WEEKEND UPDATES
Results through Sun Oct 6
Image credit: Google
Birmingham Legion FC has put themselves in a tough spot. In a crowded race for playoff positioning, Legion is in danger of falling below the line and missing the playoffs for the first time in club history. North Carolina FC came to town looking for points to try to claw their way up into the playoffs, and they came away with a 3-2 win over Bham. Injuries continue to be an issue for Legion, as two center backs and the starting goalie were not available. For most of the game Birmingham had the better run of play. They created some excellent chances, and just couldn't convert. NC loaded up the defense, and hit Legion with counterattacks. Two of those came down one side, and Right back Derek Dodson couldn't handle the player coming at him, and gave up two fairly soft goals. Added to the difficulties, Tyler Pasher left the game limping, and top-scorer Stefano Pinho pulled up on a late run with a hamstring issue. As Legion had already used all of their substitution windows, Pinho was forced to remain in the game and hobbled through the final five minutes or so. Bham cannot afford for those two players to miss games at this juncture. The remaining three games are against Las Vegas, Indy, and Oakland. Realistically, Bham will need points from two of the three to make it into the playoffs. Yikes.
Huntsville City FC finished the season on a positive note, beating NYCFC II 1-0. Statistically, NY dominated the game in chances created, but Huntsville put through the one that counted. They have had a much better run of form under the new head coach, and should have some things to build on for next season.
FC Birmingham 2 knew they were facing a tough task in hosting Georgia Impact, one of the top teams in the division. Impact has played a great Fall season, scoring a lot of goals, while giving up very few. This game was no different. FCB2 loses 0-5.
The Adjacency
Fountain City is really having a tough time in the Premier Divsion of UPSL. They hosted Vinotinto Atlanta FC, a top team in the division, that has been scoring a ton of goals. If Fountain is looking for a positive, their defense had a good showing. Fountain City falls short, losing 1-2.
Columbus Elite FC hosted Limeno FC in a clash of top teams. Limeno flexed their muscles on defense and took all three points, while scoring three goals. Columbus Elite loses 1-3.
Columbus Knight Eagles went on the road and put together a solid win against Middle Georgia United. As expected, there were plenty of goals, but CKE came out on top 4-2.
Other news and tidbits
Chattanooga FC drew against NY Red Bulls 2, and then won the shootout for an additional point. Sadly, the two points left them tied with three other teams in the table, and puts CFC one position out of the playoffs due to tie-breakers.
Hartford Athletic saw their seven game unbeaten streak end against Loudon United. Both teams were fighting to get into the playoffs. Loudon was able to bottle up Dieng with double teams and came away with a crucial 2-0 win.