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Neco Brett’s hat-trick is the highlight of the night but a class performance from the whole team earned the win
TULSA, OK (August 23, 2023) – Birmingham Legion FC picked up an important win against FC Tulsa on Wednesday night, jumping up to 6th place in the USL Championship Standings. Working on only three days of rest since its victory against Louisville City FC, the Black & Gold put its quality on display.
Neco Brett scored a hat-trick in the first half after Birmingham went down by one goal in the 14th minute. A whirlwind of a first half, it was arguably the best reply to a deficit in Legion history.
Tulsa’s opening goal of the match — the only goal of the match — was off of a finish from the Oklahoma side’s top scorer Philip Goodrum.
Getting a hold of the ball inside the box at the right side of Legion’s goal, Goodrum put one in the near post.
“The first one was a little bit against the run of play because I thought we actually came out and did what we wanted to do,” said Head Coach Tommy Soehn on Tulsa’s goal. “We made it difficult for them but they got through and they scored. But we talked about if anything happens, we just stick to our game plan.”
Birmingham was quick to reply to its one-goal deficit. Just five minutes later the visitors won themselves a penalty kick that Neco Brett calmly converted by burying it low to the ground in the bottom left corner.
Energized by the goal, Legion’s attack came alive. The next fifteen minutes of play was a Brett scoring frenzy. After a shot by Diba Nwegbo deflected high into the air, players assumed the ball went out of play. Martinez was aware enough to keep it alive, however, and sent in a cross to Brett that the Jamaican buried first touch.
Brett’s second goal of the match in the 21st minute was only two minutes after his first.
Birmingham went on to score its final goal of the night in the 33rd minute. Nwegbo sent a cross from the left channel over to Brett in the box, and the veteran striker put it in the net on his first touch of a half-volley.
Brett’s third goal of the night marked his first hat-trick for Birmingham. The second hat-trick in Legion history, and the second hat-trick of Brett’s professional career. Brett is Legion’s top goalscorer with 36 goals in a Birmingham shirt. He has scored more goals for the Black & Gold than any other professional team.
“It feels really good,” said Brett on scoring his first hat-trick for Legion FC “You know what I mean? It’s always good to score, but most importantly, we get three points, especially on the road is always good. We really needed that. In the last ten games of the season, we’re really pushing for a home playoff spot. We’re not just trying to make a playoff, we’re trying to at least get a home playoff game so our fans can get to come out and enjoy us having a home playoff game.”
Newcomer no. 28 Preston Etaka also made his debut for Legion tonight. Coming on in the 64th minute he displayed a lot of quality in getting behind Tulsa’s defense.
“It was nice to get Preston on the field,” said Soehn. “I think you see some of his qualities.”
Birmingham held onto its lead for the remainder of the game, showing how much it has improved defensively over the past couple of weeks. Even without its starting center back Alex Crognale due to yellow card accumulation, the Legionnaires kept their composure. Jake Rufe replaced Crognale at the center back position and had a great performance.
“I thought Rufe came in and did a really good job for Alex,” said Soehn on Rufe’s performance. “Obviously we miss Alex dearly, but Rufe came in and did a fantastic job.”
“It’s obviously something you strive for,” said Soehn on Legion’s recent improvement in form. “Especially in the latter part of the season, that you get the confidence to know that you’re going to win games and it’s kind of like a habit. You get used to winning, and I think we’re not giving up a ton, which I’m happy with, and we’re creating a lot. But everybody’s bought into doing the little stuff that helped you win. Defending hard, winning tackles, turning those into chances. Credit to Neco with three really good goals.”
“Everyone is really excited, happy for the win, but this is what we need,” goalscorer Brett said on the win. “We’re working really hard and the guys enjoy working really hard and reaping the reward of getting three points. So we just need to continue to work really hard and just stick together as a team and keep this train going.”
Match Details
Box Score:
1st Half | 2nd Half | |
Tulsa | 1 | 0 |
Birmingham | 3 | 0 |
Goals:
TUL – 14′ – #10 Phillip Goodrum (assisted by #20 Milo Yosef)
BHM – 19′ – #11 Neco Brett (p)
BHM – 21′ – #11 Neco Brett (assisted by #19 Enzo Martinez)
BHM – 33′ – #11 Neco Brett (assisted by #7 Diba Nwegbo)
Starting XI:
BHM – 4-3-2-1 – #1 Matt VanOekel; #3 Phanuel Kavita, #4 Collin Smith, #13 Jake Rufe, #33 Moses Mensah (81′ – #33 Moses Mensah); #10 Prosper Kasim, #17 Matthew Corcoran (64′ – #5 Mikey Lopez), #19 Enzo Martinez; #9 Juan Agudelo (91′ – #23 Grayson Dupont), #7 Diba Nwegbo (64′ – #28 Preston Etaka); #11 Neco Brett (81′ – #96 Tyler Freeman)
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