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Matchday Preview: Birmingham Legion FC vs. Indy Eleven

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 04/29/21, 7:39AM EDT

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Preseason playoff contenders square off in high-profile season-opener at BBVA Field


Birmingham Legion FC's Mikey Lopez and Indy Eleven's Neveal Hackshaw will be looking to lead their sides to victory on Saturday night at BBVA Field.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two sides expected to be contenders for the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs square off to open the new campaign on Saturday night as Birmingham Legion FC plays host to Indy Eleven at BBVA Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

@BHMLegion (0-0-0, 0pts) opens its third campaign aiming to build on postseason trips in each of its first two seasons, with Head Coach Tom Soehn’s side having added to a strong returning squad with some notable new names. Among those are center back Phanuel Kavita and forward J.J. Williams, who this offseason signed a permanent deal with Legion FC after spending time on loan at the club each of the past two years. Legion FC fans will have to wait until Game 3 of the new season for the on-field debut of 2020 Championship Golden Boot-winner Junior Flemmings, however, as he completes the remaining two games of a suspension incurred late last season.

@IndyEleven (0-0-0, 0pts) also has a number of new faces, including a re-tooled attacking corps after the transfer of 2020 Championship All-League selection Tyler Pasher to Houston Dynamo FC this offseason. Venezuelan forward Manuel Arteaga and former Toronto FC forward Jordan Hamilton could both make their debuts for the Boys in Blue after productive preseasons at their new club, while midfielders Nicky Law and Gershon Koffie both bring extensive professional experience to the center of the park. After missing out on the playoffs a season ago, Head Coach Martin Rennie’s side will be looking to start the new campaign on a positive note in the Central Division.

FiveThirtyEight.com Match Predictor: Birmingham Legion FC 40%, Indy Eleven 33%, Draw 27%

Discipline

Birmingham Legion FC – Suspended: Junior Flemmings

Indy Eleven – None

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