Timothy Belin
@timothybelin.bsky.social
Birmingham Legion beat writer | Freelance Sports Writer | Soccer enthusiast
https://linktr.ee/timothybelin
https://linktr.ee/timothybelin
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Timothy Belin
@timothybelin.bsky.social
· Jun 11
Mark Briggs: connected to success - Birmingham Sports Media
Profile of Mark Briggs, from his start in the West Bromwich Albion academy all the way to his latest coaching job in Birmingham, Alabama.
bhamsports.net
Very excited to share something I’ve been working on for quite some time.
I spoke with people familiar with Mark Briggs’ journey dating all the way back to his playing days for a detailed profile on Legion’s new head coach.
bhamsports.net/2025/06/11/m...
I spoke with people familiar with Mark Briggs’ journey dating all the way back to his playing days for a detailed profile on Legion’s new head coach.
bhamsports.net/2025/06/11/m...
Life of a Birmingham Legion reporter, I guess….
December 4, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Life of a Birmingham Legion reporter, I guess….
Confirmation that Birmingham Legion will not participate in the 2026 edition of the US Open Cup.
Teams, Format & Schedule Set for 2026 Open Cup 👀» ussoc.cr/ghn
#USOC2026 x @opencup.ussoccer.com x @ussoccer.com
#USOC2026 x @opencup.ussoccer.com x @ussoccer.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Confirmation that Birmingham Legion will not participate in the 2026 edition of the US Open Cup.
Big change coming to the US Open Cup next season, with multiple reports now that only 16 USL-C teams will participate.
Eligibility would be based on previous season standings, meaning Birmingham Legion would miss out in 2026.
Official announcement from USSF expected tomorrow.
Eligibility would be based on previous season standings, meaning Birmingham Legion would miss out in 2026.
Official announcement from USSF expected tomorrow.
We got some further clarification on the US Open Cup changes. Full tournament details out tomorrow, but the gist of it is the changes came from US Soccer, NOT the USL.
www.southeastsoccerreport.org/p/sources-us...
www.southeastsoccerreport.org/p/sources-us...
Sources: US Open Cup Changing Format for 2026
US Soccer limits number of clubs per professional division
www.southeastsoccerreport.org
December 4, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Big change coming to the US Open Cup next season, with multiple reports now that only 16 USL-C teams will participate.
Eligibility would be based on previous season standings, meaning Birmingham Legion would miss out in 2026.
Official announcement from USSF expected tomorrow.
Eligibility would be based on previous season standings, meaning Birmingham Legion would miss out in 2026.
Official announcement from USSF expected tomorrow.
Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe, two players with a combined 282 appearances for Birmingham Legion, have departed the club at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
bhamsports.net/2025/12/03/l...
bhamsports.net/2025/12/03/l...
Legion centurions depart - Birmingham Sports Media
Two of Birmingham Legion’s most capped players have officially departed the club following the end of the 2025 season. Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe will both take their talents to new clubs next season...
bhamsports.net
December 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe, two players with a combined 282 appearances for Birmingham Legion, have departed the club at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
bhamsports.net/2025/12/03/l...
bhamsports.net/2025/12/03/l...
Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe are the next confirmed departures for Birmingham Legion.
Probably the right time to move on from Enzo, but Jake feels like a mistake to me.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
Probably the right time to move on from Enzo, but Jake feels like a mistake to me.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
Birmingham Legion FC announces further roster updates as Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe depart the club. - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC announces further roster updates as Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe depart the club. Both decisions were reached after conversations between the players and the club regarding their [...
www.bhmlegion.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe are the next confirmed departures for Birmingham Legion.
Probably the right time to move on from Enzo, but Jake feels like a mistake to me.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
Probably the right time to move on from Enzo, but Jake feels like a mistake to me.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
With Trevor Spangenberg’s retirement, a chapter has closed in Birmingham: he was the last man standing from the Legion’s inaugural game.
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
Trevor Spangenberg: against the odds - Birmingham Sports Media
From a tiny school in Indiana, a potential career-ending injury and the unstable US soccer landscape, the odds never particularly favored Trevor Spangenberg.
bhamsports.net
December 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM
With Trevor Spangenberg’s retirement, a chapter has closed in Birmingham: he was the last man standing from the Legion’s inaugural game.
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
Here’s my breakdown of Birmingham Legion’s roster following the first batch of postseason departures.
bhamsports.net/2025/11/26/l...
bhamsports.net/2025/11/26/l...
Legion announce initial departures - Birmingham Sports Media
Following the conclusion of the 2025 USL Championship season, Birmingham Legion announced their first batch of roster moves. In a press release sent out at 11 a.m. CT this morning, the Three Sparks na...
bhamsports.net
November 26, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Here’s my breakdown of Birmingham Legion’s roster following the first batch of postseason departures.
bhamsports.net/2025/11/26/l...
bhamsports.net/2025/11/26/l...
Very interesting that Travis and Suárez are explicitly mentioned as “end of loan,” but the Three Sparks have three other loan players.
Would suggest there is at least some discussions about bringing Sam Shashoua, Amir Daley and Ronaldo Damus back to the club.
Would suggest there is at least some discussions about bringing Sam Shashoua, Amir Daley and Ronaldo Damus back to the club.
BREAKING LEGION ROSTER DECISIONS:
CONTRACT OFFERS DECLINED:
Ethan Kos, Edwin Laszo, Erik Centeno, Kameron Lacey, Lucca Dourado, and Moses Mensah.
END OF CONTRACT: Maliek Howell, Stephen Turnbull, and Preston Tabort Etaka
END OF LOAN: Tiago Suarez, Jackson Travis
CONTRACT OFFERS DECLINED:
Ethan Kos, Edwin Laszo, Erik Centeno, Kameron Lacey, Lucca Dourado, and Moses Mensah.
END OF CONTRACT: Maliek Howell, Stephen Turnbull, and Preston Tabort Etaka
END OF LOAN: Tiago Suarez, Jackson Travis
November 26, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Very interesting that Travis and Suárez are explicitly mentioned as “end of loan,” but the Three Sparks have three other loan players.
Would suggest there is at least some discussions about bringing Sam Shashoua, Amir Daley and Ronaldo Damus back to the club.
Would suggest there is at least some discussions about bringing Sam Shashoua, Amir Daley and Ronaldo Damus back to the club.
Why does it feel like I’ve seen Sonny score more FKs in a couple of months for LAFC than I’ve seen him take in 10 years at Spurs?
Adding another free kick masterpiece to the Son Heung-Min highlight reel 😮💨
November 23, 2025 at 5:43 AM
Why does it feel like I’ve seen Sonny score more FKs in a couple of months for LAFC than I’ve seen him take in 10 years at Spurs?
And now for the awkward question. Does Bob Lilley get a medal?
#USLChampionship #PittsburghRiverhounds
#USLChampionship #PittsburghRiverhounds
November 22, 2025 at 7:55 PM
And now for the awkward question. Does Bob Lilley get a medal?
#USLChampionship #PittsburghRiverhounds
#USLChampionship #PittsburghRiverhounds
This happened before the #USLChampionship final kicked off 45 minutes ago.
Since then, the player associations for the NFL, WNBA, MLS and USWNT have all put out statements supporting the USL Players Association.
Current CBA expires Dec. 31, and the USLPA is not backing down.
Since then, the player associations for the NFL, WNBA, MLS and USWNT have all put out statements supporting the USL Players Association.
Current CBA expires Dec. 31, and the USLPA is not backing down.
What a message from both sets of players to start the USL Championship Final, wearing t-shirts that say:
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
November 22, 2025 at 6:07 PM
This happened before the #USLChampionship final kicked off 45 minutes ago.
Since then, the player associations for the NFL, WNBA, MLS and USWNT have all put out statements supporting the USL Players Association.
Current CBA expires Dec. 31, and the USLPA is not backing down.
Since then, the player associations for the NFL, WNBA, MLS and USWNT have all put out statements supporting the USL Players Association.
Current CBA expires Dec. 31, and the USLPA is not backing down.
Reposted by Timothy Belin
What a message from both sets of players to start the USL Championship Final, wearing t-shirts that say:
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
November 22, 2025 at 5:08 PM
What a message from both sets of players to start the USL Championship Final, wearing t-shirts that say:
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
Reposted by Timothy Belin
North Carolina is going on hiatus with the loose promise of a D1 return, a decision with huge ramifications for the rest of the USL.
I break down the difficult financial future for the USL's clubs and why the league's upcoming reforms might be make-or-break.
www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
I break down the difficult financial future for the USL's clubs and why the league's upcoming reforms might be make-or-break.
www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
North Carolina FC’s hiatus exposes the cracks beneath the USL’s expressed ambition
While USL arms itself for a push towards creating a top men’s league and adding promotion and relegation, it’s clear more work is needed.
www.backheeled.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:02 PM
North Carolina is going on hiatus with the loose promise of a D1 return, a decision with huge ramifications for the rest of the USL.
I break down the difficult financial future for the USL's clubs and why the league's upcoming reforms might be make-or-break.
www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
I break down the difficult financial future for the USL's clubs and why the league's upcoming reforms might be make-or-break.
www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
With the season officially over for Birmingham Legion, it’s time to take a look at the roster and decide who deserves to return in 2026.
Welcome to @BirminghamSport’s Roster Review of the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/10/30/b...
Welcome to @BirminghamSport’s Roster Review of the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/10/30/b...
Birmingham Legion 2025: Roster Review - Birmingham Sports Media
With the season officially over for Birmingham Legion, it's time to take a look at the roster and decide who should return in 2026.
bhamsports.net
October 30, 2025 at 8:40 PM
With the season officially over for Birmingham Legion, it’s time to take a look at the roster and decide who deserves to return in 2026.
Welcome to @BirminghamSport’s Roster Review of the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/10/30/b...
Welcome to @BirminghamSport’s Roster Review of the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/10/30/b...
You didn’t think I’d forget, did you?
Time for one final Tuesday Talking Points, looking at Edwin Laszo at CB, Samuel Shashoua and Amir Daley’s performances and future, Mark Briggs’ sideline presence and Ramiz Hamouda’s World Cup dream.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
Time for one final Tuesday Talking Points, looking at Edwin Laszo at CB, Samuel Shashoua and Amir Daley’s performances and future, Mark Briggs’ sideline presence and Ramiz Hamouda’s World Cup dream.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
More experimentation, loanee futures, Briggs' sideline presence and Hamouda's World Cup dream
My Birmingham Legion talking points following Sunday's USL Championship defeat to Miami FC
open.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:17 AM
You didn’t think I’d forget, did you?
Time for one final Tuesday Talking Points, looking at Edwin Laszo at CB, Samuel Shashoua and Amir Daley’s performances and future, Mark Briggs’ sideline presence and Ramiz Hamouda’s World Cup dream.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
Time for one final Tuesday Talking Points, looking at Edwin Laszo at CB, Samuel Shashoua and Amir Daley’s performances and future, Mark Briggs’ sideline presence and Ramiz Hamouda’s World Cup dream.
open.substack.com/pub/timothyb...
Individual errors, a lack of ruthlessness and poor officiating: a fitting home finale to Birmingham Legion’s 2025 season.
My recap for @BirminghamSport ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/10/19/l...
My recap for @BirminghamSport ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/10/19/l...
Legion fail to make advantage pay in home finale - Birmingham Sports Media
Despite playing over an hour with a numerical advantage, Birmingham Legion could not defeat Miami FC in their final home game of the season.
bhamsports.net
October 20, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Individual errors, a lack of ruthlessness and poor officiating: a fitting home finale to Birmingham Legion’s 2025 season.
My recap for @BirminghamSport ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/10/19/l...
My recap for @BirminghamSport ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/10/19/l...
FINAL: Legion 2-3 Miami
Despite spending 70 minutes with a man-advantage, the Three Sparks fall to Miami and are now level on points with the bottom team in the league.
#BHMvMIA
Despite spending 70 minutes with a man-advantage, the Three Sparks fall to Miami and are now level on points with the bottom team in the league.
#BHMvMIA
October 19, 2025 at 11:08 PM
FINAL: Legion 2-3 Miami
Despite spending 70 minutes with a man-advantage, the Three Sparks fall to Miami and are now level on points with the bottom team in the league.
#BHMvMIA
Despite spending 70 minutes with a man-advantage, the Three Sparks fall to Miami and are now level on points with the bottom team in the league.
#BHMvMIA
60’ Dawson McCartney curls one just wide for his final action of the game. He is replaced by Enzo Martínez, while Tyler Pasher is also on for Peter-Lee Vassell.
1-3
#BHMvMIA
1-3
#BHMvMIA
October 19, 2025 at 10:31 PM
60’ Dawson McCartney curls one just wide for his final action of the game. He is replaced by Enzo Martínez, while Tyler Pasher is also on for Peter-Lee Vassell.
1-3
#BHMvMIA
1-3
#BHMvMIA
Second half underway with one substitution for Birmingham.
Edwin Laszo is off, with Jackson Travis in his place. Dawson McCartney has moved to a central role.
1-3
#BHMvMIA
Edwin Laszo is off, with Jackson Travis in his place. Dawson McCartney has moved to a central role.
1-3
#BHMvMIA
October 19, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Second half underway with one substitution for Birmingham.
Edwin Laszo is off, with Jackson Travis in his place. Dawson McCartney has moved to a central role.
1-3
#BHMvMIA
Edwin Laszo is off, with Jackson Travis in his place. Dawson McCartney has moved to a central role.
1-3
#BHMvMIA
I’ve written about how it’s time to move on from him, but I’d like to see Enzo Martínez early in the second half.
Laszo + three centerbacks is overkill with the extra man, and Martínez is great at drifting into space, which there should be plenty of with the numerical advantage.
Laszo + three centerbacks is overkill with the extra man, and Martínez is great at drifting into space, which there should be plenty of with the numerical advantage.
October 19, 2025 at 10:14 PM
I’ve written about how it’s time to move on from him, but I’d like to see Enzo Martínez early in the second half.
Laszo + three centerbacks is overkill with the extra man, and Martínez is great at drifting into space, which there should be plenty of with the numerical advantage.
Laszo + three centerbacks is overkill with the extra man, and Martínez is great at drifting into space, which there should be plenty of with the numerical advantage.
Halftime: Legion 1-3 Miami
Despite being a man up, Birmingham find themselves two goals down.
That’s not to say they haven’t shown some exciting stuff, with Peter-Lee Vassell and Samuel Shashoua in particular putting on a show for the final home game of the season.
#BHMvMIA
Despite being a man up, Birmingham find themselves two goals down.
That’s not to say they haven’t shown some exciting stuff, with Peter-Lee Vassell and Samuel Shashoua in particular putting on a show for the final home game of the season.
#BHMvMIA
October 19, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Halftime: Legion 1-3 Miami
Despite being a man up, Birmingham find themselves two goals down.
That’s not to say they haven’t shown some exciting stuff, with Peter-Lee Vassell and Samuel Shashoua in particular putting on a show for the final home game of the season.
#BHMvMIA
Despite being a man up, Birmingham find themselves two goals down.
That’s not to say they haven’t shown some exciting stuff, with Peter-Lee Vassell and Samuel Shashoua in particular putting on a show for the final home game of the season.
#BHMvMIA
Reposted by Timothy Belin
I wish literally ANYBODY believed in me like Briggs believes in Edwin Laszo.
October 19, 2025 at 9:48 PM
I wish literally ANYBODY believed in me like Briggs believes in Edwin Laszo.
Edwin Laszo is back in midfield now after two giveaways led to two goals.
Ramiz Hamouda now as the central centerback.
Ramiz Hamouda now as the central centerback.
October 19, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Edwin Laszo is back in midfield now after two giveaways led to two goals.
Ramiz Hamouda now as the central centerback.
Ramiz Hamouda now as the central centerback.
38’ Goal Miami
The 10-men show they’re not going down without a fight, sitting MVO down after getting first to a crossbar rebound.
Edwin Laszo once again at fault to turn the ball over right outside the box.
1-3
#BHMvMIA
The 10-men show they’re not going down without a fight, sitting MVO down after getting first to a crossbar rebound.
Edwin Laszo once again at fault to turn the ball over right outside the box.
1-3
#BHMvMIA
October 19, 2025 at 9:47 PM
38’ Goal Miami
The 10-men show they’re not going down without a fight, sitting MVO down after getting first to a crossbar rebound.
Edwin Laszo once again at fault to turn the ball over right outside the box.
1-3
#BHMvMIA
The 10-men show they’re not going down without a fight, sitting MVO down after getting first to a crossbar rebound.
Edwin Laszo once again at fault to turn the ball over right outside the box.
1-3
#BHMvMIA