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Matchday Preview: Birmingham Legion FC vs. Charlotte Independence

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 09/25/21, 9:02AM EDT

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Legion FC, Independence both looks to build on big midweek wins in potential playoff preview


Birmingham Legion FC's Neco Brett has 14 goals this season as his side faces a Charlotte Independence side led by defender Christian Fuchs that has recorded four consecutive shutouts on Sunday at BBVA Field.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC plays host to the Charlotte Independence in an interdivision matchup on Sunday afternoon at BBVA Field that sees Legion FC looking to solidify its second-place position in the Central Division against the Independence, who enter on a four-game winning streak that has put it in with a chance of a top-three finish in the Atlantic Division. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.

@BHMLegion (13-7-5, 44pts) pulled away for a 4-0 victory against Atlanta United 2 on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Bank Stadium as Neco Brett recorded two goals and one assist in the final 12 minutes after French Guiana international Thomas Vancaeyezeele had put the visitors ahead in the first half. The win broke a three-game winless streak for Legion FC, which is now three points behind first-placed Louisville City FC going into the weekend’s action but holds a five-point lead on FC Tulsa after its 1-1 draw on Friday night against Sporting Kansas City II. Brett is now one of four players tied for second in the league with 14 goals this season, while Prosper Kasim has had a positive month of September with three goals, one assist and 10 key passes in the side’s five contests so far.

The @Indepedence (12-8-4, 40pts) are on a four-game winning streak, meanwhile, after taking a 2-0 victory against Miami FC on Wednesday night at American Legion Memorial Stadium as Gabriel Obertan score his first goal for the side since his midseason arrival. Charlotte’s run of form has seen it move within two points of Miami for third place in the Atlantic Division standings with a game in hand on the South Florida side, with the club’s defense having also recorded four consecutive shutouts with goalkeeper Austin Pack playing a notable role in lieu of the injured Brandon Miller behind an experienced back line that now features former Premier League winner Christian Fuchs and Championship veteran Hugh Roberts. Sunday’s game will mark the lone meeting between the sides this season after the two were placed in the same group in 2020’s abbreviated campaign, when Legion FC went 2-1-1 in their four meetings, with both Birmingham victories coming by a 4-1 scoreline.

FiveThirtyEight.com Match Predictor: Birmingham Legion FC 43%, Charlotte Independence 30%, Draw 27%

Most Recent Lineups

Birmingham Legion FC (4-2-3-1): Trevor Spangenberg; Jonathan Dean, Alex Crognale, Phanuel Kavita, Mikey Lopez; Zach Herivaux, Thomas Vancaeyezeele; Prosper Kasim, Bruno Lapa, JJ Williams; Neco Brett

Charlotte Independence (3-4-2-1): Austin Pack; Kevin Riascos, Hugh Roberts, Christian Fuchs; Joel Johnson, Brandt Bronico, Enzo Martinez, Jake Areman; Sylvain Marveaux, Gabriel Obertan; Irvin Parra

Discipline

Birmingham Legion FC – None

Charlotte Independence – None

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