BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Bruno Lapa scored his first goal of the season and it proved enough to lift Birmingham Legion FC to a 1-0 victory against OKC Energy FC on Wednesday night at BBVA Field that kept the visitors winless so far in the 2021 USL Championship season.

Looking to rebound from defeat last time out, Birmingham threatened in just the third minute as a throw-in from the right came to Neco Brett inside the penalty area, and his lateral pass left to Ryan James set up a low shot that was saved by Energy FC goalkeeper CJ Cochran. Lapa also went close midway through the first half with a long-range effort that zipped just over the crossbar.

Energy FC took a little longer to settle, but Tucker Stephenson forced a low save by Birmingham goalkeeper Matt VanOekel in the 25th minute with a shot toward the left corner from 25 yards, but the hosts had the better of the play before the break as JJ Williams fired another long-range effort off a quickly taken free kick that Cochran handled easily five minutes before halftime.

Birmingham’s momentum continued into the second half, and the hosts grabbed the lead four minutes in as Jonathan Dean was played in down the right by Lapa. The full back looked up and delivered a low cross back toward the top of the penalty that Williams dummied to let the ball run to Lapa, who arrived to deliver a first-time finish into the left side of the net for his first goal of the season.

Williams almost added a goal of his own 10 minutes later as he turned his marker well while receiving a pass from Phanuel Kavita 35 yards from goal, allowing him to drive forward toward the top of the penalty area only for the finish to go wide of the right post. Lapa had a chance for a second in the 74th minute too but dragged his shot from the top-right edge of the penalty area wide of the left post.

Energy FC tried to apply pressure late on but found little joy in trying to break down a staunch Birmingham back line. After a late blocked shot by Charlie Ward for the visitors, one late long-range blast by Zach Ellis-Hayden sailed well wide, summoning the final whistle and victory for the hosts.

USLChampionship.com Man of the Match

Bruno Lapa, Birmingham Legion FC – Lapa had a stellar all-around performance, scoring the lone goal of the game, recording two key passes and completing 31 of 40 passes overall to orchestrate his side’s victory.

Scoring Summary
BHM – Bruno Lapa (Jonathan Dean) 49’

Full Box Score