WEEK AHEAD PREVIEW
Saturday Aug 24 through Friday Aug 30
Matthew Corcoran in action in the 2023 U17 World Cup. Photo credit: US Soccer
Birmingham Legion
Saturday Aug 24 vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds 6:30
For the second game in a row, Legion faces a team that has historically had their number. In 8 matches head to head, Birmingham has won only once, with two draws. Legion badly needs to break through that nonsense and grab the three points in this match. One of the things that could give a boost is Matthew Corcoran. Matthew is an 18 year-old midfielder who was a key starter throughout the season last year, and was slated to be sold into Europe over this summer. However, he had a hip injury in preseason that required surgery and has yet to log any minutes this sesson. That's expected to change against the Riverhounds. Matthew told me after the Detroit game that he's going to be back for this game, and Legion posted a teaser video this week of him on the training ground. He's a special talent, and while I wouldn't expect him to play a full 90, having him in the game at all will be a big boost. Pittsburgh had a very rough start to the season, but has shown signs that they're getting on track. They're unbeaten in their past seven games, with draws in four of their last five. 13 of their 28 points for the season have come during that run. Added to the drama is EJ Johnson. EJ started preseason with Birmingham, but ended up at Pittsburgh to fight it out with Markus Nagelstad for one of the last slots on the roster. EJ made the cut, and has been a key player in Pittsburgh's run of form. This will be a hard-fought rivalry game that will be important for the stretch run for both teams.
Huntsville City FC
Sunday Aug 25 at Toronto FC II 2:00
Huntsville is on the road for a match in Canada, where it's already Fall weather. So, it should be a pleasant change from the oppressive heat and humidity in Alabama. Toronto has been significantly better at home than on the road, and is coming off of a home win against Philadelphia Union II. Huntsville is coming in after two wins in a row, and a draw (lost the shootout) before that. The two teams faced each other in May, with Toronto winning 1-0. While the weather will be a plus, it's a much longer trip than normal for this league. So, there could be some lag involved. Look for a close game, and if Huntsville wins it would be a small upset.