Timothy Belin
@timothybelin.bsky.social
Birmingham Legion beat writer | Freelance Sports Writer | Soccer enthusiast
https://linktr.ee/timothybelin
https://linktr.ee/timothybelin
Pinned
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...
Matt van Oekel, Temi Ereku and Ronaldo Damus are the three remaining players we await an update on.
The good news is that now the team at least has a coherent 11 to field.
The good news is that now the team at least has a coherent 11 to field.
December 24, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Matt van Oekel, Temi Ereku and Ronaldo Damus are the three remaining players we await an update on.
The good news is that now the team at least has a coherent 11 to field.
The good news is that now the team at least has a coherent 11 to field.
🚨 BREAKING 🚨: Birmingham Legion have re-signed Amir Daley, Samuel Shashoua, Sebastián Saucedo and Dawson McCartney ahead of the 2026 season.
December 24, 2025 at 9:42 PM
🚨 BREAKING 🚨: Birmingham Legion have re-signed Amir Daley, Samuel Shashoua, Sebastián Saucedo and Dawson McCartney ahead of the 2026 season.
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
December 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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...
Reposted by Timothy Belin
Forward Madison is going to regret this.
Lucca Dourado joins Tormenta after his loan from Birmingham to Madison expired, and Birmingham turned him loose. The striker had 8 goals and 2 assists in 22 regular season matches at Madison.
Lucca Dourado joins Tormenta after his loan from Birmingham to Madison expired, and Birmingham turned him loose. The striker had 8 goals and 2 assists in 22 regular season matches at Madison.
Welcome to South Georgia, Lucca Dourado! Looking forward to some golden moments in 2026!
December 19, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Forward Madison is going to regret this.
Lucca Dourado joins Tormenta after his loan from Birmingham to Madison expired, and Birmingham turned him loose. The striker had 8 goals and 2 assists in 22 regular season matches at Madison.
Lucca Dourado joins Tormenta after his loan from Birmingham to Madison expired, and Birmingham turned him loose. The striker had 8 goals and 2 assists in 22 regular season matches at Madison.
Full update of where things stand with Birmingham Legion's 2025 roster:
December 17, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Full update of where things stand with Birmingham Legion's 2025 roster:
First few returnees confirmed for Birmingham Legion: Sam McIllhatton, Peter-Lee Vassell, Sebastian Tregarthen, AJ Paterson, Trevor McMullen, Phanuel Kavita, Tyler Pasher and Ramiz Hamouda will all be back for 2026.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
Birmingham Legion FC Confirms Eight Players to Return for 2026 Season. - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC Confirms Eight Players to Return for 2026 Season. The club has confirmed contract options exercised following the 2025 season, along with players already under contract for 2026. ...
www.bhmlegion.com
December 17, 2025 at 8:56 PM
First few returnees confirmed for Birmingham Legion: Sam McIllhatton, Peter-Lee Vassell, Sebastian Tregarthen, AJ Paterson, Trevor McMullen, Phanuel Kavita, Tyler Pasher and Ramiz Hamouda will all be back for 2026.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
Birmingham Legion’s schedule for 2026 is released.
Included are USL Cup games: SAFC/Red Wolves away and Tulsa/Corspus Christi at home. One Knox is also in the group but will not face the Three Sparks, as was the case in 2025.
Included are USL Cup games: SAFC/Red Wolves away and Tulsa/Corspus Christi at home. One Knox is also in the group but will not face the Three Sparks, as was the case in 2025.
December 16, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Birmingham Legion’s schedule for 2026 is released.
Included are USL Cup games: SAFC/Red Wolves away and Tulsa/Corspus Christi at home. One Knox is also in the group but will not face the Three Sparks, as was the case in 2025.
Included are USL Cup games: SAFC/Red Wolves away and Tulsa/Corspus Christi at home. One Knox is also in the group but will not face the Three Sparks, as was the case in 2025.
Birmingham Legion will open their 2026 season at home vs Tampa Bay Rowdies on March 7th.
The Three Sparks drew one and lost the other in their two games against the Rowdies this past season.
The Three Sparks drew one and lost the other in their two games against the Rowdies this past season.
The #USL-C has announced the home openers for the 2026 season, with @brooklynfc.bsky.social and @sportingjax.bsky.social hosting games as part of a 10-game slate of action kicking off on the weekend of March 7-8.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
USL Championship Reveals 2026 Home Openers
Newcomers Brooklyn FC, Sporting Club Jacksonville open campaign at home, defending title-holder Pittsburgh set for March 28 return to Highmark
www.uslchampionship.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Birmingham Legion will open their 2026 season at home vs Tampa Bay Rowdies on March 7th.
The Three Sparks drew one and lost the other in their two games against the Rowdies this past season.
The Three Sparks drew one and lost the other in their two games against the Rowdies this past season.
Reposted by Timothy Belin
The competition format for the 2026 #USL-C season has been announced, with 25 teams set to compete in the 34-week regular season.
13 clubs in the East, including new arrivals @brooklynfc.bsky.social and @sportingjax.bsky.social, 12 in the West.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
13 clubs in the East, including new arrivals @brooklynfc.bsky.social and @sportingjax.bsky.social, 12 in the West.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
USL Championship Announces Competition Format for 2026 Season
25 teams to compete in league’s 16th campaign kicking off on Saturday, March 7
www.uslchampionship.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
The competition format for the 2026 #USL-C season has been announced, with 25 teams set to compete in the 34-week regular season.
13 clubs in the East, including new arrivals @brooklynfc.bsky.social and @sportingjax.bsky.social, 12 in the West.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
13 clubs in the East, including new arrivals @brooklynfc.bsky.social and @sportingjax.bsky.social, 12 in the West.
www.uslchampionship.com/news_article...
Reposted by Timothy Belin
We're told we should finally have #USL men's 2026 home openers and Jager Cup dates on Thursday, and full schedules out on December 16th 👀
December 9, 2025 at 7:55 PM
We're told we should finally have #USL men's 2026 home openers and Jager Cup dates on Thursday, and full schedules out on December 16th 👀
Former Birmingham Legion player Ethan Kos has found a new home
𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝑽𝑨 🔴
We are excited to announce that former Birmingham Legion and Kerry FC central defender, Ethan Kos, will be joining the club in 2026!
𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘭
📰: bit.ly/4oNQTB1
Keiter CPA | #UpTheRoos
We are excited to announce that former Birmingham Legion and Kerry FC central defender, Ethan Kos, will be joining the club in 2026!
𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘭
📰: bit.ly/4oNQTB1
Keiter CPA | #UpTheRoos
December 9, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Former Birmingham Legion player Ethan Kos has found a new home
Reposted by Timothy Belin
With Trevor Spangenberg’s retirement, a chapter has closed in Birmingham: he was the last man standing from the Legion’s inaugural game.
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
Trevor Spangenberg: against the odds - Birmingham Sports Media
From a tiny school in Indiana, a potential career-ending injury and the unstable US soccer landscape, the odds never particularly favored Trevor Spangenberg.
bhamsports.net
December 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM
With Trevor Spangenberg’s retirement, a chapter has closed in Birmingham: he was the last man standing from the Legion’s inaugural game.
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
Life of a Birmingham Legion reporter, I guess….
December 4, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Life of a Birmingham Legion reporter, I guess….
Confirmation that Birmingham Legion will not participate in the 2026 edition of the US Open Cup.
Teams, Format & Schedule Set for 2026 Open Cup 👀» ussoc.cr/ghn
#USOC2026 x @opencup.ussoccer.com x @ussoccer.com
#USOC2026 x @opencup.ussoccer.com x @ussoccer.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Confirmation that Birmingham Legion will not participate in the 2026 edition of the US Open Cup.
Big change coming to the US Open Cup next season, with multiple reports now that only 16 USL-C teams will participate.
Eligibility would be based on previous season standings, meaning Birmingham Legion would miss out in 2026.
Official announcement from USSF expected tomorrow.
Eligibility would be based on previous season standings, meaning Birmingham Legion would miss out in 2026.
Official announcement from USSF expected tomorrow.
We got some further clarification on the US Open Cup changes. Full tournament details out tomorrow, but the gist of it is the changes came from US Soccer, NOT the USL.
www.southeastsoccerreport.org/p/sources-us...
www.southeastsoccerreport.org/p/sources-us...
Sources: US Open Cup Changing Format for 2026
US Soccer limits number of clubs per professional division
www.southeastsoccerreport.org
December 4, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Big change coming to the US Open Cup next season, with multiple reports now that only 16 USL-C teams will participate.
Eligibility would be based on previous season standings, meaning Birmingham Legion would miss out in 2026.
Official announcement from USSF expected tomorrow.
Eligibility would be based on previous season standings, meaning Birmingham Legion would miss out in 2026.
Official announcement from USSF expected tomorrow.
Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe, two players with a combined 282 appearances for Birmingham Legion, have departed the club at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
bhamsports.net/2025/12/03/l...
bhamsports.net/2025/12/03/l...
Legion centurions depart - Birmingham Sports Media
Two of Birmingham Legion’s most capped players have officially departed the club following the end of the 2025 season. Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe will both take their talents to new clubs next season...
bhamsports.net
December 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe, two players with a combined 282 appearances for Birmingham Legion, have departed the club at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
bhamsports.net/2025/12/03/l...
bhamsports.net/2025/12/03/l...
Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe are the next confirmed departures for Birmingham Legion.
Probably the right time to move on from Enzo, but Jake feels like a mistake to me.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
Probably the right time to move on from Enzo, but Jake feels like a mistake to me.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
Birmingham Legion FC announces further roster updates as Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe depart the club. - Birmingham Legion FC
Birmingham Legion FC announces further roster updates as Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe depart the club. Both decisions were reached after conversations between the players and the club regarding their [...
www.bhmlegion.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Enzo Martínez and Jake Rufe are the next confirmed departures for Birmingham Legion.
Probably the right time to move on from Enzo, but Jake feels like a mistake to me.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
Probably the right time to move on from Enzo, but Jake feels like a mistake to me.
www.bhmlegion.com/news/2025/12...
With Trevor Spangenberg’s retirement, a chapter has closed in Birmingham: he was the last man standing from the Legion’s inaugural game.
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
Trevor Spangenberg: against the odds - Birmingham Sports Media
From a tiny school in Indiana, a potential career-ending injury and the unstable US soccer landscape, the odds never particularly favored Trevor Spangenberg.
bhamsports.net
December 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM
With Trevor Spangenberg’s retirement, a chapter has closed in Birmingham: he was the last man standing from the Legion’s inaugural game.
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
I wrote about the goalkeeper’s unlikely journey to the Magic City and his enduring presence for the Three Sparks ⬇️
bhamsports.net/2025/12/01/t...
Here’s my breakdown of Birmingham Legion’s roster following the first batch of postseason departures.
bhamsports.net/2025/11/26/l...
bhamsports.net/2025/11/26/l...
Legion announce initial departures - Birmingham Sports Media
Following the conclusion of the 2025 USL Championship season, Birmingham Legion announced their first batch of roster moves. In a press release sent out at 11 a.m. CT this morning, the Three Sparks na...
bhamsports.net
November 26, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Here’s my breakdown of Birmingham Legion’s roster following the first batch of postseason departures.
bhamsports.net/2025/11/26/l...
bhamsports.net/2025/11/26/l...
Very interesting that Travis and Suárez are explicitly mentioned as “end of loan,” but the Three Sparks have three other loan players.
Would suggest there is at least some discussions about bringing Sam Shashoua, Amir Daley and Ronaldo Damus back to the club.
Would suggest there is at least some discussions about bringing Sam Shashoua, Amir Daley and Ronaldo Damus back to the club.
BREAKING LEGION ROSTER DECISIONS:
CONTRACT OFFERS DECLINED:
Ethan Kos, Edwin Laszo, Erik Centeno, Kameron Lacey, Lucca Dourado, and Moses Mensah.
END OF CONTRACT: Maliek Howell, Stephen Turnbull, and Preston Tabort Etaka
END OF LOAN: Tiago Suarez, Jackson Travis
CONTRACT OFFERS DECLINED:
Ethan Kos, Edwin Laszo, Erik Centeno, Kameron Lacey, Lucca Dourado, and Moses Mensah.
END OF CONTRACT: Maliek Howell, Stephen Turnbull, and Preston Tabort Etaka
END OF LOAN: Tiago Suarez, Jackson Travis
November 26, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Very interesting that Travis and Suárez are explicitly mentioned as “end of loan,” but the Three Sparks have three other loan players.
Would suggest there is at least some discussions about bringing Sam Shashoua, Amir Daley and Ronaldo Damus back to the club.
Would suggest there is at least some discussions about bringing Sam Shashoua, Amir Daley and Ronaldo Damus back to the club.
Why does it feel like I’ve seen Sonny score more FKs in a couple of months for LAFC than I’ve seen him take in 10 years at Spurs?
Adding another free kick masterpiece to the Son Heung-Min highlight reel 😮💨
November 23, 2025 at 5:43 AM
Why does it feel like I’ve seen Sonny score more FKs in a couple of months for LAFC than I’ve seen him take in 10 years at Spurs?
And now for the awkward question. Does Bob Lilley get a medal?
#USLChampionship #PittsburghRiverhounds
#USLChampionship #PittsburghRiverhounds
November 22, 2025 at 7:55 PM
And now for the awkward question. Does Bob Lilley get a medal?
#USLChampionship #PittsburghRiverhounds
#USLChampionship #PittsburghRiverhounds
This happened before the #USLChampionship final kicked off 45 minutes ago.
Since then, the player associations for the NFL, WNBA, MLS and USWNT have all put out statements supporting the USL Players Association.
Current CBA expires Dec. 31, and the USLPA is not backing down.
Since then, the player associations for the NFL, WNBA, MLS and USWNT have all put out statements supporting the USL Players Association.
Current CBA expires Dec. 31, and the USLPA is not backing down.
What a message from both sets of players to start the USL Championship Final, wearing t-shirts that say:
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
November 22, 2025 at 6:07 PM
This happened before the #USLChampionship final kicked off 45 minutes ago.
Since then, the player associations for the NFL, WNBA, MLS and USWNT have all put out statements supporting the USL Players Association.
Current CBA expires Dec. 31, and the USLPA is not backing down.
Since then, the player associations for the NFL, WNBA, MLS and USWNT have all put out statements supporting the USL Players Association.
Current CBA expires Dec. 31, and the USLPA is not backing down.
Reposted by Timothy Belin
What a message from both sets of players to start the USL Championship Final, wearing t-shirts that say:
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
November 22, 2025 at 5:08 PM
What a message from both sets of players to start the USL Championship Final, wearing t-shirts that say:
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
"USL HQ: PRO REL? TRY PRO STANDARDS FIRST" Major statement made from the USL Players Association.
Reposted by Timothy Belin
North Carolina is going on hiatus with the loose promise of a D1 return, a decision with huge ramifications for the rest of the USL.
I break down the difficult financial future for the USL's clubs and why the league's upcoming reforms might be make-or-break.
www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
I break down the difficult financial future for the USL's clubs and why the league's upcoming reforms might be make-or-break.
www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
North Carolina FC’s hiatus exposes the cracks beneath the USL’s expressed ambition
While USL arms itself for a push towards creating a top men’s league and adding promotion and relegation, it’s clear more work is needed.
www.backheeled.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:02 PM
North Carolina is going on hiatus with the loose promise of a D1 return, a decision with huge ramifications for the rest of the USL.
I break down the difficult financial future for the USL's clubs and why the league's upcoming reforms might be make-or-break.
www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...
I break down the difficult financial future for the USL's clubs and why the league's upcoming reforms might be make-or-break.
www.backheeled.com/north-caroli...