In the 6 Years of Birmingham Legion FC, there have been 76 players announced to the 3 Sparks roster, but there are only 22 players on the 2024 roster. What happened to the other 54? Let’s dive into it, from the very beginning.

2019 – Year One

Matt VanOekel (2019-present)

Matt VanOekel joined the 3 Sparks as the Birmingham Legion FC GK1 and has been in Birmingham ever since. The ‘Donut King’ made his way into Legion hearts in 2019 during the 624′ shutout streak, into Birmingham’s homes when we went into lockdown and he read bedtime stories to the kids via Instagram Live, and has stayed seemingly immortal after getting into the Team of the Week in 2024.

Trevor Spangenberg (2019-present)

The streets will never forget the impact Trevor has had on this club. The inaugural game was not MVO in net, but it was TS18. Who brought Legion fans to their feet and gave them hope in their first ever home playoff match? TS18. Who was the Open Cup hero versus Chattanooga FC? Well, you get the point.

Joe Nasco (2019)

“The Sherrif” was around in the Hammers days, and was comfortably the GK3 in 2019. He made his way from Birmingham-Southern as a player, came back to Birmingham in 2017 to join as an assistant coach, and stayed around until he got a goalkeeping coach job with Chattanooga Red Wolves in 2021.

Kyle Fisher (2019)

Kyle Fisher had a short career in the professional ranks, but the 24 year old certainly made an impact on this club. 23 appearances as a right back and center back and was a key member of the 7 match shutout streak. He then retired at the end of the season after battling injuries for almost all of his young career.

Eric Avila (2019, 2022-present)

Eric Avila has been a Birmingham player since match day one. 30 matches played as a member of the 3 Sparks. The right back played in every key moment for Birmingham before he left for San Diego Loyal, then ASC San Diego in 2021. After 2021, he hung up the boots and picked up a clip board. Avila came back to Birmingham to be the academy director and assistant coach for his former club.

Akeem Ward (2019)

Akeem Ward came to Birmingham via D.C. United after a loan spell to Loudoun United. The Left Wingback appeared in 13 matches for Legion before he left in that following off-season. Since his departure, he made his way to North Carolina FC, Oakland Roots, RGVFC, and finally to the other half of Southern Harm, Memphis 901 FC.

Gael Mabiala (2019)

Gael was one of the many UAB-Hammer-Legion players that played in 2019 for the 3 Sparks. While in Birmingham, he played in 11 matches as right back, many of which coming off the bench. The Frenchman eventually made his way back to his boyhood club US Feurs in France, who are currently in the 5th Tier. As of today, it has been announced that Mabiala will be signing for Central Valley Fuego in USL League One.. If you want, you can pick him up on a free on Football Manager 24, if that’s your kind of thing.

Mathieu Laurent (2019-2020)

If you’re somebody new to Birmingham soccer, you may not understand the love for Mathieu Laurent. The UAB-Hammer-Legion player will be the biggest “What If” in my eyes. The 22 year old had 25 matches played in 2019, and unfortunately in 2020 tore his ACL. The Newcomer of the Year in 2019 was beloved at the club and I was always told that he was one of the most intelligent players that many of the staff had ever met. That ACL injury proved to be the final match in the career of Mathieu.

Benjamin Kucera (2019)

Benjamin played just 4 times for the 3 Sparks. The center back appeared the 4 times, all but one off the bench, but is another Hammer-to-Legion player. After his 2019 campaign, Kucera hung up the boots at 24.

Razak Cromwell (2019-2020)

Abdul Razak Cromwell is one of the many players that made way from Ghana to Birmingham. Coming from Dream FC, the left back featured in 28 matches across two seasons. After he left Birmingham, he was travelling the globe on trial before he was eventually signed by Central Valley in 2023, and re-signed in 2024.

Kyle Culbertson (2019)

What can you say about Kyle Culbertson that hasn’t been said? 29 matches played, and has a bit of a cult following amongst Legion fans. He put in 100%, and one of the most infamous fouls in Southern Harm history with a penalty that was absolutely in the box. While he is not “officially” retired, he has not played a single minute since the end of the 2019 season.

Marcos Ugarte (2019-2021)

Ugarte joined Legion in 2019 from Ringköbing IF in Denmark as a midfielder and academy director. He had 14 appearances in three years, but his main goal was to be an academy coach. He left the 3 Sparks for his Alma Mater, The University of Michigan. In 2024, he left Michigan to go to his home state and join his former assistant coach Khano Smith at Rhode Island FC as an assistant.

Mikey Lopez (2019-present)

Do it all, do everything, the first ever captain in Legion FC history. 119 league appearances for the 3 Sparks is easily the most in his career for any club. The Texas native is the Face of Legion for many fans. Even though he will miss majority of 2024 due to injury, it’s hard to imagine a Legion team without the Number 5.

Anderson Asiedu (2019-2023)

He’s 5-foot-6 and he’s gonna steal your heart. Anderson Asiedu became one of the most beloved figures in Legion history. The 5’6″ Ghanaian joined Birmingham in 2019 and made 112 league appearances throughout his five seasons in Birmingham. Of those appearances, none were as big as his game winner versus Memphis 901 FC. After his departure at the end of the season, Anderson was picked up by Hartford Athletic.

Joe Holland (2019)

The Birmingham (England) native came to Legion via Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2019 and made 15 appearances for the club in the midfield. After a successful career, Holland retired after the 2019 season.

Daniel Johnson (2019)

When you speak of Cult Followings, DJ was the epitome of that term. Four goals in 32 appearances, but two were all important against Memphis 901 FC. The first a long range banger that is my personal best goal in Legion history, the second a 90′ dagger in the middle of the shutout streak. After 2019, the Community Engagement Award Winner retired to take up a career in coaching.

Zachary Herivaux (2019, 2021-2022)

Besides having one of the most interesting nationalities pages and family lineage, Zach Herivaux was a pure impact player for the 3 Sparks. He made 75 appearances for the club, playing as a Central Midfielder and Center Back. After his second stint with Birmingham, Herivaux was picked up by Tampa Bay in 2023.

Brian Wright (2019-2020)

Brian Wright always felt like he was just one match away from being a league killer. In 42 appearances for the club, he walked away with 9 goals, but they were always fun ones. After leaving the club in 2020, he joined Atlético Ottawa where he scored 13 in 48 matches. He now plays for York United in the Canadian Premier League.

Chandler Hoffman (2019)

The Promised Son and first ever signing for Legion, the Birmingham native joined in 2019, but was unfortunately loaned out before the end of the season to Orange County. The journeyman made his way around the USL before joining the LA Force in NISA. After his stint in NISA, Hoffman remains without a club.

Prosper Kasim (2019-present)

Who scored Legion’s first ever goal? Prosper Kasim is my personal all-time favorite player. Prosper has been in the middle of every single major moment for Legion, and it just makes my soul happy. Coming from Sweden, the Ghanaian forward has played in 135 matches. He was the club’s first ever 100 appearance player, scoring against Charlotte FC, and just so many incredible moments for the club.

JJ Williams (2019-2021)

JJ Williams played in 52 matches for the club, giving 12 goals that include this beauty to give Legion a playoff play-in victory versus North Carolina FC. Since 2021, JJ has gone from Tulsa, to Phoenix, to Tampa Bay, and has reunited with his former coach Khano Smith in Rhode Island.

Tyler Savitsky (2019)

Tyler Savitsky retired before ever playing a match for the 3 Sparks. He was another Hammer-to-Legion player.

Edward Opoku (2019)

Eddy Opoku was a Ghanaian forward who joined Legion on loan from Columbus Crew. The forward played in just 17 matches for the 3 Sparks. He went back to Columbus and unfortunately suffered an injury. In his attempt to come back, he suffered the same injury and is still without a club.

Femi Hollinger-Janzen (2019)

If you’re a long time Legion fan, you remember the “Femi CB Project.” It’s okay, I cringed, too. The former New England Revolution played 21 matches for the 3 Sparks. After the 2019 season, Femi decided to hang up the boots from soccer.

Marcel Appiah (2019)

Marcel Appiah was a former Schalke Youth talent who made his way to the 3 Sparks in 2019. The German/Ghanaian citizen played just 3 matches, all starts, before being released so he could move on to VfR Aalen. After 2021, he moved to VfB Oldenberg, where he still plays today.

Tyler Turner (2019)

Tyler Turner was a full back who played just 12 matches for the club. The former Orlando City product made his way from Elm City to Birmingham. After 2019, he moved to the Milwaukee Wave and then the St. Louis Ambush in the MASL.

Daigo Kobayashi (2019-2021)

Diago might be the most interesting player in Legion history. From his long hair, to his black Mustang, and his Kobayashi Corner in BBVA, he is just beyond interesting. He played 41 matches for Birmingham before retiring at the end of the 2021 season. He is now an analysist, technical director, and commentator for PSG in Japan.

2020 – Year Two

Alex Crognale (2020-present)

Alex Croglane joined the 3 Sparks after being a bit of a lower league loanee journeyman. He was a prized piece for the Crew who was constantly out on loan, but Birmingham finally signed him up for the long term and that consistency has seen Crognale be one of the top center backs in the USL.

Jonathan Dean (2020-2023)

Hotlinks. You already know about Jonny Dean. Jonny played in 81 matches, every single one being starts. 4 goals, 16 assists in 3 seasons is simply unreal. On top of that, Jonny was also one of the kindest people to the young fans. I’m not a person who wants numbers retired in soccer, but Jonny’s 24 feels like it should be untouchable. Jonny is now at Chicago Fire, and I didn’t know it, but I also interviewed him on the day he was signed. Funny how that works.

Bruno Lapa (2020-2022)

Bruno came into Birmingham as one of the top USL League Two talents in 2019, and was considered by many as a sure fire MLS talent, but somehow slipped through cracks. Bruno played 97 league appearances for the club, giving the club 17 goals and 11 assists. Bruno also gave Legion their first ever hat trick in club history. In 2023, Bruno signed for Memphis 901 FC where he still plays today.

Bolu Akinyode (2020)

Bolu is one of the best midfielders in the USL. He made way from Nashville to the Magic City after making a real name for himself in the lower leagues. One of my favorite memories was seeing the Akinyode family in attendance at almost every match. After 2020, Legion sold Bolu to The Miami FC for a reported $15,000. Today, Bolu is playing for El Paso Locomotive.

Neco Brett (2020-2021, 2023)

Neco signed with Birmingham the year after he scored 4 goals versus Birmingham in Pittsburghs 7-0 thrashing of the 3 Sparks in 2019. In 2020-2021, Brett scored 27 goals in 47 appearances. After the 2021 season, Neco Brett signed for New Mexico for the 2022 season. After his brief vacation, Neco returned to the Magic City, where he scored 12 more goals in 30 appearances. He ends his Legion tenure with 39 goals, the all-time leading goal scorer. In 2024, Brett signed a multi-year deal with Memphis 901 FC.

Eli Crognale (2020-2022)

Eli Crognale, the brother of Alex Crognale, signed with Birmingham back in 2020. He played a handful of matches, but in 2021 he played 27 times and ended the season in a Golden Crognale Boot battle with his brother. In 2021, he also decided that he was going to score Bangers Only. In 2022, after playing 3 matches that season, Eli retired, but he did make his broadcasting debut in 2023!

Jaden Servania (2020-2021)

Jaden Servania was the first ever academy-to-professional product out of the Birmingham Legion academy. The Puerto Rican international played 44 times, scoring 3 times and 2 assists. The Birmingham native eventually left the club for North Carolina FC, where he won the USL League One Title in 2023.

Jake Rufe (2020-present)

Never disrespect the 2014 Alabama Boys Soccer Player of the Year. In 2020, Jake signed for the 3 Sparks where he was a make shift center back. In 2022, Jake finally broke out where he played 45 times across 2022 and 2023. Jake is a fantastic right back and center back option, but never forget that Jake goal versus Indy Eleven from past halfway!

Ford Parker (2020)

Ford Parker signed with Legion back in 2020 where he played twice and won Save of the Week! He moved on to his hometown Albuquerque, New Mexico and joined New Mexico United. In 2024, it was announced that Ford would join South Georgia Tormenta FC as the assumed GK1.

Rudolf Mensah (2020)

Rufolf Mensah signed with Birmingham in 2020 and played just 4 times for the 3 Sparks. The Ghanaian made a name for himself after he scored an 80′ equalizer versus Atlanta United. Since then, Mensah has moved back to Ghana where it appears he is playing for Golden Kick FC.

Braxton Taghvai Najib (2020)

Braxton Najib was meant to be a part of the youth movement in Birmingham. In 2020, the 17 year old played 6 times for the 3 Sparks. That following off-season, Najib signed for Inter Miami II. Since then, Braxton has been loaned to Indy Eleven and has recently signed with Portland Timbers 2.

Josh Bauer (2020)

One of the forgotten youth players was Josh Bauer. After his 2020 season where Josh made 3 appearances, he was drafted by Atlanta United in the MLS Draft. Since his draft, he has been signed by Nashville SC. In 2022, Josh had a short loan spell to Sacramento, but has been a regular player for Nashville since 2023.

2021 – Year Three

Phanuel Kavita (2021-present)

Phanuel Kavita signed for Birmingham in 2021 after a highly successful stint with St. Louis FC. In match day one, Phanuel was given the captain’s armband. There’s something to be said about being a natural born leader, and Phanuel is absolutely that. Since signing for the club, he has played 97 times in the league. Also, his baby is so beyond cute.

Ryan James (2021-2022)

Ryan James signed with Birmingham after being named the Steel Army’s (Pittsburgh’s SG) Player of the Year. James made 59 appearances across two years for the 3 Sparks. After the 2022 season, James signed with the Halifax Wanderers in the Canadian Premier League and was named as a captain immediately. James also made a massive impact in Birmingham through his love of Futsal and the Birmingham Futsal Academy. In 2024, it appears that James is without a club.

Thomas Vancaeyezeele (2021-2022)

Vancaeyzeele signed with Birmingham after an interesting trade midseason in 2021. The former all-league defender with Pittsburgh came in and made 29 appearances for the club. In 2022, Thomas was traded to Tampa Bay midseason. For the 2024 season, Hartford Athletic signed Vancaeyezeele on free transfer from FC Bassin d’Arcachon in France.

Junior Flemmings (2021)

In 2021, Junior Flemmings signed for Birmingham. Controversy and baggage aside, Flemmings only made 21 appearances for the club, scoring 5 goals. The biggest note on Flemmings’ tenure in Birmingham is the fact he was sold to Toulouse for a reported $500,000 (although, that number is highly contested). As of today, Junior is playing for Vozdovac in the Serbian First Tier.

Ben Ofeimu (2021)

Another player who has been here since 2019… kinda. Ben Ofeimu was in the starting lineup in 2019 for Bethlehem Steel in Legion’s first ever match. In 2021, Ofeimu signed for the 3 Sparks where he appeared just 15 times. Following his 2021 season, Ofeimu signed with The Miami FC where he eventually scored versus Birmingham in 2023… He is still in Miami as their star Center Back in 2024.

Freddy Kleemann (2021-2022)

Kleemann is another “What If?” player for the 3 Sparks. Freddy joined Birmingham in 2021 on loan from Austin FC, but he was recalled after an injury crisis with his parent club. In 2022, his season was cut short after he tore his ACL versus FC Tulsa. At the end of the 2022 season, Kleemann joined Tampa Bay where he still plays today.

Jackson Wrobel (2021)

Jackson joined Birmingham on an amateur contract after being released by Atlanta United. He has since played for Clemson University and as a Junior, has been a star for the 2023 NCAA National Champions.

2022 – Year Four

Enzo Martinez (2022-present)

Enzo… Notoriously loved Enzo Martinez signed for Birmingham after the 2021 off-season, and he has been an absolute fan favorite since. We all knew that he was a “love him if you have him” player, but it’s hard to imagine to not loving him. For Birmingham, he’s at 68 appearances and 25 goals and 15 assists. Not too bad for the most hated player in Birmingham Sports History…

Marlon Santos (2022)

Marlon came to Birmingham via FC Tulsa and opened his time in Birmingham with a bang. After 33 appearances, 9 goals, and 2 assists, Marlon was sold to Kiryat Shmona. In 2024, Marlon has signed for Memphis 901 FC.

Juan Agudelo (2022-2023)

The former USMNT star signed for Birmingham Legion midseason in 2022. In his two seasons in Birmingham, Agudelo made 62 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals and 10 assists. His tenure with the club was rocky, but by the end of his tenure, many fans appreciated what he did with the club. At the end of the 2023 season, Juan signed for San Antonio FC.

Edi Horvat (2022)

In 2022, Legion signed Edi Horvat after he tore up the second tier of Slovenia. The Croatian was not able to fully get his feet under him in Birmingham, and has since moved back to Europe. After a short stint with Grindavik in Iceland, Horvat has signed with NK Triglav Kranj.

Sadik Balarabe (2022)

Sadik was one of the more interesting players to sign for Birmingham. The Englishman signed midseason, played 12 matches, scored 2 goals. After his short spell with Legion, he went home to England to Welling United and then Erith & Belvede. He has also been sighted playing for Under the Radar FC.

Macky Diop (2022)

Diop signed for Legion in the preseason of 2022, but only made it 7 matches before getting transferred to Detroit City. As of today, it appears that Macky is playing for ASC Jaraaf.

Mataeo Bunbury (2022-2023*)

Mataeo joined Legion midseason in 2022, and was an instant spark plug. The 16-year-old played 13 times and felt like he would be the future of the club. In 2023, Bunbury was loaned to Columbus Crew 2 to get some more playing time. After the 2023 season, Legion did not renew Bunbury’s contract. In 2024, Bunbury signed with Portland 2.

Matthew Corcoran (2022-present)

The timeline may say present, but he will not in Birmingham for long. The wonderkid signed for Birmingham as a 15-year-old and will likely demolish the club transfer record. I cannot wait to update this list next year and tell you how much he was sold for and to who.

Grayson Dupont (2022-2023)

One of the latest UAB-Legion players was a fun player to see in Birmingham. Across 2022 and 2023, Grayson played 19 times and scored 1 goal. Apparently in the 2023, he loaned to FC Cincinnati II for just one match. After the 2023 season, it was announced that Dupont signed a contract with USL League One expansion side Spokane Velocity.

Macro Garcia (2022)

Marco Garcia is an academy product who is currently with Clemson University. He played just one match with Legion, a friendly versus Atlanta United. He’s looking to become the star striker for the defending national champions.

John Heaps IV (2022)

The 2022 Boys Player of the Season and son of Jay Heaps is currently at Georgetown University.

2023 – Year Five

Collin Smith (2023)

Collin Smith came on loan to Birmingham in 2023 from FC Dallas. He made a few appearances with Dallas during the season, but he ended up making 29 league appearances with Legion. After making 2100’+ minutes, scoring two league goals, and one assist, Collin moved on from Birmingham at the end of the season. In 2024, Collin signed for New England II.

Gabriel Alves (2023)

Gabriel came to Birmingham as the leader from his national title winning Marshall University team. Gabriel gave a ton of versatility to the team, also giving two goals from left wing back. After the 2023 season, Gabriel signed a contract with Rhode Island, to join his former coach, Khano Smith.

Moses Mensah (2023-present)

Moses Mensah came to Birmingham as one of the top League Two talents. Coming from One Knoxville, the Ghanaian was recognized as the top Left Back in all of League Two in 2022. After 28 appearances in 2023, Mensah earned his right for a second season in the Magic City.

Diba Nwegbo (2023-present)

Diba Nwegbo is a young star who came from Vermont Green in League Two, but he was not entirely unknown. Nwegbo was a youth player at Alabama FC before he moved on to William and Mary. In his first season, he played 32 matches, got three goals and three assists.

Tyler Pasher (2023-present)

Simply put, Tyler Pasher is one of the most talented players in USL Championship History. Pasher came to Birmingham after he spent two years in MLS. He made his comeback with one of the most unreal goals in Legion history. Pasher is back with the club in 2024 after 20 appearances in 2023.

Ben Reveno (2023)

Reveno came to Birmingham on loan from New England. While in Birmingham, he made 10 appearances and got one assist before being recalled from his loan. As of today, Reveno remains without a club.

Preston Tabort Etaka (2023-present)

Preston joined Birmingham in the midseason of 2023 on a transfer from Las Vegas. Despite only being around for 10 matches, Preston proved to be one of the most electric players in the league. In 2024, he’s quickly become a must watch player for the 3 Sparks.

Tyler Freeman (2023)

Tyler Freeman joined the 3 Sparks on loan from Huntsville City FC in the midseason. Freeman was an absolute super star for Loudoun in 2022, but never really found that magic in only 5 appearances for the club. In the beginning of 2024, Freeman signed a contract with new MLSNP club Carolina Core.

Dante Johnson (2023*)

Dante has an asterisk by his name because it feels like he has been around forever. He has not made his league debut yet, but he did get his first appearance for club versus Chattanooga FC in the 2023 US Open Cup. Johnson is currently enrolled at Georgia SouthWestern where he was named to the PBC All-Tournament Team.

Seth Torman (2023*)

Seth Torman also has an asterisk because he was around in 2022 training with the club, and he even played in the 2024 friendly versus Atlanta United. Seth was another UAB-Legion player, and spent two full years training with VanOekel and Spangenberg. In 2024, it was announced that Torman was joining LA Force of NISA.

Coaches

Tommy Soehn (2019-present)

Tommy Soehn has been the head coach since the very beginning, and after 167 league matches, it feels like a Legion squad without Tommy at the wheel would just be wrong. It’s not normal to keep a coach for 6 years, but this is not a normal club (in the best way).

Khano Smith (2019-2023)

Coach Khano Smith joined this staff back in 2019 and made connections with so many players and fans along the way. In 2023, it was announced that Khano would be departing for Rhode Island to start his own club that kick off in 2024.

Alex Martinez (2023)

Alex Martinez, brother of Enzo Martinez, joined the club in 2023. He was a highly sought after academy coach with Charlotte FC, and proved to such. In 2024, it was announced that Alex would be the assistant coach for MLS side D.C. United.