Controversial no-call highlights Legion FC's quarterfinal loss to Inter Miami
Following a victory over Charlotte FC a little under two weeks ago, the hometown Birmingham Legion FC played host to a second MLS team in as many weeks. Protective Stadium served as the setting for the quarterfinal round of the U.S. Open Cup where the Legion battled with Inter Miami.
Following a scoreless first half, Inter Miami started the second half in search of the first goal of the game and was rewarded in the 56th minute when Nicolás Marcelo Stefanelli put the ball in the back of the net to give Miami the first goal of the game. It would serve as the game winning goal as the Legion could not muster up enough offense to generate a goal in front of their home fans.
“Our guys didn't quit, they pushed and pushed and at times I felt like we pushed more than they did and look at the salaries, look how different it is. We had more heart today and we played the right way. That's important to me”, said Legion FC Head Coach Tommy Soehn. “If we were doing some of the things that they did, I'd be disappointed in my guys tomorrow and they would know it,” Soehn said.
Birmingham nearly opened the scoring in the first half when Prosper Kasim's shot was blocked inside the box. Replays showed an Inter Miami defender blocked the shot with his arm but there was no whistle on the play with the Legion being awarded a corner kick instead of a penalty kick.
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Despite not scoring on the night, Wednesday night was still a victory for the Legion in more ways than one. Smashing their attendance record as over 18,418 soccer fans packed inside Protective Stadium to root on the hometown Legion.
“We did it the right way, our fans were there. You know, I felt like we put on a good show for them and I'm so thankful that they were, it was an amazing feeling today,” Soehn said.
Now eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup, the Legion will take a few days to regroup before they resume play in their USL Championship schedule where they play host to Indy Eleven on June 17th. That game inside Protective Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m.