Lower Alabama Report: June 11
USL2 South Central Division continues to be exciting
Birmingham Legion FC
In last week's mid-week game against Indy Eleven, Birmingham was caught flat-footed by a long range blast in the fourth minute, and that would prove their undoing. The lineup was a bit cobbled together due to injuries and international call-ups, and Legion didn't get much going until the second half. Birmingham had their chances, but couldn't find the net and lost 0-1. It was a disappointing match against a squad that had just one win.
Legion's next game will be on the road Saturday June 14 at 7:00 against Louisville City. Their first meeting this season ended in a 1-1 draw. The roster will likely still have some lingering issues, but Birmingham does have the horses to get the job done. I expect that the ten days between games will have been filled with some fire and brimstone as well. Expect Legion to come away with some points.
Huntsville City FC
HCFC brought in Orlando City B last week, and had three points stolen out from under them 2-3. The final goal was conceded in stoppage time, after dominating the game throughout the evening.
Next up for Huntsville is one of those strange early mid-week games you see occasionally in NextPro (more than other leagues). They'll be on the road against Atlanta United 2 on Wednesday, June 11 at 5:00 EST. Atlanta hasn't had a great season so far, with only two wins and riding down in the lower portion of the table. When these two teams met in early May, regular time ended in a draw and Atlanta won the shootout. HCFC has taken a step back over the past few games, and will be looking to right the ship.
USL2
Feature match:
Image credit: Asheville City SC
Last week's feature match had Columbus United at home against Apotheos, with Columbus picking up three points in a 1-0 win. This week's featured game is a big one, with Birmingham Legion 2 hosting Asheville City SC on Wednesday June 11 at 7:00. Both teams remain undefeated and are in first and second place on points, respectively. Birmingham is coming in off of a big come-from-behind win on the road over Columbus, while Asheville dispatched Montgomery 5-0. Legion will need to dig deep to get a result and stay at the top of the table, against a team that hasn't allowed a single goal.
Other results last week:
Columbus United 1-3 Legion 2
SSA 0-5 Dothan United
Asheville City 0-5 Montgomery United
Other matches this week:
Wed June 11 Columbus United vs East Atlanta 6:30
Wed June 11 Montgomery United vs Tennessee SC 7:00
Sat June 14 Dothan United vs Birmingham Legion 2 7:30
Sat June 14 Columbus United vs Asheville City SC 7:30
Tue June 17 Legion 2 vs SSA 7:00
The League for Clubs
Image credit: Gaffa FC
Last week's feature match was the first 251 Derby for the year. Union 10 handled AFC Mobile comfortably, winning 4-1. This week's feature will have AFC Mobile on the road against Gaffa FC, Saturday June 14 at 7:15. Mobile has been improving, and a result here would have a huge impact on the West playoff race. Additionally, the match will benefit Children's Hospital of Mississippi.
Other matches this week:
Sat June 14 Gaffa vs AFC Mobile 7:15
Sat June 14 Union 10 vs Gulf Coast United 5:00
UPSL
Last week's feature match had FC Birmingham on the road against Dalton United. FCB lost 0-5, and will be relegated for the Fall season. This week's feature match will have Fountain City at home against that same Dalton United team, Saturday June 14 at 3:00. Fountain needs points to help them avoid also being relegated.
Other results:
Columbus Knight Eagles 3-1 AFC Lightning
Filial Pachuca vs FC Columbus Elite (postponed)
UMA FC 3-1 Georgia Athletic SC
AFC Lightning 3-0 FCB2
UMA2 3-2 Columbus Knight Eagles
This week's matches:
Sat June 14 Fountain City FC vs Dalton United 3:00
Sat June 14 FC Columbus Elite vs Potros FC 7:00
Sat June 14 FC Birmingham vs UMA FC 6:00
Women's matches
Feature match:
This week's feature match has Union 10 at home against Pensacola Wednesday June 11 at 3:00. Union 10 will looking for the upset, trying to slow down the Pensacola juggernaut.
Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00.
Last week's results:
WPSL - Pensacola Academy 1-0 Union 10
USLW - Legion WFC 2-1 One Knox
WPSL - Florida Roots 2-0 Union 10
WPSL - FC Birmingham 2-2 Jackson Ignite
USLW - Legion WFC 0-2 Asheville City SC
This week's matches:
WPSL - Wed June 11 Union 10 vs Pensacola 3:00
WPSL - Sat June 14 FC Birmingham vs Tennessee Tempo 3:00
WPSL - Sun June 15 Nashville Rhythm vs FC Birmingham 4:00
USLW - Tue June 17 Legion WFC vs SSA 3:30