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United Soccer League Championship
American Soccer History Archives
     
     
Team and League History

May 8, 2017
United Soccer League president Jake Edwards discusses a number of expansion cities that could be slated to join the USL for the 2018, 2019, or 2020 seasons. Edwards named Birmingham as one of the cities the league is looking to expand to, with expected announcements coming from Las Vegas and Fresno this summer.

Currently, the USL has 30 teams spread across the United States and Canada.

August 8, 2017
     United Soccer League logo
   
After weeks of rumors and speculation, the United Soccer League held a press conference in Birmingham to officially announce that a franchise has been awarded to the city.

“The USL continues to lead the growth of professional soccer across the country and we are thrilled to announce Birmingham as our newest market,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis.

“Birmingham is an ideal market for USL, clicking off all of the criteria we require in a new expansion market,” continued Papadakis. “We welcome the club’s owners to the USL family, and are excited for the plans they have in store for the Magic City. Soccer fans in Birmingham will experience all the excitement of a first-class professional club, with the full support of the USL league office. Congratulations to the entire team in Birmingham. We look forward to their USL debut in 2019.”

The local team will begin play in 2018, but in the Premier Development League before moving over to the USL.

     Photograph
  Owners Jeff Logan, Lee Styslinger, and James Outland
are joined by Birmingham mayor William Bell
and USL president Jake Edwards
   
Birmingham club owners consist of Jeff Logan, James Outland, and Lee Styslinger, III – all local businessmen and sports enthusiasts who collectively agreed that a professional soccer team was needed to continue and expand the city’s growth trend.

Logan has been a co-owner of the successful Birmingham Barons minor league baseball team since 2006, a team that has attracted over two million in attendance since its home field was established at its current Regions Field location. The Barons’ relocation to downtown is widely regarded as one of the main catalysts for Birmingham’s resurgence and has seen over $1 billion of investment in the city center since their move.

Outland began his professional career in the sports marketing industry working for ProServ, Inc., the second largest sports marketing firm in the world representing professional athletes such as Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Dominique Wilkins, John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Arthur Ashe, and Stan Smith. Currently, Outland’s New Capital Partners manages just under $500 million and has invested in and built over 30 companies, creating more than 2,500 jobs.

In addition to serving as chairman and CEO of Altec, Inc, Styslinger serves on the boards of the United States Olympic Ski Team, as well as the International Tennis Hall of Fame. As a member of Augusta National Golf Club, he chairs the Par Three Contest and the Admissions and Credentials Committee for the Masters Tournament. He is also a member of the Business Roundtable and Council on Foreign Relations and is currently serving on the President's Manufacturing Council advising the White House on Workforce Policy, Infrastructure, and Deregulation.

“The USL’s selection of Birmingham speaks directly to our recognition as a world-class sports city,” said mayor Bell. “We are very appreciative of the investment by Mr. Logan, Mr. Outland, and Mr. Styslinger in bringing professional soccer to the city, and we look forward to working with them and the USL leadership to ensure that we field a team that will bring us many championships.”

     Birmingham Hammers logo
   
Morgan Copes – a lifelong soccer player, enthusiast, and co-founder of the amateur Birmingham Hammers – was recently hired as vice president of USL Birmingham. Copes will serve as the team’s main point of contact. Copes explained that when the Hammers were originally approached by the partners, they were unsure what to expect. They quickly realized they not only wanted to bring the highest level of soccer to Birmingham possible but also wanted the Hammers’ locally-grown passion for the sport to be a pivotal driver in taking Magic City play to new heights. “The momentum for a professional soccer team in Birmingham all started with a couple of good buddies and a few beers. To now have a USL team here is amazing — I still have to tell people to ‘pinch me’ because it doesn’t feel real. In addition to the Hammers, Birmingham soccer fans’ enthusiastic support was just as, if not more, important, and they are now being rewarded for those efforts.”

Until the club’s official name, crest and other branding elements are developed, the Birmingham team will operate as “USL Birmingham.” According to Copes, USL Birmingham staffing is a key next step, with additions targeted for end of year or early 2018.

Details on the team’s home venue will be made at a future date. Birmingham city planning leaders, alongside key USL and USL Birmingham representatives, are working together on the most effective field solution, with a downtown location for the stadium the preferred option. “We want to be in or near the center of the city and have walkable amenities nearby. That is our goal, and we are working on it,” said Copes. “Having a first-rate match day experience for our supporters is a high priority for us.”

August 13, 2017
USL president Jake Edwards is excited for the city to become part of the league. “Birmingham, for us, is a tremendous addition. From a regional point of view, there are some great natural rivalries, and Birmingham has long been a hotbed for the fans of the sport. It’s all about timing, and as that grassroots momentum has built over the last few years with the local fans of the sport like Morgan Copes and his partners that helped build the Magic City Brigade, that helped build the Birmingham Hammers, that helped build that grassroots soccer culture in the region, it’s tremendously important work, and they’ve done a great job over the last few years to do that. Again, it’s about timing, it’s about getting all the pieces in place, and with the ownership group with Lee Styslinger III, Jeff Logan and James Outland coming behind it with a strong plan, and the support of the mayor and the city there to build a great stadium for this team, the timing was now. It’s a market we’ve kept our eye on for a long time, but I think they won’t know what has hit them when this soccer juggernaut comes to town. They’re going to be a great addition to the USL."

January 17, 2018
It was announced that the team would be named the Birmingham Legion Football Club. The name pays homage to legendary Legion Field, Birmingham's industrial steel past, and the Birmingham Hammers.

Legion FC vice president Morgan Copes said, "We wanted to pay tribute to our past. You think about Birmingham's sporting history, and you think about Legion Field. There is a lot of history in that building, and that's a lot of great history for our city. Birmingham has centered around Legion Field for so long, we thought this was a great tip of the hat to the stadium. We're elated with the way it all came out, and we can't wait to get everyone's reaction." The team will not play at Legion Field, however.

Team colors will be Molten Gold and Attack Black.

Copes helped form the Birmingham Hammers, and they will play their final season this summer in the Premier Development League before becoming the Birmingham Legion in the USL.

February 9, 2018
In a press release, the Birmingham Legion Football Club announce they have aligned with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and will be playing in UAB's BBVA Compass Field.

“We are thankful for the University of Alabama System and their partnership in this decision and hope the result of it will only enhance Birmingham’s soccer community moving forward,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC president and general manager. “We have maintained throughout the selection process that we want to be in the city center and this site works perfectly for our objectives.”

UAB president Ray L. Watts agreed, “UAB is proud to partner with Legion FC and the USL in support of this important addition to Birmingham’s growing sports and entertainment landscape. We look forward to welcoming Blazer and Legion soccer fans to BBVA Compass Field where they will enjoy the facility expansion and enhancements now approved by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.”

     Photograph
   
Legion FC ownership is confident that the new stadium at UAB will provide its fans with onsite perks and amenities necessary for a positive game day experience. The pitch is already beautiful and in a great location. It only seemed natural to see if there was a way to partner to make it an even better facility. “The field is centrally located with ample parking and easy access to interstates,” said Styslinger. “Additionally, there are multiple establishments nearby to enjoy both before and after games – from restaurants to craft breweries and more. We are excited about this partnership with such a phenomenal community partner.”

“The upgrades to BBVA Compass Field will make it one of the largest and finest on-campus soccer venues in the country,” said UAB director of athletics, Mark Ingram.

According to Heaps, the venue – with a capacity of about 6,000 – is optimal as the pro team kicks off in Birmingham and is sure to help create an electric atmosphere to attract current and new fans. “A soccer-specific facility with a grass surface was high on our priority list, and this stadium is exactly that. UAB has plans to build a beautiful stadium with impressive city views, and we look forward to helping continue to develop a standard that will help professional soccer thrive here in the Magic City.”

     Photograph
  Head coach Tom Soehn
   
Legion FC plan to play 17 regular season home matches and potentially host more in Open Cup competition.

May 8, 2018
The Legion announce the hiring of Tom Soehn as the club’s head coach.

Soehn, 52, most recently served as a scout for the Columbus Crew, after spending four years as an assistant coach and interim head coach with the New England Revolution.

Soehn’s most successful years as a coach came in his time with D.C. United from 2004-2009. He won an MLS Cup and Supporter’s Shield as an assistant coach before claiming a second Shield and a U.S. Open Cup championship as head coach.

As an MLS player, Soehn won his first U.S. Open Cup with the Dallas Burn and then two more Open Cups and an MLS Cup in three years playing for Chicago. Prior to his MLS days, Soehn played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League, the Canadian Soccer League, the American Professional Soccer League, the National Professional Soccer League, and the Continental Indoor Soccer League.

"I am delighted and grateful for the opportunity to be the head coach of Birmingham Legion FC. The passion and vision for the club and the city during the interviewing process made Birmingham the obvious choice. I am looking forward to meeting and growing our fan base as we begin our inaugural season," Soehn said.

September 28, 2018
The United Soccer League unveils a major structuring, one central brand consisting of three leagues. The new structure and branding will go into effect in advance of the 2019 season.

“The USL has spent the past eight years transforming our league to meet the evolving needs of our team owners, players, coaches, fans and partners. We have established our place in the U.S. soccer landscape while blazing the trail for professional soccer’s future by introducing a new third division, completing the nation’s professional soccer structure. We are bringing three leagues under one central brand that will uniquely represent the USL’s vision for the future and give rise to local passion in new cities currently without professional soccer," said USL CEO Alec Papadakis.
 
United Soccer League Corporate logo
The USL’s new corporate logo symbolizes the growth of professional soccer in North America, incorporating 13 stripes to represent the
U.S. flag. The blue letters pay homage to the league’s past while the white sphere represents a soccer ball in motion – propelling the
sport forward into the future.
 
United Soccer League Championship logo
USL Championship is the pinnacle of professional soccer in the
USL. The new logo features a new gold design and represents the
ultimate goal for players and coaches.
 
United Soccer League One logo
The newly formed USL League One gears up for its debut in 2019. League One will deliver professional soccer to communities without a team, offering the first chance for new fans to fall more in love with the game every single week. League One also provides the opportunity, and the first step, in the professional ranks for players and coaches.
 
United Soccer League Two logo
The PDL will become USL League Two, the elite pre-professional tier in North American soccer and the established developmental platform for U-23 and collegiate players. Sporting a bold, red logo, League Two will continue to forge the game’s future, delivering the first taste of premier competition for those that desire to advance into the professional ranks. The PDL provided more than 70% of the players selected in the MLS SuperDraft over the past eight years.
 
March 2019

2019                            
United Soccer League Championship                            
xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx
  Atlanta United 2 logo   Austin Bold logo   Bethlehem Steel logo   Birmingham Legion logo   Charleston Battery logo  
  Atlanta United 2   Austin Bold   Bethlehem Steel   Birmingham Legion   Charleston Battery  
                     
  Charlotte Independence logo   Colorado Springs Switchbacks logo   El Paso Locomotive logo   Fresno FC logo   Hartford Athletic logo  
  Charlotte Independence   Colorado Springs Switchbacks   El Paso Locomotive   Fresno FC   Hartford Athletic  
                     
  Indy Eleven logo   LA Galaxy 2 logo   Las Vegas Lights logo   Loudoun United logo   Louisville City FC logo  
  Indy Eleven   LA Galaxy II   Las Vegas Lights   Loudoun United   Louisville City FC  
                     
  Memphis 901 logo   Nashville SC logo   New Mexico United logo   New York Red Bulls 2 logo   North Carolina FC logo  
  Memphis 901   Nashville SC   New Mexico United   New York Red Bulls II   North Carolina FC  
                     
  Oklahoma City Energy logo   Orange County SC logo   Ottawa Fury logo   Phoenix Rising logo   Pittsburgh Riverhounds logo  
  Oklahoma City Energy   Orange County SC   Ottawa Fury   Phoenix Rising   Pittsburgh Riverhounds  
                     
  Portland Timbers 2 logo   Real Monarchs logo   Reno 1868 logo   Rio Grande Valley Toros logo   Sacramento Republic logo  
  Portland Timbers 2   Real Monarchs
Champion
  Reno 1868   Rio Grande Valley Toros   Sacramento Republic  
                     
  Saint Louis FC logo   San Antonio FC logo   Swope Park Rangers logo   Tacoma Defiance logo   Tampa Bay Rowdies logo  
  Saint Louis FC   San Antonio FC   Swope Park Rangers   Tacoma Defiance   Tampa Bay Rowdies  
                     
  Tulsa Roughnecks logo                  
Tulsa Roughnecks
                     

2019
United Soccer League Championship
Western
Conference
Eastern
Conference
  Austin Bold   Atlanta United 2
  Colorado Springs Switchbacks     Bethlehem Steel
  El Paso Locomotive   Birmingham Legion
  Fresno FC   Charleston Battery
  LA Galaxy II   Charlotte Independence  
  Las Vegas Lights   Hartford Athletic
  New Mexico United   Indy Eleven
  Oklahoma City Energy   Loudoun United
  Orange County SC   Louisville City FC
  Phoenix Rising   Memphis 901
  Portland Timbers 2   Nashville SC
  Real Monarchs   New York Red Bulls II
  Reno 1868   North Carolina FC
  Rio Grande Valley Toros   Ottawa Fury
  Sacramento Republic   Pittsburgh Riverhounds
  San Antonio FC   Saint Louis FC
  Tacoma Defiance   Swope Park Rangers
  Tulsa Roughnecks   Tampa Bay Rowdies

May 15, 2019
     Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup logo
   
The Legion’s first-ever U.S. Open Cup match will be played today against West Chester United SC. West Chester reached the second round of Open Cup play, advancing via shootout. West Chester was founded in 1976 and currently competes in the National Premier Soccer League.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, recognized as U.S. Soccer's National Championship, is an annual competition open to all amateur and professional soccer teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The tournament has crowned a champion for 105 consecutive years dating from 1914.

In 1999, the competition was renamed to honor American soccer pioneer Lamar Hunt. In addition to cornering the silver market in the late 1970's and early 1980's, Hunt was very active in professional sports. He was the principal founder of the American Football League in 1960 which eventually merged with the National Football League in 1970. Hunt was also a primary founder of Major League Soccer (1996), as well as MLS's predecessor, the North American Soccer League (1968), and World Championship Tennis (1968). He was also founder and owner of the Kansas City Chiefs (AFL/NFL), the Kansas City Wizards (MLS), and at the time of his death in 2006, owned two other MLS teams, Columbus Crew and FC Dallas.

March 12, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus global pandemic, the United Soccer League Championship announces they have delayed the 2020 season.

The league's statement said:
 
The United Soccer League announced today the decision to suspend the 2020 season for a minimum of 30 days.

USL Championship intends for all teams to complete the regular season, and Birmingham Legion FC is currently working to reschedule both home games in March for a later date.

“It was very clear from our owners that the health and safety of players, fans and staff was their top priority,” said USL CEO Alec Papadakis. “In consultation with local, state and national health authorities, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security, we have temporarily suspended match play for a minimum of 30 days.”

When appropriate, the league will provide additional updates on the continuation of the 2020 Championship season and very much appreciate the continued support of USL Championship fans across the country.
 
July 15, 2020
The Birmingham Legion begin a shortened 2020 season.

2020                              
United Soccer League Championship                              
xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx
  Atlanta United 2 logo   Austin Bold logo   Birmingham Legion logo   Charleston Battery logo   Charlotte Independence logo  
  Atlanta United 2   Austin Bold   Birmingham Legion   Charleston Battery   Charlotte Independence  
                     
  Colorado Springs Switchbacks logo   El Paso Locomotive logo   FC Tulsa logo    Hartford Athletic logo   Indy Eleven logo  
  Colorado Springs Switchbacks   El Paso Locomotive   FC Tulsa   Hartford Athletic   Indy Eleven  
                     
  LA Galaxy 2 logo   Las Vegas Lights logo   Loudoun United logo   Louisville City FC logo   Memphis 901 logo  
  LA Galaxy II   Las Vegas Lights   Loudoun United   Louisville City FC   Memphis 901  
                     
  Miami FC logo   New Mexico United logo   New York Red Bulls 2 logo   North Carolina FC logo   Oklahoma City Energy logo  
  Miami FC   New Mexico United   New York Red Bulls II   North Carolina FC   Oklahoma City Energy  
                     
  Orange County SC logo   Philadelphia Union II logo   Phoenix Rising logo   Pittsburgh Riverhounds logo   Portland Timbers 2 logo  
  Orange County SC   Philadelphia Union II   Phoenix Rising   Pittsburgh Riverhounds   Portland Timbers 2  
                     
  Real Monarchs logo   Reno 1868 logo   Rio Grande Valley Toros logo   Sacramento Republic logo   Saint Louis FC logo  
  Real Monarchs   Reno 1868   Rio Grande Valley Toros   Sacramento Republic   Saint Louis FC  
                     
  San Antonio FC logo   San Diego Loyal logo   Sporting KC II logo   Tacoma Defiance logo   Tampa Bay Rowdies logo  
  San Antonio FC   San Diego Loyal   Sporting Kansas City II   Tacoma Defiance Tampa Bay Rowdies  
                     

2020
United Soccer League Championship
Western
Conference
Eastern
Conference
  Austin Bold   Atlanta United 2
  Colorado Springs Switchbacks     Birmingham Legion
  El Paso Locomotive   Charleston Battery
  FC Tulsa   Charlotte Independence  
  LA Galaxy II   Hartford Athletic
  Las Vegas Lights   Indy Eleven
  New Mexico United   Loudoun United
  Oklahoma City Energy   Louisville City FC
  Orange County SC   Memphis 901
  Phoenix Rising   Miami FC
  Portland Timbers 2   New York Red Bulls II
  Real Monarchs   North Carolina FC
  Reno 1868   Philadelphia Union II
  Rio Grande Valley Toros   Pittsburgh Riverhounds
  Sacramento Republic   Saint Louis FC
  San Antonio FC   Sporting Kansas City II
  San Diego Loyal   Tampa Bay Rowdies
  Tacoma Defiance  

October 31, 2020
The league announces that the championship match scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.

Multiple members of the Tampa Bay Rowdies have tested positive for COVID-19.

No champion will be crowned, but the league recognizes Tampa Bay as winners of the Eastern Conference and Phoenix Rising as winners of the Western Conference.

March 2021

2021                              
United Soccer League Championship                            
xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx
  Atlanta United 2 logo   Austin Bold logo   Birmingham Legion logo   Charleston Battery logo   Charlotte Independence logo  
  Atlanta United 2   Austin Bold   Birmingham Legion   Charleston Battery   Charlotte Independence  
                     
  Colorado Springs Switchbacks logo   El Paso Locomotive logo   FC Tulsa logo    Hartford Athletic logo   Indy Eleven logo  
  Colorado Springs Switchbacks   El Paso Locomotive   FC Tulsa   Hartford Athletic   Indy Eleven  
                     
  LA Galaxy 2 logo   Las Vegas Lights logo   Loudoun United logo   Louisville City FC logo   Memphis 901 logo  
  LA Galaxy II   Las Vegas Lights   Loudoun United   Louisville City FC   Memphis 901  
                     
  Miami FC logo   New Mexico United logo   New York Red Bulls 2 logo   Oakland Roots logo   Oklahoma City Energy logo  
  Miami FC   New Mexico United   New York Red Bulls II   Oakland Roots   Oklahoma City Energy  
                     
  Orange County SC logo   Phoenix Rising logo   Pittsburgh Riverhounds logo   Real Monarchs logo   Rio Grande Valley Toros logo  
  Orange County SC
Champion
  Phoenix Rising   Pittsburgh Riverhounds   Real Monarchs   Rio Grande Valley Toros  
                     
  Sacramento Republic logo   San Antonio FC logo   San Diego Loyal logo   Sporting KC II logo   Tacoma Defiance logo  
  Sacramento Republic   San Antonio FC   San Diego Loyal   Sporting Kansas City II   Tacoma Defiance  
                     
  Tampa Bay Rowdies logo                  
  Tampa Bay Rowdies                  
                     

2021
United Soccer League Championship
Western
Conference
Eastern
Conference
Pacific
Division
Mountain
Division
Central
Division
Atlantic
Division
  LA Galaxy II   Austin Bold   Atlanta United 2   Charleston Battery
  Las Vegas Lights   Colorado Springs Switchbacks     Birmingham Legion   Charlotte Independence  
  Oakland Roots   El Paso Locomotive   FC Tulsa   Hartford Athletic
  Orange County SC   New Mexico United   Indy Eleven   Loudoun United
  Phoenix Rising   Real Monarchs   Louisville City FC   Miami FC
  Sacramento Republic     Rio Grande Valley Toros   Memphis 901   New York Red Bulls II
  San Diego Loyal   San Antonio FC   Oklahoma City Energy     Pittsburgh Riverhounds
  Tacoma Defiance     Sporting Kansas City II   Tampa Bay Rowdies

May 1, 2021
President and general manager Jay Heaps issues a statement regarding the field condition during the Legion's first home game:
 
We are extremely disappointed with the condition of the field tonight. We were assured by the UAB Athletic Department and UAB Grounds Crew that the field would be ready for the first game of the season after transitioning the surface from rye grass to bermuda grass. Unfortunately, the field was not ready and nearly unplayable. Without making excuses about the field's impact on the result, as a professional soccer team and partner in this community, our players, opponents, sponsors, and fans deserver better from the UAB Athletics Department as we, and BBVA, have invested in their stadium and campus. We are disappointed and feel let down as this situation put both teams at risk.
 
May 15, 2021
Due to the current state of the playing surface at BBVA Compass Field, the team plays a match at historic Legion Field.

In addition to their defeating Memphis 901 by a score of 1-0, the Legion also set a team attendance record of 10,177. The crowd also set the record for a professional soccer match in the state of Alabama.

November 28, 2021
The United Soccer League announces it will be considering a fall-to-spring playing season at their upcoming league meetings next month.

A fall-to-spring calendar, as is widely adopted in many European countries, could be adopted in the coming years. This will further align the league with the global game and further differentiate itself from Major League Soccer.

USL president Jake Edwards made the announcement during the ESPN broadcast of the 2021 USL Championship championship match.

December 7, 2021
The Birmingham Legion announce they will be playing in Protective Stadium starting next season.

"Legion FC is excited for this defining moment in our club’s trajectory. Protective Stadium is a milestone addition for the city of Birmingham and is a great example of the amazing growth and potential of our city and our club,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President and General Manager.

March 2022

2022                              
United Soccer League Championship                            
xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx
  Atlanta United 2 logo   Birmingham Legion logo   Charleston Battery logo   Colorado Springs Switchbacks logo   Detroit City FC logo  
  Atlanta United 2   Birmingham Legion   Charleston Battery   Colorado Springs Switchbacks   Detroit City FC  
                     
  El Paso Locomotive logo   FC Tulsa logo    Hartford Athletic logo   Indy Eleven logo   LA Galaxy 2 logo  
  El Paso Locomotive   FC Tulsa   Hartford Athletic   Indy Eleven   LA Galaxy II  
                     
  Las Vegas Lights logo   Loudoun United logo   Louisville City FC logo   Memphis 901 logo   Miami FC logo  
  Las Vegas Lights   Loudoun United   Louisville City FC   Memphis 901   Miami FC  
                     
  Monterey Bay Union logo   New Mexico United logo   New York Red Bulls 2 logo   Oakland Roots logo   Orange County SC logo  
  Monterey Bay Union   New Mexico United   New York Red Bulls II   Oakland Roots   Orange County SC  
                     
  Phoenix Rising logo   Pittsburgh Riverhounds logo   Rio Grande Valley Toros logo   Sacramento Republic logo   San Antonio FC logo  
  Phoenix Rising   Pittsburgh Riverhounds   Rio Grande Valley Toros   Sacramento Republic   San Antonio FC
Champion
 
                     
  San Diego Loyal logo   Tampa Bay Rowdies logo              
  San Diego Loyal   Tampa Bay Rowdies              
                     

2022
United Soccer League Championship
Western
Conference
Eastern
Conference
  Colorado Springs Switchbacks     Atlanta United 2
  El Paso Locomotive   Birmingham Legion
  LA Galaxy II   Charleston Battery
  Las Vegas Lights   Detroit City FC
  Monterey Bay Union   FC Tulsa
  New Mexico United   Hartford Athletic
  Oakland Roots   Indy Eleven
  Orange County SC   Loudoun United
  Phoenix Rising   Louisville City FC
  Rio Grande Valley Toros   Memphis 901
  Sacramento Republic   Miami FC
  San Antonio FC   New York Red Bulls II
  San Diego Loyal   Pittsburgh Riverhounds  
    Tampa Bay Rowdies

February 9, 2023
     USL W League logo
   
The Birmingham Legion announce they will form a women's team to join the United Soccer League's W League. The team will compete in the upcoming 2023 season this May.

The USL W League is a "pre-professional" circuit intended to provide a new pathway for local, elite female players between college and professional soccer. The league just completed its inaugural season and anticipates having 65 teams across 23 states this summer.

The Legion will be partnering with Birmingham United Soccer Association/Alabama Football Club to identify and develop female players. "We are excited to partner with Legion FC with the USL W League launch in Birmingham. We’re excited about the opportunity to continue to provide extraordinary women exceptional pathways for continued growth and development," said BUSA/Alabama FC Executive Director Andrew Brower.

The new team's name, logo, and schedule will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

March 2023

2023                              
United Soccer League Championship                            
xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx
  Birmingham Legion logo   Charleston Battery logo   Colorado Springs Switchbacks logo   Detroit City FC logo   El Paso Locomotive logo  
  Birmingham Legion   Charleston Battery   Colorado Springs Switchbacks   Detroit City FC   El Paso Locomotive  
                     
  FC Tulsa logo    Hartford Athletic logo   Indy Eleven logo   Las Vegas Lights logo   Loudoun United logo  
  FC Tulsa   Hartford Athletic   Indy Eleven   Las Vegas Lights   Loudoun United  
                     
  Louisville City FC logo   Memphis 901 logo   Miami FC logo   Monterey Bay Union logo   New Mexico United logo  
  Louisville City FC   Memphis 901   Miami FC   Monterey Bay Union   New Mexico United  
                     
  Oakland Roots logo   Orange County SC logo   Phoenix Rising logo   Pittsburgh Riverhounds logo   Rio Grande Valley Toros logo  
  Oakland Roots   Orange County SC   Phoenix Rising
Champion
  Pittsburgh Riverhounds   Rio Grande Valley Toros  
                     
  Sacramento Republic logo   San Antonio FC logo   San Diego Loyal logo   Tampa Bay Rowdies logo      
  Sacramento Republic   San Antonio FC   San Diego Loyal   Tampa Bay Rowdies      
                     

2023
United Soccer League Championship
Western
Conference
Eastern
Conference
  Colorado Springs Switchbacks     Birmingham Legion
  El Paso Locomotive   Charleston Battery
  Las Vegas Lights   Detroit City FC
  Monterey Bay Union   FC Tulsa
  New Mexico United   Hartford Athletic
  Oakland Roots   Indy Eleven
  Orange County SC   Loudoun United
  Phoenix Rising   Louisville City FC
  Rio Grande Valley Toros   Memphis 901
  Sacramento Republic   Miami FC
  San Antonio FC   Pittsburgh Riverhounds  
  San Diego Loyal   Tampa Bay Rowdies

May 12, 2023
     Photograph
  Dominique Wilkins
   
The Birmingham Legion announce they will have the privilege of hosting a home match against a Major League Soccer team, Charlotte FC on May 24th at Protective Stadium. The matchup is due to the Legion's advancement in the Lamar Hunt U. S. Open Cup series.

The Legion has played matches against Atlanta United, another MLS team, but those were all played in the preseason. This match will be the first time they will face an MLS team in the regular season.

June 20, 2023
The Legion announce that a new investor has joined their ownership group, National Basketball Association Hall-of-Famer Dominique Wilkins.

Wilkins spent the majority of his NBA career with the Atlanta Hawks in 1982 to 1994. He retired as a player after the 1999 season and is currently the vice president of basketball operations for the Hawks.

March 2024

2024                              
United Soccer League Championship                            
xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx
  Birmingham Legion logo   Charleston Battery logo   Colorado Springs Switchbacks logo   Detroit City FC logo   El Paso Locomotive logo  
  Birmingham Legion   Charleston Battery   Colorado Springs Switchbacks   Detroit City FC   El Paso Locomotive  
                     
  FC Tulsa logo    Hartford Athletic logo   Indy Eleven logo   Las Vegas Lights logo   Loudoun United logo  
  FC Tulsa   Hartford Athletic   Indy Eleven   Las Vegas Lights   Loudoun United  
                     
  Louisville City FC logo   Memphis 901 logo   Miami FC logo   Monterey Bay Union logo   New Mexico United logo  
  Louisville City FC   Memphis 901   Miami FC   Monterey Bay Union   New Mexico United  
                     
  North Carolina FC logo   Oakland Roots logo   Orange County SC logo   Phoenix Rising logo   Pittsburgh Riverhounds logo  
  North Carolina FC   Oakland Roots   Orange County SC   Phoenix Rising   Pittsburgh Riverhounds  
                     
  Rhode Island FC logo   Sacramento Republic logo   San Antonio FC logo   Tampa Bay Rowdies logo      
  Rhode Island FC   Sacramento Republic   San Antonio FC   Tampa Bay Rowdies      
                     

2024
United Soccer League Championship
Western
Conference
Eastern
Conference
  Colorado Springs Switchbacks     Birmingham Legion
  El Paso Locomotive   Charleston Battery
  FC Tulsa   Detroit City FC
  Las Vegas Lights   Hartford Athletic
  Memphis 901   Indy Eleven
  Monterey Bay Union   Loudoun United
  New Mexico United   Louisville City FC
  Oakland Roots   Miami FC
  Orange County SC   North Carolina FC
  Phoenix Rising   Pittsburgh Riverhounds  
  Sacramento Republic   Rhode Island FC
  San Antonio FC   Tampa Bay Rowdies


March 26, 2024
     Birmingham Legion 2 logo      United Soccer League Two logo
       
The Birmingham Legion FC announced today the launch of a USL League Two team that will compete in the upcoming 2024 season. 

"Birmingham Legion FC 2" will provide a new pathway for local, elite, male players between college and professional soccer.

The team's logo will mirror the parent club's logo but with a white "2" in the anvil.

USL League Two is a pathway to professional soccer to develop the next generation of talent on and off the field. USL League Two kicks off its season in May with 128 clubs across 18 divisions. Birmingham Legion FC 2 is in the South-Central Division of the Southern Conference.

           
Champions of the
  United Soccer League Championship  
Year Team
  2015     Rochester Rhinos
2016   New York Red Bulls II
2017   Louisville City FC
2018   Louisville City FC (2nd)
2019   Real Monarchs
2020   Championship match cancelled: COVID-19  
2021   Orange County SC
2022   San Antonio FC
2023   Phoenix Rising
2024   ???
   
           Years local team participated


Teams of the                          
United Soccer League Championship                          
xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx   xxx
  Arizona United logo   Atlanta United 2 logo   Austin Aztek logo   Austin Bold logo   Bethlehem Steel logo  
  Arizona United
2015 to 2016
  Atlanta United 2
2018 to 2022
  Austin Aztek
2015
  Austin Bold
2019 to 2021
  Bethlehem Steel
2016 to 2019
 
                     
  Birmingham Legion logo   Charleston Battery logo   Charlotte Independence logo   Colorado Springs Switchbacks logo   Detroit City FC logo  
  Birmingham Legion
2019 to 2024
  Charleston Battery
2015 to 2024
  Charlotte Independence
2015 to 2021
  Colorado Springs Switchbacks
2015 to 2024
  Detroit City FC
2022 to 2024
 
                     
  El Paso Locomotive logo   FC Cincinnati logo   FC Montreal logo   FC Tulsa logo   Fresno FC logo  
  El Paso Locomotive
2015 to 2024
  FC Cincinnati
2016 to 2018
  FC Montreal
2015 to 2016
  FC Tulsa
2020 to 2024
  Fresno FC
2018 to 2019
 
                     
  Harrisburg City Islanders logo   Hartford Athletic logo   Indy Eleven logo   LA Galaxy 2 logo   Las Vegas Lights logo  
  Harrisburg City Islanders
2015 to 2017
  Hartford Athletic
2019 to 2024
  Indy Eleven
2018 to 2024
  LA Galaxy II
2015 to 2022
  Las Vegas Lights
2018 to 2024
 
                     
  Loudoun United logo   Louisville City FC logo   Memphis 901 logo   Miami FC logo   Monterey Bay Union logo  
  Loudoun United
2019 to 2024
  Louisville City FC
2015 to 2024
  Memphis 901
2019 to 2024
  Miami FC
2020 to 2024
  Monterey Bay Union
2022 to 2024
 
                     
  Nashville SC logo   New Mexico United logo   New York Red Bulls 2 logo   North Carolina FC logo   Oakland Roots logo  
  Nashville SC
2018 to 2019
  New Mexico United
2019 to 2024
  New York Red Bulls II
2015 to 2022
  North Carolina FC
2018 to 2020;
2024
  Oakland Roots
2021 to 2024
 
                     
  Oklahoma City Energy logo   Orange County Blues logo   Orange County SC logo   Orlando City B logo   Ottawa Fury logo  
  OKC Energy
2015 to 2021;
2023
  Orange County Blues
2015 to 2016
  Orange County SC
2017 to 2024
  Orlando City B
2016 to 2017
  Ottawa Fury
2017 to 2019
 
                     
  Penn FC logo   Philadelphia Union II logo   Phoenix Rising logo   Pittsburgh Riverhounds logo   Portland Timbers 2 logo  
  Penn FC
2018
  Philadelphia Union II
2020
  Phoenix Rising
2017 to 2024
  Pittsburgh Riverhounds
2015 to 2024
  Portland Timbers 2
2015 to 2020
 
                     
  Real Monarchs logo   Reno 1868 logo   Rhode Island FC logo   Richmond Kickers logo   Rio Grande Valley Toros logo  
  Real Monarchs
2015 to 2021
  Reno 1868
2017 to 2020
  Rhode Island FC
2024
  Richmond Kickers
2015 to 2018
  Rio Grande Valley Toros
2016 to 2023
 
                     
  Rochester Rhinos logo   Sacramento Republic logo   Saint Louis FC logo   San Antonio FC logo   San Diego Loyal logo  
  Rochester Rhinos
2015 to 2017
  Sacramento Republic
2015 to 2024
  Saint Louis FC
2015 to 2020
  San Antonio FC
2016 to 2024
  San Diego Loyal
2020 to 2023
 
                     
  Seattle Sounders FC 2 logo   Sporting KC II logo   Swope Park Rangers logo   Tacoma Defiance logo   Tampa Bay Rowdies logo  
  Seattle Sounders FC 2
2015 to 2018
  Sporting Kansas City II
2020 to 2021
  Swope Park Rangers
2016 to 2019
  Tacoma Defiance
2019 to 2021
  Tampa Bay Rowdies
2017 to 2024
 
                     
  Toronto FC 2 logo   Tulsa Roughnecks logo   Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 logo   Wilmington Hammerheads logo      
  Toronto FC II
2015 to 2018
  Tulsa Roughnecks
2015 to 2019
  Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
2015 to 2017
  Wilmington Hammerheads
2015 to 2016
     
                     
 
 
 
Contact Gene Crowley
Last update: March 27, 2024