Timothy Belin
@timothybelin.bsky.social
Birmingham Legion beat writer | Freelance Sports Writer | Soccer enthusiast
https://linktr.ee/timothybelin
https://linktr.ee/timothybelin
Pinned
Timothy Belin
@timothybelin.bsky.social
· Dec 23
Birmingham Legion Roster Tracker
Keeping tabs on the Three Sparks' roster ahead of the 2026 season
open.substack.com
I made a roster tracker for Birmingham Legion's offseason dealings.
I'll pin this post and update it anytime a player's status changes or a signing is made as an easy place to keep on top of it all.
Also includes a chronological list of transfer updates.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
I'll pin this post and update it anytime a player's status changes or a signing is made as an easy place to keep on top of it all.
Also includes a chronological list of transfer updates.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
Schedules confirmed for Birmingham Legion II and Birmingham Legion Women.
Men’s first game is May 15 vs East Atlanta FC, while the women’s first game is the same day vs Chattanooga Red Wolves.
Men’s first game is May 15 vs East Atlanta FC, while the women’s first game is the same day vs Chattanooga Red Wolves.
The full schedule for the 2026 #USL-2 season has been announced, with the 1,005-game regular season kicking off on Sunday, May 3.
The 2026 USL League Two Final will be held on Saturday, August 1, with all games available on SportsEngine Play.
www.uslleaguetwo.com/news_article...
The 2026 USL League Two Final will be held on Saturday, August 1, with all games available on SportsEngine Play.
www.uslleaguetwo.com/news_article...
USL League Two announces 2026 schedule
1,005-game slate kicks off on May 3
www.uslleaguetwo.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Schedules confirmed for Birmingham Legion II and Birmingham Legion Women.
Men’s first game is May 15 vs East Atlanta FC, while the women’s first game is the same day vs Chattanooga Red Wolves.
Men’s first game is May 15 vs East Atlanta FC, while the women’s first game is the same day vs Chattanooga Red Wolves.
Romario and Ronaldo as the forward options while competing on US soil, you say?
Sounds like Birmingham Legion’s about to win the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Sounds like Birmingham Legion’s about to win the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
To nobody’s great surprise, Birmingham Legion have signed Romario Williams after he was spotted in training photos two weeks ago.
The forward has had a nomadic career across the country, last playing for Indy Eleven last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
The forward has had a nomadic career across the country, last playing for Indy Eleven last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
Birmingham Legion FC Adds Proven USL Goal Scorer Romario Williams - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC today announced the signing of forward Romario Williams, adding a proven goal scorer and experienced professional presence to the club’s roster, pending league and federation appr...
www.bhmlegion.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Romario and Ronaldo as the forward options while competing on US soil, you say?
Sounds like Birmingham Legion’s about to win the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Sounds like Birmingham Legion’s about to win the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Former Legion loanee Roman Torres is back in the USL, joining Forward Madison in League One.
Very curious to see what he can do there given I was very impressed with his stint in the Magic City.
Very curious to see what he can do there given I was very impressed with his stint in the Magic City.
Top 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick, Roman Torres, is a Mingo for 2026! 🦩
🎓 Creighton University
🩵 Minnesota United FC II
🔨 Birmingham Legion FC
📰 Read up on the impressive young midfielder's career here:
www.forwardmadisonfc.com/news/2026/02...
🎓 Creighton University
🩵 Minnesota United FC II
🔨 Birmingham Legion FC
📰 Read up on the impressive young midfielder's career here:
www.forwardmadisonfc.com/news/2026/02...
February 11, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Former Legion loanee Roman Torres is back in the USL, joining Forward Madison in League One.
Very curious to see what he can do there given I was very impressed with his stint in the Magic City.
Very curious to see what he can do there given I was very impressed with his stint in the Magic City.
To nobody’s great surprise, Birmingham Legion have signed Romario Williams after he was spotted in training photos two weeks ago.
The forward has had a nomadic career across the country, last playing for Indy Eleven last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
The forward has had a nomadic career across the country, last playing for Indy Eleven last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
Birmingham Legion FC Adds Proven USL Goal Scorer Romario Williams - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC today announced the signing of forward Romario Williams, adding a proven goal scorer and experienced professional presence to the club’s roster, pending league and federation appr...
www.bhmlegion.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:45 PM
To nobody’s great surprise, Birmingham Legion have signed Romario Williams after he was spotted in training photos two weeks ago.
The forward has had a nomadic career across the country, last playing for Indy Eleven last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
The forward has had a nomadic career across the country, last playing for Indy Eleven last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
Birmingham Legion played their first preseason game yesterday at Chattanooga FC, with only their season ticket holders and media allowed in.
I was not able to attend, but Dan Floyd wrote up a great recap over on his Lower Alabama Soccer substack.
open.substack.com/pub/lowerala...
I was not able to attend, but Dan Floyd wrote up a great recap over on his Lower Alabama Soccer substack.
open.substack.com/pub/lowerala...
Game recap: Chattanooga FC vs Birmingham Legion
Both teams saw their first action
open.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 6:35 PM
Birmingham Legion played their first preseason game yesterday at Chattanooga FC, with only their season ticket holders and media allowed in.
I was not able to attend, but Dan Floyd wrote up a great recap over on his Lower Alabama Soccer substack.
open.substack.com/pub/lowerala...
I was not able to attend, but Dan Floyd wrote up a great recap over on his Lower Alabama Soccer substack.
open.substack.com/pub/lowerala...
Reposted by Timothy Belin
On the surface, it’s business as usual in the USL Championship: teams are in preseason and signing players.
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
Tension increases in USL CBA talks: Healthcare, hotels & more questions
Significant disagreements remain between the Players Association and the USL Championship. Is a work stoppage brewing?
www.backheeled.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:37 PM
On the surface, it’s business as usual in the USL Championship: teams are in preseason and signing players.
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
But behind the scenes, CBA talks are "frustratingly unproductive".
Is a work stoppage brewing?
@usltactics.com examines where negotiations stand ⤵️
This is a win-now team fans can genuinely be excited for:
Koleilat (26); McCartney (27), Paterson (30), Kavita (32), Daley (24); Antwi (26), McIllhatton (27), Shashoua (26); Saucedo (29), Damus (26), Pasher (31)
Subs: McMullen (24), Washington (27), Vassell (28), Tregarthen (25)
Koleilat (26); McCartney (27), Paterson (30), Kavita (32), Daley (24); Antwi (26), McIllhatton (27), Shashoua (26); Saucedo (29), Damus (26), Pasher (31)
Subs: McMullen (24), Washington (27), Vassell (28), Tregarthen (25)
February 5, 2026 at 4:40 PM
This is a win-now team fans can genuinely be excited for:
Koleilat (26); McCartney (27), Paterson (30), Kavita (32), Daley (24); Antwi (26), McIllhatton (27), Shashoua (26); Saucedo (29), Damus (26), Pasher (31)
Subs: McMullen (24), Washington (27), Vassell (28), Tregarthen (25)
Koleilat (26); McCartney (27), Paterson (30), Kavita (32), Daley (24); Antwi (26), McIllhatton (27), Shashoua (26); Saucedo (29), Damus (26), Pasher (31)
Subs: McMullen (24), Washington (27), Vassell (28), Tregarthen (25)
Something I’ve noticed with Legion’s recent signings and retention decisions: almost everyone is in the prime age-range for an athlete.
Soccer players usually peak between 27-31; half the expected starting XI is in that range, with four more set to turn 27 during the season.
Soccer players usually peak between 27-31; half the expected starting XI is in that range, with four more set to turn 27 during the season.
February 5, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Something I’ve noticed with Legion’s recent signings and retention decisions: almost everyone is in the prime age-range for an athlete.
Soccer players usually peak between 27-31; half the expected starting XI is in that range, with four more set to turn 27 during the season.
Soccer players usually peak between 27-31; half the expected starting XI is in that range, with four more set to turn 27 during the season.
Birmingham Legion have their GK1 for 2026, singing Czech goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat.
He last played for Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League, keeping a league-record 11 clean sheets last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
He last played for Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League, keeping a league-record 11 clean sheets last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
Birmingham Legion FC Signs Golden Glove–Winning Goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC today announced the signing of goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat, adding a proven, high-level shot stopper to the roster ahead of the season. The 26-year-old goalkeeper stands at 6’2” […...
www.bhmlegion.com
February 5, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Birmingham Legion have their GK1 for 2026, singing Czech goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat.
He last played for Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League, keeping a league-record 11 clean sheets last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
He last played for Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League, keeping a league-record 11 clean sheets last season.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/02...
BREAKING: Birmingham Legion’s friendly with Nashville SC this weekend is off due to the weather. The club has started informing fans who bought tickets.
As the match was part of Matthew Corcoran’s sale, it will be rescheduled at a later date, but unlikely to be this preseason.
As the match was part of Matthew Corcoran’s sale, it will be rescheduled at a later date, but unlikely to be this preseason.
January 29, 2026 at 8:06 PM
BREAKING: Birmingham Legion’s friendly with Nashville SC this weekend is off due to the weather. The club has started informing fans who bought tickets.
As the match was part of Matthew Corcoran’s sale, it will be rescheduled at a later date, but unlikely to be this preseason.
As the match was part of Matthew Corcoran’s sale, it will be rescheduled at a later date, but unlikely to be this preseason.
Legion add another new signing, bringing in Ghanaian midfielder Seth Antwi, who most recently played for St Louis CITY 2 in MLS Next Pro.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
CLUB REINFORCES MIDFIELD WITH SIGNING OF SETH ANTWI AHEAD OF NASHVILLE PRESEASON FRIENDLY - Birmingham Legion FC
The club has reinforced its midfield with the signing of 26-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Seth Antwi (5’7” / 1.70 m), adding a player whose profile combines defensive intensity, technical efficiency, a...
www.bhmlegion.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:03 PM
Legion add another new signing, bringing in Ghanaian midfielder Seth Antwi, who most recently played for St Louis CITY 2 in MLS Next Pro.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Timothy Belin
Before Legion’s new signing makes the latest episode of Hammering Down obsolete, check it out!
📈 Starting XI is Trending
🧤 How Concerned Are We Between the Sticks
🥅 Will Jay Get the Best of Ronaldo
4️⃣ 4 Back Options
3️⃣ 3 Back Options
🔗 Link Below
open.spotify.com/episode/1Cw8...
📈 Starting XI is Trending
🧤 How Concerned Are We Between the Sticks
🥅 Will Jay Get the Best of Ronaldo
4️⃣ 4 Back Options
3️⃣ 3 Back Options
🔗 Link Below
open.spotify.com/episode/1Cw8...
Legion Pre-Season Starts This Week!
open.spotify.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Before Legion’s new signing makes the latest episode of Hammering Down obsolete, check it out!
📈 Starting XI is Trending
🧤 How Concerned Are We Between the Sticks
🥅 Will Jay Get the Best of Ronaldo
4️⃣ 4 Back Options
3️⃣ 3 Back Options
🔗 Link Below
open.spotify.com/episode/1Cw8...
📈 Starting XI is Trending
🧤 How Concerned Are We Between the Sticks
🥅 Will Jay Get the Best of Ronaldo
4️⃣ 4 Back Options
3️⃣ 3 Back Options
🔗 Link Below
open.spotify.com/episode/1Cw8...
A familiar name for Birmingham Legion fans has returned to the USL Championship.
@fctulsa.bsky.social has signed attacking midfielder Bruno Lapa ahead of the 2026 #USL-C season.
The Brazilian is a former two-time All-League selection and returns to the league after spending 2025 in South Korea's second tier.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
The Brazilian is a former two-time All-League selection and returns to the league after spending 2025 in South Korea's second tier.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
FC Tulsa brings aboard attacking midfielder Bruno Lapa
Two-time USL Championship All-League selection has recorded 35 goals, 19 assists across regular season, playoffs
www.uslchampionship.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:09 PM
A familiar name for Birmingham Legion fans has returned to the USL Championship.
Alternatively, I also typed up the full transcript for you to read. Up on my Substack now ⬇️
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
Every word Jay Heaps and Nick Hall said on the head coach's appointment, the ambitions for the season and improving the fan experience at Protective Stadium
Here's every single word the Three Sparks' recently named head coach and president said as they met the Birmingham media for the first time since their respective change in roles
open.substack.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Alternatively, I also typed up the full transcript for you to read. Up on my Substack now ⬇️
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
A bit delayed from when I promised it, but here’s that breakdown of the Jay Heaps/Nick Hall press conference.
Covering new roles, the fan experience, setting a standard for the season and plenty more.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/24/j...
Covering new roles, the fan experience, setting a standard for the season and plenty more.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/24/j...
Jay Heaps and Nick Hall share insight into new season - Birmingham Sports Media
Birmingham Legion's Jay Heaps and Nick Hall held a joint press conference Friday to talk about the club's direction ahead of the new season.
bhamsports.net
January 24, 2026 at 1:02 PM
A bit delayed from when I promised it, but here’s that breakdown of the Jay Heaps/Nick Hall press conference.
Covering new roles, the fan experience, setting a standard for the season and plenty more.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/24/j...
Covering new roles, the fan experience, setting a standard for the season and plenty more.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/24/j...
Birmingham Legion have their first non-returnee signing, adding centerback Bryce Washington to the backline.
Washington was most recently with North Carolina FC and will provide much needed competition/backup to AJ Paterson and Phanuel Kavita in defense.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Washington was most recently with North Carolina FC and will provide much needed competition/backup to AJ Paterson and Phanuel Kavita in defense.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Birmingham Legion FC Welcomes Bryce Washington Ahead of 2026 Season - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC have strengthened the foundation of their squad with the signing of Bryce Washington ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season, adding a proven defender whose blend of physical […...
www.bhmlegion.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:03 PM
Birmingham Legion have their first non-returnee signing, adding centerback Bryce Washington to the backline.
Washington was most recently with North Carolina FC and will provide much needed competition/backup to AJ Paterson and Phanuel Kavita in defense.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Washington was most recently with North Carolina FC and will provide much needed competition/backup to AJ Paterson and Phanuel Kavita in defense.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
14. As part of that same idea, the North Concourse will feature a lot of regular activations similar to what we saw at the end of last season, with inflatable and mini-fields for 3v3/4v4 play. They want it to feel like a soccer festival where fans can gather and enjoy community.
January 23, 2026 at 8:17 PM
14. As part of that same idea, the North Concourse will feature a lot of regular activations similar to what we saw at the end of last season, with inflatable and mini-fields for 3v3/4v4 play. They want it to feel like a soccer festival where fans can gather and enjoy community.
13. The club wants to give the stadium a “fuller” atmosphere to combat the empty seating, hence the supporters groups being moved to the West Stand. The idea is to have fans be more compact to give the impression there’s more people there and improve atmosphere.
January 23, 2026 at 8:17 PM
13. The club wants to give the stadium a “fuller” atmosphere to combat the empty seating, hence the supporters groups being moved to the West Stand. The idea is to have fans be more compact to give the impression there’s more people there and improve atmosphere.
11. Ticketing has a project “Win back” targeting people who no longer come to games, understanding why that’s the case and trying to get them to return.
12. They recognise that starts with the on-field product, but also want to do more in-stadium for fans to enjoy the day out.
12. They recognise that starts with the on-field product, but also want to do more in-stadium for fans to enjoy the day out.
January 23, 2026 at 8:17 PM
11. Ticketing has a project “Win back” targeting people who no longer come to games, understanding why that’s the case and trying to get them to return.
12. They recognise that starts with the on-field product, but also want to do more in-stadium for fans to enjoy the day out.
12. They recognise that starts with the on-field product, but also want to do more in-stadium for fans to enjoy the day out.
10. Season ticket sales are looking good at the moment, and the front office has put a focus on getting into the community. They feel people enjoy the games, but too many still don’t know they’re going on. They want to be Birmingham’s go-to weekend activity.
January 23, 2026 at 8:17 PM
10. Season ticket sales are looking good at the moment, and the front office has put a focus on getting into the community. They feel people enjoy the games, but too many still don’t know they’re going on. They want to be Birmingham’s go-to weekend activity.
8. The friendly against Nashville was part of the deal to sell them Matthew Corcoran last season.
9. The club is viewing this as a statement game to set the tone ahead of the new season, selling it as a “reset.” With higher attendance expected, they want to retain those fans.
9. The club is viewing this as a statement game to set the tone ahead of the new season, selling it as a “reset.” With higher attendance expected, they want to retain those fans.
January 23, 2026 at 8:17 PM
8. The friendly against Nashville was part of the deal to sell them Matthew Corcoran last season.
9. The club is viewing this as a statement game to set the tone ahead of the new season, selling it as a “reset.” With higher attendance expected, they want to retain those fans.
9. The club is viewing this as a statement game to set the tone ahead of the new season, selling it as a “reset.” With higher attendance expected, they want to retain those fans.
7. There’s an added focus on data-driven individual programs for each player this year. It’s not just about team improvements, but also finding incremental ways every player can raise their game that result in better performances for the side.
January 23, 2026 at 8:17 PM
7. There’s an added focus on data-driven individual programs for each player this year. It’s not just about team improvements, but also finding incremental ways every player can raise their game that result in better performances for the side.
6. That culture starts with Heaps. He said he’s a very passionate and driven guy, and that’s what he wants to see from players, playing with their hearts on their sleeves and giving everything for the badge every time they take the field.
January 23, 2026 at 8:17 PM
6. That culture starts with Heaps. He said he’s a very passionate and driven guy, and that’s what he wants to see from players, playing with their hearts on their sleeves and giving everything for the badge every time they take the field.
5. Big focus for Heaps this season is player accountability and re-establishing standards to make sure every player comes to practice looking to improve every single day.
January 23, 2026 at 8:17 PM
5. Big focus for Heaps this season is player accountability and re-establishing standards to make sure every player comes to practice looking to improve every single day.
3. Augie Ruiz, the club’s technical director, has taken over the “GM” role when it comes to player signings.
4. Heaps had been thinking of going back into coaching since last season’s interim stint. As such, he felt the timing was right when Briggs moved on.
4. Heaps had been thinking of going back into coaching since last season’s interim stint. As such, he felt the timing was right when Briggs moved on.
January 23, 2026 at 8:17 PM
3. Augie Ruiz, the club’s technical director, has taken over the “GM” role when it comes to player signings.
4. Heaps had been thinking of going back into coaching since last season’s interim stint. As such, he felt the timing was right when Briggs moved on.
4. Heaps had been thinking of going back into coaching since last season’s interim stint. As such, he felt the timing was right when Briggs moved on.