Birmingham Legion FC
Image credit: Birmingham Legion
Birmingham Legion were on the road Saturday to face second-place Charleston Battery. With Legion already eliminated from the playoffs, eyes would be on the lineup to see which players would have a chance to make a final impression headed towards 2026. The most notable inclusion was Trevor McMullen, a keeper signed by Birmingham mid-season, who hadn't yet made an appearance. He got the start, and performed very well in a tough environment.
I was fortunate enough to attend the game in person, and the intensity was high from the opening whistle. Birmingham pressed immediately, and were able to force a mistake early, allowing Preston Tabort-Etaka to capitalize and score in the 6th minute. It was a rare start for Preston, and he made the most of it. Legion was forced to substitute Enzo Martinez into the game in the 34th minute, after Samuel Shashoua wasn't able to continue. Charleston got an equalizer shortly after that, from a set piece that found a runner at the back post. McMullen was in a good position, but couldn't make the stop. The score was 1-1 at halftime.
Both teams made some substitutions at the half to try to get something going. Charleston had the better run of play, and then in the 54th minute Cal Jennings was fouled by Phanuel Kavita in the box, from behind. Jennings was somewhat sandwiched between Kavita and McMullen, and Kavita was (controversially) shown a red card for the foul. Jennings stepped up to the spot and buried the PK to give Charleston the lead. Jennings’ goal temporarily tied him for the lead in the Golden Boot race, and the Battery didn't park the bus and run out the time with Legion down to ten men. The remainder of the match was hard-fought, but the final score stayed at 2-1. It was a gritty performance by Birmingham and they'll head into the off-season looking for better form for 2026.
Huntsville City FC
Image credit: Huntsville City
Huntsville's season has come to and end after losing in the playoffs 0-1 on the road against Philadelphia Union 2. Philly's defense stifled HCFC, who didn't get a shot on goal, despite racking up 69% possession. Union managed eight shots in the first half (two on target), but neither side could break through, and went into halftime at 0-0. Philly finally got the advantage in the 67th minute when Stas Korzeniowski was taken down in the box by the Huntsville keeper. Korzeniowski then took the penalty kick, giving the Union the 1-0 lead. Huntsville couldn't create an opportunity to equalize, and that score held up. The loss ends Huntsville's best season, and leaves a strong foundation to build on for next year.
UPSL
Last week's results
LSA Norcross 3-2 FC Birmingham
Filial Pachuca 2-1 FC Columbus Elite
UMA II 7-1 Augusta Arsenal
FC Atlanta 1-3 Columbus Knight Eagles
This week's games
FC Birmingham vs Scenic City SC; Sunday, November 2 at 4:30 CT. These two teams met in the first game of the Fall season and played to a 2-2 draw. Scenic City is undefeated over their last three games, and are middle of the table with games in hand. FCB hasn't won a game yet, but has been very competitive, with three draws. Expect another tight match here.
FC Columbus Elite vs Georgia Impact; Saturday, November 1 at 6:00 ET. Impact got a 4-0 win over Colgaelite on October 12, which was their best performance for the Fall (by far). Elite has been inconsistent, but has a chance to take three points here.
UMA 2 is off this week.
Atlanta City FC vs Columbus Knight Eagles; Sunday, November 2 at 4:00 ET. The Eagles have won two in a row, and will be looking to extend that streak and continue to climb higher in the table. Atlanta City is headed the other direction, having lost three in a row, all against the top teams in the table. This should be a close game that could go either way.