Lower Alabama Report: June 18
Dothan United has the chance to get in the driver's seat for a playoff spot. Birmingham Legion have two games on a short turn
Birmingham Legion FC
Image credit: WDRB
Legion took a step backwards last weekend in a 2-4 loss to Louisville City. Coming into that match after a ten day break, Birmingham unveiled a five man back line (Briggs’ preferred formation), and had a promising start to the match after taking the lead early on a fluke goal. But it was not to last, and the team looked out of sorts. Phillip Goodrum ended up with a hat trick for Lou City
On the heels of that frustrating loss, Birmingham faces two Western division teams this week. First up is a home game against Sacramento Republic on Wed June 18 at 7:00. The Republic parted ways with Legion coach Mark Briggs at the end of last season, and have not seen 2025 go their way. They've won just three games, and are third from the bottom in the West. Legion have never lost to Sacramento, with a win and two draws head-to-head. The first big thing to look for is who starts in goal for Legion. Matt van Oekel was a last-minute scratch against Louisville. No doubt there will be high energy for this one as both clubs have a lot to prove.
Legion's second match this week will be against Oakland Roots on Sat June 21 at 7:00, at home. Birmingham last saw Oakland in the last game of 2024, with Legion winning 5-0. The game was very chippy, and I expect this one to be no different. For my money, that starts with Oakland center back Neveal Hackshaw. No matter who he's played for, his been the center of bad blood when he faces Birmingham. Oakland has had a tough start to the season, and recently sent their head coach and an assistant packing. It's the second season in a row where they've made a change mid-stream. Birmingham must take the opportunity to get three points.
Huntsville City FC
Last week Huntsville won a tight mid-week match 1-0 over Atlanta United 2. This week they'll host Crown Legacy on Friday, June 20 at 7:00. HCFC has been a bit streaky this season, and the match against Crown is one they'll be favored to win. Huntsville is in third place in the East, and has seen Red Bulls 2 and Chattanooga FC gain some separation at the top of the table. The first meeting this season between Huntsville and Crown Legacy ended in a 1-1 draw, with Huntsville taking an extra point from the shootout. I look for Huntsville to get three points this time.
USL2
Image credit: Tennessee SC
Feature match:
Last week's feature match had Birmingham Legion 2 hosting Asheville City SC, with Asheville cruising to a 7-0 win. This week's feature was a tough choice, but I'm going with Dothan United vs Tennessee SC Wed, June 18 at 7:00. The two teams are separated by just one point in the table, and a Dothan win would raise them up to be even with Asheville, who they will face on Saturday. Huge stakes in this one.
Other results last week:
Columbus United 4-0 East Atlanta
Montgomery United 1-2 Tennessee SC
Dothan United 4-1 Birmingham Legion 2
Columbus United 1-3 Asheville City SC
Legion 2 1-1 SSA
Other matches this week:
Wed June 18 Montgomery United vs Columbus United at 7:00
Sat June 21 Tennessee SC vs Columbus United at 7:30
Sat June 21 Asheville City SC vs Dothan United at 7:30
The League for Clubs
Image credit: Union 10. AFC Mobile's graphic also featured a creepy jester, FWIW
Last week's feature match had AFC Mobile on the road against Gaffa FC. Gaffa won 8-0, with five goals by Hardy Lewis. This week the second leg of the 251 Derby Wed June 18 at 5:15. Union 10 has games in hand that they need to cash in, and they'll do so against their rivals from across the bay. Three points should be expected here, and will keep pressure on Gaffa.
Other results:
Union 10 3-0 Gulf Coast United
This week's matches:
Sat June 21 AFC Mobile vs Tallahassee SC at 7:15
Sat June 21 Sowegans vs Union 10 at 7:15
UPSL
Last week's feature match had Fountain City at home against Dalton United. Dalton won 4-0, likely relegating Fountain City back to Division 1 for the Fall. The playoff match-ups have not been finalized, but UMA FC will be in the post-season.
Other results:
FC Columbus Elite 0-1 Potros FC
FC Birmingham 0-3 UMA FC
Women's matches
Feature match:
Last week's feature match had Union 10 at home against Pensacola, with the Pelicans taking all three points, 2-0. This week's feature will be the road game for Legion WFC against Greenville Liberty on Friday, June 20 at 7:00. Legion will be looking to play spoiler against the second place Liberty. Greenville won the first meeting 3-1.
Last week's results:
WPSL - FC Birmingham 0-6 Tennessee Tempo
WPSL - Nashville Rhythm 5-1 FC Birmingham
USLW- Legion WFC 1-2 SSA
This week's matches:
WPSL - Wed June 18 Union 10 vs Gulf Coast United at 5:00
USLW - Fri June 20 Greenville Liberty vs Legion WFC at 7:00
WPSL - Sat June 21 Union 10 vs TLH Reckoning at 3:00
WPSL - Sat June 21 FC Birmingham vs 865 Alliance at 5:00