BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC announced on Monday it first roster moves in preparation for the 2024 USL Championship season, with 11 players currently set to return to the club for the new season.

Legion FC has signed defender Moses Mensah and forward Tabort Etaka Preston to new contracts for the upcoming season. Both transactions are pending league and federation approval. The club will also return goalkeepers Matt VanOekel and Trevor Spangenberg, defenders Alex Crognale and Phanuel Kavita, midfielders Enzo Martinez, Mikey Lopez, Matthew Corcoran, and forwards Tyler Pasher, Diba Nwegbo, and Prosper Kasim on existing contracts.

Birmingham declined 2024 contract options for Seth Torman, Gabriel Alves and Mateao Bunbury, while Jake Rufe, Anderson Asiedu, Neco Brett, Grayson Dupont and Juan Agudelo are out of contract. Conversations are ongoing for a potential return to Birmingham for Agudelo, Rufe, and Brett.

“As we prepare for the 2024 season, we have to make difficult decisions that we believe are in the best interest of the team moving forward,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President and General Manager.  “We’d like to thank Anderson, Grayson, Seth, Gabi, Collin, and Tyler for their contributions to the club and we wish each of them the best in the next step of their careers.”

Analysis

Birmingham Legion FC will return most of its key players from the past season with the impact Tabort Etaka Preston made after his midseason move from Las Vegas Lights FC earning the pacy winger a new contract with the club. The duo of Alex Crognale and Phanuel Kavita figures to remain solid in the center of defense, while Enzo Martinez’s latest All-League selection saw him continue to shine in his new surroundings.

The notable departure is that of Anderson Asiedu, a club original who had become a firm favorite with the fans while accumulating more than 100 appearances in Black and Gold, while the side will certainly hope to ensure Neco Brett and Juan Agudelo remain part of the attacking group. Adding to the club’s defense – Collin Smith could be a candidate to return on a permanent deal after his option was declined by FC Dallas – will then become a priority for a side looking for more consistency at the back next year.

Current Birmingham Legion FC 2024 Roster

Goalkeepers (2): Matt VanOekel, Trevor Spangenberg

Defenders (3): Alex Crognale, Phanuel Kavita, Moses Mensah

Midfielders (3): Enzo Martinez, Mikey Lopez, Matthew Corcoran

Forward (4): Tyler Pasher, Diba Nwegbo, Prosper Kasim, Preston Tabort Etaka