Lower Alabama Report: October 1
Huntsville has one more big test; Birmingham's fate is probably sealed
Birmingham Legion FC
Image credit: North Carolina FC
Birmingham Legion put together a gritty performance on the road last week, earning a 0-0 draw against San Antonio FC. Legion went into a tough environment and took the fight to the home team in a very physical match. The most noteworthy change was Stephen Turnbull getting a start at center back for the first time, a move that's being widely viewed as a preview/test for next season. Another way to look at that is that the club has probably come to accept what some hard-core fans haven't: Legion isn't going to make the playoffs. They're not mathematically eliminated, but odds are that they will be within the next four days.
Birmingham has a home game tonight against North Carolina, and then hits the road for a date with Loudon United on Saturday, October 4 at 4:00 ET. Both opponents are in the top four in the East, and trying to fend off Harford, who has a ton of momentum. Legion are 9 points below the playoff line, with four games remaining. A Birmingham miracle requires that they win out, while the four teams that are in their way collapse. So, not going to happen.
Legion's last win (out of only four this season in league play) was in July against North Carolina. Birmingham is playing for pride, and North Carolina is trying to hold on for a home field position. With nothing to lose, it's the kind of game that Birmingham just might win.
The weekend game against Loudon will be Birmingham's third in eight days, while Loudon will have been at home preparing. Loudon's form right now is not its best, after two draws in a row and a hard loss against San Antonio. They were Legion's first opponent of the season, and Loudon won that match 3-1. Even if Legion come in off of a win on Wednesday night, I think this game will put a nail in Birmingham's season.
Huntsville City FC
Image credit: Carolina Core
Huntsville got a big 4-1 win last week over Inter Miami 2. The score at the half was locked up at 0-0, but HCFC got on the board in the first minute of the second half and never looked back. They're currently in fourth place, but Chattanooga is just one point behind them with a game in hand (ish). That game was suspended due to weather, with 20 minutes remaining, and CFC leading 1-0 over Atlanta United 2. That's a crucial result hanging over who could get home field advantage in the playoffs (the match will finished behind closed doors on Thursday).
The final regular season game for Huntsville will be at home this week against Carolina Core, in a rare matinee game that kicks off at noon on Sunday, October 5. Carolina is the “other” independent club in NextPro (in addition to Chattanooga), in their second season. They're in a precarious position, just two points above the playoff line, and are riding a five game unbeaten streak (their best form of the season). This will be the third meeting between these teams this season. Huntsville won the most recent match in August, and the other match was a 0-0 draw (HCFC won the shootout). Both teams have a lot riding on this one, and emotions will be high. The referee is certain to be very busy.
UPSL
Last week's results
Soccer Saves Lives 3-3 FC Birmingham
Kalonji Pro-Profile 2-2 FC Columbus Elite
UMA FC II 0-1 LSA Norcross 2
Atlanta City FC vs Columbus Knight Eagles (postponed)
This week's games
FC Birmingham is off until October 19
FC Columbus Elite vs Filial Pachuca; Saturday, October 4 at 6:00 ET. Colgaelite started the season slow, but last week's draw against KPP shows they can compete with anyone. I look for them to bring some momentum into this one and take three points.
Columbus Knight Eagles vs UMA FC 2; Sunday, October 5 at 5:00 CT. CKE is the home side on paper, but both teams play their home games at the same stadium. The Eagles have gotten off to a better start to the Fall, but these teams are pretty evenly matched, and this could go either way.