New faces in the Magic City
Birmingham Legion FC forward Neco Brett (11) scores on a penalty kick during the second half of the Atlanta United FC at Birmingham Legion FC pro soccer exhibition game, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at BBVA Compass Field in Birmingham, Ala. (Photo by Vasha Hunt)
Soccer is back in the Magic City for another year. Since the beginning of the club fans have been striving to even touch a home playoff match.
That feat was finally accomplished this past season, as the Black & Gold finally hosted the first home playoff match in club history. Despite the accomplishment, many had their sights set higher and were disappointed when the team’s season finished at the hands of the Pittsburg Riverhouds in the match.
Heading into year five, the goal remains the same for the Birmingham Legion, bring a championship back to Birmingham.
Along with a new year comes changes, and the Legion have no shortage of those this year.
Let’s dive through each of the new additions to the roster that many hope to make a run all the way.
GK Seth Torman
Seth Torman was officially signed by the Legion this offseason. The goalkeeper is a native of nearby Pelham, Alabama, and led Pelham High School to a state championship in 2017.
After starting 31 games at UAB during his college career and impressed, earning him time training with Birmingham last season before being officially signed.
D Gabriel Alves
Alves comes to the Legion after an impressive career at Marshall. He anchored a backline that would ultimately go on to win the NCAA Division I National Championship in 2020. He would also earn an invite to the 2023 MLS showcase.
The Brazilian native is one to watch out for to make an instant impact in the lineup from the first matchup.
D Moses Mensah
The former Ghanaian youth international was a standout at Campbell University, claiming All-Conference First Team four straight years. He was then drafted in the third round of the MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake in 2023.
The defender could have a similar path as Jonny Dean and could provide much needed depth at that position.
F Neco Brett
A similar face to many, forward Neco Brett returns to the Legion after a two-year stent that ended just before the 2022 season. The Jamaican spend last year with New Mexico United where he scored eight goals and added three assists.
Fans can expect Brett to play a vital role in the attack and scoring for the upcoming season.
F Tyler Pasher
Possibly the biggest signing this offseason is the Tyler Pasher. The Canadian international comes to the Legion with MLS experience most recently with Houston Dynamo. Pasher brings a load of experience, as he spent time training in England as a youth along with Toronto FC.
The forward will by far be the most interesting and exciting player to keep an eye out for this coming year.
