WEEKEND RESULTS
Through Sunday July 28
Birmingham Legion
The game between Birmingham Legion and Orange County was expected to be a tight contest. Neither team scores a ton of goals, and both teams have stayed in the top half of the tables throughout the season. Weather was a factor through the first half, as there was a steady rain. Thunderstorms had been in the area through the afternoon, which also contributed to weak attendance. This was another game where Coach Soehn modified the lineup and tactics very effectively. The biggest shift was on the right side, where key players were shifted forward. Right back Derek Donaldson started his career as a striker before being converted to one of the best wing backs in USLC. For this game, he was moved up to forward, and Kavita (a center back) played begind him as a winger. That shift locked down in attack on the side from OC, and Legion's focus was on counterattacks down the left side. Orange County controlled possession, and had a few early chances, but Legion had the best opportunities of the match. The score was tied 0-0 at the half, but Legion got on the board quickly to start the second half. OC continued to dominate possession, but Legion stonewalled them, and continued throwing speedy counters. Legion got a second goal in the 89th minute, and then a third in stoppage time. All three goals came from fast counters down the left and excellent crosses into the box. Legion got an important three points, winning 3-0.
Image credit: Huntsville City Facebook
Huntsville City FC
Saturday night was Space Night at Joe Davis Stadium, as Atlanta United 2 came to town. The game featured space-themed activities, a couple of special cocktails, and after the game fans were able to go onto the field to stargaze a stations using NASA telescopes. The game istelf was a close contest, as expected. The first half ended at 0-0, with ATL controlling possession. The second half saw Atlanta score two quick goals within the first five minutes. Huntsville had difficulty creating chances due to Atlanta's continued heavy possession, but pulled one back on a penalty kick in the 75th minute. That would end the scoring, and Huntsville lost 1-2.
GCPL Championship
Alabama FC South defeated Gaffa FC 2-1 to win the Gulf Coast title in their inaugural season. See yesterday's post for full coverage of that match.
The Adjacency
Columbus United has had an amazing run through the NPSL playoffs. They came into Saturday night's night just one win away from the national championship game. To get there, they needed to go through FC Motown, a powerhouse in the league. Motown took an early lead, and Columbus had some solid chances, but the home team had a 2-0 lead going into halftime. Columbus played tough in the second half, and kept Motown out of the net. But the halftime score stood at full time. Columbus United loses 0-2 to end their first season. Their efforts have them qualified for next year's Open Cup.