loudon, and I'll cover that one next week.
Huntsville City FC
Image credit: Huntsville City FC
Huntsville has secured a spot in the playoffs and the next item on the agenda is to finish in the top four and earn a coveted home game in the first round. The final two regular season games are at home, starting Inter Miami 2 coming in this Sunday, September 28 at 7:00. Miami are down at the bottom of the table, mostly due to their porous defense. HCFC has the upper hand on the season series, with a win and a draw in the first two meetings. Miami is also one of the worst road teams in the league, with just two wins away from home. Look for Huntsville to get three points in this one.
UPSL
Soccer Saves Lives vs FC Birmingham; Sunday, September 28 at 5:00 ET. SSL has had mixed results so far for Fall, but will favored at home in this one. FCB is a threat to steal some points here on the road, and looks for an upset.
FC Columbus Elite is off.
Atlanta City FC vs Columbus Knight Eagles; Saturday, September 27 at 4:00 ET. Results against common opponents suggest that this should be a close match. Both teams took a beating at the hands of Augusta, and both teams beat Middle Georgia.
UMA 2 vs LSA Norcross 2; Sunday, September 28 at 5:00 CT. Norcross has performed better on defense than UMA so far this Fall, and I would give them the edge based on that.
Other news
Image credit: USYNT
The U20 World Cup kicks off this weekend. Former Legion player Matthew Corcoran is on the US squad, and the first match for him will be Monday evening at 6:00.