BIRMINGHAM, AL (Dec. 1, 2021) – Birmingham Legion FC today announced the return of key players ahead of the 2022 USL Championship season.

Anderson Asiedu and Prosper Kasim have signed new contracts with the club to return in 2022.

Alex Crognale, Ryan James, Phanuel Kavita, Bruno Lapa, Mikey Lopez, Thomas Vancaeyezeele, and Matt VanOekel will return on their existing contracts, while the club exercised options on Junior Flemmings, Trevor Spangenberg, and Marcos Ugarte.

“We are excited about the return of a strong group of our core players,” said Legion FC President and GM Jay Heaps. “Roster decisions are difficult to make, but we are looking forward to adding players that can make us stronger in 2022.”

Options were declined on Ben Ofeimu and JJ Williams.

Neco Brett, Eli Crognale, Jonny Dean, Zach Herivaux, Daigo Kobayashi, Ford Parker, Jake Rufe, and Jaden Servania are out of contract, and negotiations are ongoing for a possible return for some of these players.

Returnees include USL Championship Goalkeeper of the Year Finalist, All-League Second Team selection, and Legion FC Defensive Player of the Year in VanOekel, as well as the team’s Defender of the Year in Kavita. Also returning is 2020 USLC All-League First Team selection and team MVP in Lapa, as well as 2020 USLC All-League Second Team selection and team Defender of the Year in A. Crognale.

For all offseason news and team updates, like new player signings and 2022 season ticket announcements, be sure to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app.