BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 10, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the re-signing of midfielder Eli Crognale, pending league and federation approval.
“Eli is somebody that fits in well with our group in the locker room and on the field,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President & General Manager. “He’s shown continued growth as a player, and we are excited to be able to keep him to Birmingham.”
Crognale made 28 appearances in 2021 as a do-it-all central midfielder for Head Coach Tommy Soehn. On top of scoring his first two professional goals, two long range efforts that were a couple of the best goals in the USL Championship this season, the younger of the two Crognale brothers in the team added two assists, 16 chances created, 21 interceptions, 14 tackles, seven clearances, and completed 84.2% of his passes.
“I’m blessed to be able to continue my professional career in Birmingham,” said Crognale. “The city is truly beginning to feel like a home to me. I have such a good connection with the players and staff, and I think there is no better place for me to grow as a person and a player. I have high hopes for the upcoming season, and I think the guys will do big things together. I look forward to a few more relaxing meditations on the field this season.”
BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 10, 2022) — Birmingham Legion FC announced today the re-signing of midfielder Eli Crognale, pending league and federation approval.
“Eli is somebody that fits in well with our group in the locker room and on the field,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President & General Manager. “He’s shown continued growth as a player, and we are excited to be able to keep him to Birmingham.”
Crognale made 28 appearances in 2021 as a do-it-all central midfielder for Head Coach Tommy Soehn. On top of scoring his first two professional goals, two long range efforts that were a couple of the best goals in the USL Championship this season, the younger of the two Crognale brothers in the team added two assists, 16 chances created, 21 interceptions, 14 tackles, seven clearances, and completed 84.2% of his passes.
“I’m blessed to be able to continue my professional career in Birmingham,” said Crognale. “The city is truly beginning to feel like a home to me. I have such a good connection with the players and staff, and I think there is no better place for me to grow as a person and a player. I have high hopes for the upcoming season, and I think the guys will do big things together. I look forward to a few more relaxing meditations on the field this season.”
Legion FC’s #12 had a successful rookie season in Birmingham in 2020, as he played in 15 of the club’s 17 matches. In 971 minutes, he led the team in tackles (30), was fifth in chances created (9), and was tied for fifth in assists (2), interceptions (12), and blocks (4).
Crognale played college soccer at Belmont before transferring to his older brother Alex’s alma mater, the University of Maryland. While a Terrapin, he started 42 of a possible 50 matches, racked up nine assists and recorded four goals, and controlled the midfield as the Terrapins won the 2018 National Title. For his efforts on the way to the championship, Crognale was named to the 2018 College Cup All-Tournament Team. He was also named to the 2019 All-Big Ten First Team and the 2019 United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Second Team.
Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC re-signed midfielder Eli Crognale on January 10, 2022.
Player Profile:
Name: Eli Crognale
Position: Midfielder
Number: 12
Height: 6’ 0”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Birthdate: December 15, 1997 (age: 24)
Birthplace: Columbus, OH
Citizenship: United States
Previous Club: University of Maryland (NCAA D1)
Instagram: @elicrognale
Crognale will kick off his third season in Birmingham at home on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00pm at the new home of Legion FC, Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.
For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.
Legion FC’s #12 had a successful rookie season in Birmingham in 2020, as he played in 15 of the club’s 17 matches. In 971 minutes, he led the team in tackles (30), was fifth in chances created (9), and was tied for fifth in assists (2), interceptions (12), and blocks (4).
Crognale played college soccer at Belmont before transferring to his older brother Alex’s alma mater, the University of Maryland. While a Terrapin, he started 42 of a possible 50 matches, racked up nine assists and recorded four goals, and controlled the midfield as the Terrapins won the 2018 National Title. For his efforts on the way to the championship, Crognale was named to the 2018 College Cup All-Tournament Team. He was also named to the 2019 All-Big Ten First Team and the 2019 United Soccer Coaches All-North Region Second Team.
Transaction: Birmingham Legion FC re-signed midfielder Eli Crognale on January 10, 2022.
Player Profile:
Name: Eli Crognale
Position: Midfielder
Number: 12
Height: 6’ 0”
Weight: 170 lbs.
Birthdate: December 15, 1997 (age: 24)
Birthplace: Columbus, OH
Citizenship: United States
Previous Club: University of Maryland (NCAA D1)
Instagram: @elicrognale
Crognale will kick off his third season in Birmingham at home on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00pm at the new home of Legion FC, Protective Stadium, and season tickets are available now! Find more info at https://www.bhmlegion.com/2022tickets.
For all club news and updates fans are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on social media and keep an eye on https://www.bhmlegion.com and the Legion FC app. Download the Legion FC app today on Apple or Android.
