BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC announced on Wednesday the club had re-signed defender Jake Rufe, pending league and federation approval. Rufe returns for his third season with the club having made 20 appearances and racked up 18 tackles, 14 interceptions, and five blocks over the past two campaigns.

This past season, Rufe scored an exhilarating goal from inside Legion FC’s own half in the last minute of a 3-1 victory against Indy Eleven, which earned him the Fan-Voted Legion FC Goal of the Year.

“We are excited to bring Jake back for 2022,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President and General Manager. “He is a great fit in our locker room and adds solid depth and versatility to our defensive group.”

A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Rufe began his collegiate career at Indiana University before transferring to Western Michigan University where he started 52 of a possible 55 matches and added four goals and two assists. During his time at Western Michigan, Rufe earned Second Team All-MAC and Academic All-MAC honors. He also spent time with USL League Two club AFC Ann Arbor.

Prior to his collegiate and professional career, Rufe attended Grissom High School in Huntsville and was named Gatorade Alabama Boys State Player of the Year in 2014. Rufe was the third State POY to sign with Legion FC, following Chandler Hoffman (’08, ’09) and JJ Williams (’16).