Player ratings, week 6 vs F.C. Tulsa

Both Birmingham and Brett finally see their first multi goal match against F.C. Tulsa at BBVA Field, A.K.A. “ The Bank.” Coach Tommy Soehn opted to change the Legion formation once again Sunday evening, pushing J.J. Williams up alongside Neco Brett. Going for more firepower paid off for Birmingham Legion, as they saw out the win. Here’s how everyone looked in this attacking formation.

11: Neco Brett – 9.5 – Neco Brett took full advantage of his strike partnership against F.C. Tulsa, and bagged two goals to secure the win. Afforded more space to work, by way of the change in formation, Brett made the most of a thinned Tulsa back line and put the game to rest after a lengthy weather delay. 

23: J.J. Williams – 9.0 – Seems like J.J. found that sweet spot in his positioning against F.C. Tulsa. Sunday he was able to find a spot, a bit behind Brett, but not as deep as before in this formation. He used that to challenge for aerial duels, fight for second balls, and drive directly at the back line eventually winding up with the assist on the first goal.

8: Bruno Lapa – 8.0 – A shorter stint than he’s used to, but Lapa still ran the midfield while on the pitch. His ball control and passing are looking better each match. 

6: Anderson Asiedu – 8.0 – Such a consistent contender for Birmingham Legion. Once again, his coverage in the midfield was impeccable.

20: Zachary Herivaux – 7.0 – Another good outing in a different position. Herivaux keeps doing well. When he solidifies a position in this squad, we should see what he’s really all about.

7: Ryan James – 7.0 – James continues to be a threat in the Legion attack. His connection with Kavita keeps him comfortable to go forward, and it’s been paying off.

24: Johnny Dean – 7.0 – He was here, he was there. He was also a little at fault for the Tulsa goal. Having sprinted up and down the right flank all evening, even almost completing a pass to himself, I’ll cut him a little slack. Other than being beaten off the ball in the box, Johnny put on another classic Dean performance. 

3: Phanuel Kavita – 7.0 – The captain puts in another solid performance. 

21: Alex Crognale – 7.5 – After a lengthy stint away, Crognale didn’t miss a beat coming back onto the pitch. He tracked a Tulsa attack from near the midway line, only to make an outstanding tackle in his own box. He nearly bagged himself a goal upon his return. 

22 Ben Ofeimu – 7.0 – Ofeimu seems to have staked his claim in Legions starting line up, with consistency. He’s not always the most flashy, but does his work diligently regardless. 

1: Matt Vanoekel – 9.0 – Vanoekel gets another highlight reel, save of the week worthy, stop. Maybe even a few highlight worthy stops, but wasn’t able to hold on to the clean sheet Sunday night. Still a pretty stellar night for the Legion Keeper.

Subs & More: 

77: Junior Flemmings – 7.5 – The definition of an attacking midfielder. He was demanding the ball, and driving through the Tulsa midfield from the moment he subbed in. His aggressive, yet tight, dribbling opened space for the pass to Brett, and Birmingham’s second for the evening. 

12: Eli Crognale – 6.5 – Eli was able to connect with his brother Alex to secure a clearance or two, and stop a few Tulsa attacks. A standard outing for the midfielder.

16: Daigo Kobayashi – 6.0 – A short stretch of play for the legendary Japanese international. 

Coach Soehn – 7.5 – The 3-5-2 formation is fun. It also seemed to be a little smoother this past weekend.Birmingham Legion’s more creative players are thriving in this set up. The formation change at the end was questionable, and saw Legion give up their clean sheet after it was implemented. Maybe offense is a better defense for Birmingham Legion F.C?

17: Jaden Servania – 8.0 – Jaden made his first appearance for the Puerto Rico Men’s National team earlier this year in January. This past weekend he came on as a sub, and bagged a goal and an assist in a 7-0 rout of the Bahamas.