Lower Alabama Report: August 20
Legion needs to get on track; Huntsville continues their good form
Birmingham Legion FC
Image credit: Rhode Island FC; you're in the wrong kit, Matthew!
Birmingham didn't have a game last week, and everyone got a much-needed mental health break. With two big games this week, they added a practice on Sunday instead of keeping that as a day off, and they had players suffer cramping due to the heat. That's not helpful.
Legion's first game this week is tonight, Wednesday August 20 at 6:00 central time. They're on the road to face our friends in Rhode Island for a knockout game in the Jagermeister Cup. Both teams have had pretty crummy seasons, but have found goals and success in this Cup. Each team came out of the group stage with 10 points, with Rhode Island winning their group, and Legion coming in as the highest-seeded wildcard. Birmingham has yet to ever beat Rhode Island, although the most recent meeting this season was a 1-1 draw (RI won this season's other match 1-0). The teams are tied together by coaches and players, including Matthew Corcoran who recently came to Rhode Island on loan from Nashville after three seasons with Birmingham. The mood for Legion is the worst I've ever seen it, and all eyes will be looking to see if Birmingham can pull together for a win here. If Rhode Island wins decisively, the effects may carry much farther than this single game. No pressure.
Side note: Rhode Island is advertising $4 beer specials for the game, which feels appropriate
The second game of the week will be at home on Saturday, August 23 at 7:00. Bob Lilley will be bringing his Hounds to town, as they are chasing a potential home playoff game. Lilley-ball is in full effect this season, as Pittsburgh hasn't scored more than 2 goals in any game, nor have they conceded more than 2 goals in a league game (they did give up 4 against an MLS side in the Open Cup). The gameplan here is simple: score first. That's not exactly Legion's M.O., but if they can do that they'll have a chance to steal some points. Some of this will hinge on how well Birmingham does against Rhode Island, and if they carry in momentum, or if they are in the dumps.
Huntsville City FC
Image credit: Chattanooga FC; Fort Finley will be rocking
Huntsville has continued their run of form, collecting 5 points last week, and moving up to second place in the East. Their first game last week was a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami 2, and then grabbing the extra point from the shootout. Then they put together a solid 2-1 win at home against NYCFC 2 on Sunday night. The game winner came in stoppage time, which is how things go when you're in the form to put together a six game undefeated streak.
This week, they'll make the short drive over to Chattanooga to face those other boys in blue. CFC started the season hot, and then hit the skids. They eked out a 1-0 victory last week over Carolina Core, but that was their first win since back in May. Their hot start, coupled with a good record in shootouts, have kept them up in sixth place in the table - just 5 points behind Huntsville. Needless to say, this will be a dangerous game for HCFC. This will be the third time they've faced each other this year, with CFC winning both of the earlier games. Huntsville will look to hold possession and push the issue early, and fight through to get three points.