Detroit City FC will make its national television debut on Friday night as part of a two-game slate to kick off the weekend’s action in the USL Championship as Birmingham Legion FC arrives at Keyworth Stadium for a clash on ESPN Deportes and SiriusXM FC.

Here’s a look ahead to both contests.

Detroit City FC vs. Birmingham Legion FC

Venue: Keyworth Stadium
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN Deportes / SiriusXM FC (Ch. 157)
538.com Predictor: DET 35%, BHM 36%, Draw 29%

The Lowdown: Detroit City FC and Birmingham Legion FC square off for the first time as the national spotlight comes to Keyworth Stadium to see a host side that enters on a four-game undefeated streak after a big road victory last time out. DCFC earned a 4-0 win against Atlanta United 2 last Saturday night as Antoine Hoppenot recorded a goal and assist and Stephen Carroll, Pato Botello Faz and Michael Bryant each found the net to move the side into fifth place in the Eastern Conference. DCFC is undefeated at home this season in three games, a run Birmingham will be hoping to end as it arrives off a dramatic first victory of the season that saw Anderson Asiedu score in second-half stoppage time to claim a 2-1 victory against Hartford Athletic last Sunday evening. Legion FC saw former United States Men’s National Team forward Juan Agudelo make his league debut for the side in that contest, and score from the penalty spot to open the scoring, as the club’s new-look attack continues to take shape.

Spotlight Players
Detroit City FC – Devon Amoo-Mensah: The center back has been ever-present for DCFC this season, winning 34 of 55 duels and making eight interceptions and 13 clearances, and will need to be sharp again against an improving Legion FC attack

Birmingham Legion FC – Enzo Martinez: The Championship veteran picked up his first assist of the season on Anderson Asiedu’s late winner against Hartford and has 10 key passes overall to sit tied for 10th in the league.

New York Red Bulls II vs. Rio Grande Valley FC

Venue: MSU Soccer Park
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: NY 25%, RGV 49%, Draw 26%

The Lowdown: Rio Grande Valley FC will head to face the New York Red Bulls II with both teams looking to get on track after struggling for results in the league in recent weeks. The Toros enter on a four-game losing streak in the league after a 2-1 defeat to Indy Eleven last Saturday night that saw Frank Lopez score late for his fourth goal in all competitions this season, but the hosts were unable to complete the comeback at H-E-B Park. RGVFC has taken victory this month, earning a 2-1 win at USL League One side North Carolina FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on April 6, and the visitors will be hoping to get a morale-boosting win ahead of a visit to Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo FC in the Third Round next Tuesday. The Red Bulls II, meanwhile, are looking to break a three-game losing run as they return to action for the first time since a 3-2 defeat to FC Tulsa on April 2 as they look for their first home win of the season.

Spotlight Players
New York Red Bulls II – John Murphy: The 21-year-old midfielder has started all five games for the Red Bulls II this season, recording one goal and one assist while leading the side with three big chances created.

Rio Grande Valley FC – Ricky Ruiz: The 2021 USL League One Assist Champion has notched one helper and six chances created so far this season and will need to be influential if the Toros are to pick up a road win.