Two sides that picked up a point to start the season will open this weekend’s action in the USL Championship as Birmingham Legion FC plays host to FC Tulsa on Friday night at Protective Stadium.

Here’s a look ahead to the action.

Birmingham Legion FC vs. FC Tulsa

Venue: Protective Stadium
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+
538.com Predictor: BHM 57%, TUL 19%, Draw 23%

The Lowdown: Birmingham Legion FC and FC Tulsa will both try to claim their first win of the new season on Friday night after each side played to a draw in their opening contests last Saturday night. Legion FC was held to a 1-1 draw by Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC after a first-half goal by Alex Crognale was cancelled out by the Hounds in the second half, with Birmingham’s chances to add to its lead being limited by the visiting defense after the break. Tulsa, meanwhile, picked up a point on the road in a 1-1 draw at Miami FC as Milo Yosef scored on his debut for the club to answer a first-half strike by the hosts at Riccardo Silva Stadium. Yosef was one of seven new arrivals this offseason that started in Head Coach Blair Gavin’s first game at the helm and the side defended well to ensure it came away with a positive result. Tulsa has held the upper hand in this series since joining the Eastern Conference, going undefeated in its last five games against Legion FC including a 2-0 win at Protective Stadium on July 23 the last time the sides met. The visitors will be hoping to continue that form ahead of its home opener next weekend.

Spotlight Players
Birmingham Legion FC – Enzo Martinez: The club’s leader last season with a combined 23 goals and assists is looking likely to make his 2023 debut on Friday after missing out on the opening game while recovering from a preseason injury.

FC Tulsa – Jorge Corrales: The Cuban veteran put in a strong display to help his side earn a point in Miami playing as a left center back in Bradley Bourgeois’ absence and could need to slot in there again with Bourgeois listed as questionable on the club’s pregame injury report.