Birmingham Legion completed the second “cupset” of the night with a 1-0 victory over MLS club Charlotte FC.
Birmingham Legion FC Starting XI
Trevor Spangenberg (GK), Collin Smith, Alex Crognale, Phanuel Kavita, Gabriel Alcides Alves, Mikey Lopez, Anderson Asiedu, Prosper Kasim, Enzo Martínez, Tyler Pasher, Juan Agudelo
Charlotte FC Starting XI
Kristijan Kahlina (GK), Jaylin Lindsey, Jan Sobociński, Adilson Malanda, Joseph Mora, Brandt Bronico, Derrick Jones, Brandon Cambridge, Kerwin Vargas, Chris Hegardt, Karol Świderski
Game Notes
Birmingham Legion (USLC) progressed to the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 following victories over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL1), Chattanooga FC (NISA), and Memphis 901 FC (USLC). Charlotte FC (MLS) progressed to this stage with victories against South Georgia Tormenta FC (USL1) and Orlando City SC (MLS).
First Half
The game opened as an even contest as each team found their footing in the match. As expected, Charlotte dominated the ball to begin the match, but Birmingham did well to mitigate any danger. The first shot of the game came in the 9th minute courtesy of Charlotte’s Kerwin Vargas.
After that shot, the match settled into a defensive contest as Birmingham sat behind the ball. Despite their best efforts, Birmingham were unable to maintain any periods of possession. Although Charlotte controlled most of the ball, they too were unable to threaten going forward.
The next shot in the match came in the 24th minute. Karol Świderski darted behind the Birmingham backline and was picked out with a pass by Jan Sobociński. Świderski’s left foot effort was equaled by a big save from Trevor Spangenberg and the match remained level.
Charlotte thought they had opened the scoring in the 27th minute but Brandon Cambridge was called offside negating his goal. Minutes later, Cambridge found himself in a similar position, and onside, but his shot thundered off the left post.
The match opened up and Birmingham began to find success through Tyler Pasher on the counter. Juan Agudelo found himself in dangerous positions in and around the box but each of his shots were blocked.
Near the end of the second half, Charlotte stood over a free kick from a dangerous crossing position. Vargas’ whipped a ball into the box that found Świderski but his left footed effort was caught comfortably by Spangenberg.
Despite each team’s best efforts, the contest remained deadlocked at zero heading into the half.
Second Half
The second half began with instant fireworks. Just minutes into the half, Adilson Malanda committed a foul and was shown his second yellow card of the match and subsequently a red card. This play flipped the momentum of the game as Birmingham switched to the gas pedal.
They did well to keep Charlotte pinned in their own half. Birmingham staked a presence around the Charlotte box and remained patient in attack. After attacking well down the left in the first half, Birmingham found success in attack down the right, taking advantage of the space left available in the wide areas.
Prosper Kasim took advantage of this space and dribbled at the Charlotte backline before cutting onto his left foot. After a few touches inside, he fired a shot on goal that nestled into the bottom left corner beating Kristijan Kahlina and giving Birmingham the lead (1-0 Kasim 60′).
After the opening goal, Birmingham remained on the front foot pushing for a second goal. Moments after the opener, Collin Smith found himself in the box and goal side of a Charlotte defender. If he had gone down in the box, a penalty likely would have been called but he remained on his feet and his point blank effort was saved.
That chance was followed by shots from Agudelo, Anderson Asiedu, and Enzo Martínez but no opportunity found the back of the net. Birmingham also did well to alleviate any pressure from Charlotte and cut out any chances.
Birmingham were unable to find a second, but one goal was enough to win the match and complete the cupset over Charlotte FC.
Birmingham Legion will host Inter Miami CF in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup on June 7th. That match will be their first quarterfinals appearance in club history.
U.S. Open Cup R/O 16: Birmingham Legion 1 (Kasim 60′) – 0 Charlotte FC
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