BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Birmingham Legion FC announced on Wednesday the club had signed midfielder Dawson McCartney ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval. 

McCartney joins Legion FC having spent the past two seasons with the Portland Timbers 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. Selected with the 43rd pick of the 2021 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Portland Timbers FC, the 25-year-old recorded one goal and one assist in 16 appearances in the past campaign while also recording 22 shots and 10 shots on target and a passing accuracy rate of 81.5 percent.

“We are extremely excited to have Dawson sign with Legion FC,” said President and General Manager, Jay Heaps. “He is a left-sided player, very technical, and has a great work rate.” 

A native of Voorhees Township, N.J., McCartney initially competed in the USL Championship for the Philadelphia Union II, where he made three appearances before beginning his collegiate career at Dartmouth University. He was twice named to the All-Ivy League Season team before transferring to Notre Dame ahead of his senior season, and in 2021 was voted to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Tournament Team while taking home Tournament MVP honors for the Fighting Irish.