Week 31 in the USL Championship’s 2023 regular season wraps up on Sunday evening with a first-time meeting as Birmingham Legion FC hosts Monterey Bay F.C., with the hosts almost assured of a playoff berth and the visitors in need of a win as they try to secure their first postseason trip.

Here’s a look ahead at the action.

Birmingham Legion FC vs. Monterey Bay F.C.

Venue: Protective Stadium
Kickoff: 5 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+

The Lowdown: Birmingham Legion FC will look to build on a morale-boosting victory last time out as it faces Monterey Bay F.C., which enters winless in its last three outings but sitting just a point outside the Western Conference playoff positions as the weekend begins. Legion FC (13-15-4, 43pts) could seal its playoff berth before it kicks off on Sunday evening having moved within a point of a fifth consecutive postseason trip after a 2-1 victory last Saturday night against rival Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park. Diba Nwegbo and Neco Brett both recorded a goal and assist to rally Birmingham from a halftime deficit, breaking a three-game winless run of its own. Monterey Bay (11-13-8, 41pts) suffered a 4-1 defeat to San Diego Loyal SC in its last outing, meanwhile, leaving the side a point behind Oakland Roots SC for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference going into the weekend’s action. The second-year club is looking for its first win since a 3-2 result against Las Vegas Lights FC on September 16, but has boasted some notable results against Eastern Conference opposition previously this campaign, including a 1-0 win on the road against Memphis and victories against Indy Eleven and Miami scattered throughout its season. Victory here would ensure Monterey Bay’s season remains alive going to the final weekend of the season as its veteran roster looks for a big finish to the campaign.

Spotlight Players
Birmingham Legion FC – Neco Brett: The Jamaican forward has recorded 12 goals this season to lead the side and will be aiming to add to his career 81 regular season goals to remain in form ahead of a likely postseason trip.

Monterey Bay F.C. – Sam Gleadle: The versatile English player has recorded five goals and six assists this season and could challenge Legion FC’s back line in transition with his speed and guile alongside Alex Dixon and Sean Okoli.