BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC announced on Friday it had signed midfielder/defender Mikey Lopez to a new multi-year contract ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

“Mikey is another key member of our core that we are excited to bring back to Birmingham as we look to 2023,” said Legion FC President and General Manager Jay Heaps. “He’s been here since day one, and his ability to play multiple positions at a high level and his leadership in the locker room bring great value to the Club.”

Lopez has played four seasons in the Magic City after he became Legion FC’s second-ever signing ahead of its inaugural season in 2019. He finished the 2022 campaign with 32 appearances, was second in interceptions (49), tied for third in tackles (60), fourth in blocks (14) and clearances (38), and was tenth on the team in shots (13) and chances created (16) while adding two assists.

The Mission, Texas native earned Team of the Week nods twice in 2022, once in Week 8 for a complete performance (one assist, two chances created, three tackles, four clearances, six duels won, and eight recoveries) in a win over Charleston and again for his defensive efforts in a 1-0 win over San Diego in Week 23, bringing his total to five TOTWs while wearing the Black & Gold.

“I’m really excited to sign with Birmingham again,” said Lopez. “I think we showed that we have a strong team this past season, and we have some unfinished business. I’m excited to help this team reach another level.”