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 ⤵️
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.
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...
Jay Heaps and Nick Hall just gave a joint press conference to talk about Heaps’ head coach appointment, the Nashville friendly and the upcoming season. I’ll have a full story out tonight, but here’s some quick points:
January 23, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Jay Heaps and Nick Hall just gave a joint press conference to talk about Heaps’ head coach appointment, the Nashville friendly and the upcoming season. I’ll have a full story out tonight, but here’s some quick points:
After 7 years and 173 appearances with Birmingham Legion, Matt van Oekel has decided to call time on his playing career.
The veteran goalkeeper will remain at the club as head goalkeeper coach.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/22/m...
The veteran goalkeeper will remain at the club as head goalkeeper coach.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/22/m...
Matt van Oekel calls quits on lengthy career - Birmingham Sports Media
After seven seasons with Birmingham Legion, Matt van Oekel has decided to call it quits and hang up the gloves.
bhamsports.net
January 23, 2026 at 2:54 AM
After 7 years and 173 appearances with Birmingham Legion, Matt van Oekel has decided to call time on his playing career.
The veteran goalkeeper will remain at the club as head goalkeeper coach.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/22/m...
The veteran goalkeeper will remain at the club as head goalkeeper coach.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/22/m...
And with that, the last man standing from Birmingham Legion’s inaugural season is gone….
@bhmlegion.bsky.social has announced the retirement of longtime goalkeeper Matt VanOekel.
The 38-year-old ranked fourth in #USL-C history with 50 shutouts and third with 520 saves in 181 regular season appearances.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
The 38-year-old ranked fourth in #USL-C history with 50 shutouts and third with 520 saves in 181 regular season appearances.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Birmingham Legion FC and Matt VanOekel Announce Veteran Goalkeeper’s Retirement from Professional Soccer - Birmingham Legion FC
After an extraordinary 18-year professional career, Birmingham Legion FC and veteran goalkeeper Matt VanOekel announce his retirement from professional soccer. VanOekel’s career spanned nearly two dec...
www.bhmlegion.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:23 AM
And with that, the last man standing from Birmingham Legion’s inaugural season is gone….
Confirmation that Ronaldo Damus has rejoined the club ahead of the 2026 season.
The Haitian was one of the few bright spots for the Three Sparks last season, leading the team with 11 goals.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
The Haitian was one of the few bright spots for the Three Sparks last season, leading the team with 11 goals.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Birmingham Legion FC Announces the Return of Ronaldo Damus for the 2026 Season - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC is proud to announce the return of forward Ronaldo Damus for the 2026 USL Championship season, welcoming back one of the club’s most impactful and accomplished attacking […]
www.bhmlegion.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Confirmation that Ronaldo Damus has rejoined the club ahead of the 2026 season.
The Haitian was one of the few bright spots for the Three Sparks last season, leading the team with 11 goals.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
The Haitian was one of the few bright spots for the Three Sparks last season, leading the team with 11 goals.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
After undergoing medicals last week, Birmingham Legion’s preseason starts for real today.
And it looks like the social media team gave away that a certain Haitian forward is back in the building….
And it looks like the social media team gave away that a certain Haitian forward is back in the building….
January 19, 2026 at 7:26 PM
After undergoing medicals last week, Birmingham Legion’s preseason starts for real today.
And it looks like the social media team gave away that a certain Haitian forward is back in the building….
And it looks like the social media team gave away that a certain Haitian forward is back in the building….
Legion now have 15 confirmed players taking part in preseason, which starts next week.
Additionally, it is my understanding Temi Ereku will also be back for preseason even though there’s been no announcement on his status. The club might look to loan him out again though.
Additionally, it is my understanding Temi Ereku will also be back for preseason even though there’s been no announcement on his status. The club might look to loan him out again though.
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...
Birmingham Legion Roster Tracker
Keeping tabs on the Three Sparks' roster ahead of the 2026 season
open.substack.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Legion now have 15 confirmed players taking part in preseason, which starts next week.
Additionally, it is my understanding Temi Ereku will also be back for preseason even though there’s been no announcement on his status. The club might look to loan him out again though.
Additionally, it is my understanding Temi Ereku will also be back for preseason even though there’s been no announcement on his status. The club might look to loan him out again though.
Birmingham Legion announce trialists for the preseason: winger Alhassan Alhassan, formerly of Chatt. Red Wolves (who assisted their one goal against Legion in the Jäger Cup) and goalkeeper Daniel Gagliardi, formerly of Miami FC.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Birmingham Legion FC Announces 2026 Preseason Trialists - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC has invited two trialists to preseason training ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The trialists were identified through the club’s offseason evaluation process and will j...
www.bhmlegion.com
January 16, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Birmingham Legion announce trialists for the preseason: winger Alhassan Alhassan, formerly of Chatt. Red Wolves (who assisted their one goal against Legion in the Jäger Cup) and goalkeeper Daniel Gagliardi, formerly of Miami FC.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
What stands out to me is the emphasis on a “pathway that could support [his] continued development” and wanting a move that would “be structured to prioritize his long-term development and success.”
Could this be a hint Legion want a loan back for the rest of the season?
Could this be a hint Legion want a loan back for the rest of the season?
I’m assuming a post about it is imminent, but Birmingham Legion have discreetly uploaded a press release on Ramiz Hamouda’s future to their website.
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Birmingham Legion FC and SV Werder Bremen in Advanced Discussions Regarding Ramiz Hamouda - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC and SV Werder Bremen are currently in advanced discussions regarding a potential future move for defender Ramiz Hamouda to the Bundesliga club’s program, pending the completion of...
www.bhmlegion.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:13 PM
What stands out to me is the emphasis on a “pathway that could support [his] continued development” and wanting a move that would “be structured to prioritize his long-term development and success.”
Could this be a hint Legion want a loan back for the rest of the season?
Could this be a hint Legion want a loan back for the rest of the season?
I’m assuming a post about it is imminent, but Birmingham Legion have discreetly uploaded a press release on Ramiz Hamouda’s future to their website.
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Birmingham Legion FC and SV Werder Bremen in Advanced Discussions Regarding Ramiz Hamouda - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC and SV Werder Bremen are currently in advanced discussions regarding a potential future move for defender Ramiz Hamouda to the Bundesliga club’s program, pending the completion of...
www.bhmlegion.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:09 PM
I’m assuming a post about it is imminent, but Birmingham Legion have discreetly uploaded a press release on Ramiz Hamouda’s future to their website.
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Confirmation that they are in discussions with Werder Bremen for his transfer this summer ⬇️
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Timothy Belin
Last year, we knew that Ramiz was going on trial with Bremen. As we all assumed, Hamouda will be moving to Europe as soon as he is 18.
Congratulations to Raz.
Congratulations to Raz.
January 13, 2026 at 6:11 PM
Last year, we knew that Ramiz was going on trial with Bremen. As we all assumed, Hamouda will be moving to Europe as soon as he is 18.
Congratulations to Raz.
Congratulations to Raz.
Article updated following the official announcement that Jay Heaps will be taking over as head coach for the 2026 season. ⬇️
Mark Briggs is officially out as Birmingham Legion's head coach, less than a year into the job.
With preseason starting up and under two months to the team's season opener, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/12/b...
With preseason starting up and under two months to the team's season opener, the timing could hardly be worse for the Three Sparks.
bhamsports.net/2026/01/12/b...
Briggs out as Birmingham Legion head coach - Birmingham Sports Media
Mark Briggs is out as Birmingham Legion head coach less than a full year into the job, having accepted an assistant job at FC Dallas.
bhamsports.net
January 12, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Article updated following the official announcement that Jay Heaps will be taking over as head coach for the 2026 season. ⬇️