RECAP: FC BIRMINGHAM OPENS SEASON WITH 4-0 WIN AT HOME

WRITTEN BY: HAYDEN REIS

FC BIRMINGHAM OPENS SEASON WITH 4-0 WIN AT HOME

IRONDALE, AL. Lawson Field Stadium- FC Birmingham downs expansion team FC Nashville Wolves by four goals on Saturday, May 18th, both teams season opener.

In the first half, FC Birmingham Captain, River Riley gives the home side its first goal in club history at the 35th minute that opens a stream of goals against the Wolves. Two more goals were scored in the final minutes of the half by Briana Morris and Jesse Mendel both in the 46th minute – Morris gave the assist to Mendel’s goal.
 

FC Birmingham celebrating after River Riley goal (Hayden Reis)

Riley, who found the net unprecedented for the club, played for Birmingham last season and  despite fighting hard every game to not “come out with a single goal was tough.” Scoring the goal in the first game of the season is a feeling she won't ever forget. 

“That energy on the field only continued to rise as my teammates followed close behind with their own amazing goals,” Riley said. “I hope that the rest of this season we continue to grow as a team and support one another no matter what challenges we might face.”

The second half started much like the first ended. Right back, Mia Teare scored a rocket from far out in the first two minutes to bring the home side's advantage to four. Despite the large deficit the Wolves' defense stepped up to prevent any more goals from Birmingham. In an intense play, in the Wolves’ final third territory, Sadie Phelan, cleared the ball from the goal line. Goalkeeper Deanna Noonan also made abundant saves in the half to prevent additional attacks from Birmingham to reach the back of the net. Still, the Wolve's defensive efforts weren't enough to get the expansion side on the board in its WPSL debut and the final whistle blew at 4-0.

FC Nashville Wolves look for momentum in WPSL debut (Hayden Reis)

“I definitely feel like there was more to be done on the field,” Hannah Tanner, FC Nashville Wolves captain, said “ You always hate to lose but I'm proud of our girls as we battled in our first game together. I think the future is bright for FC [Nashville] Wolves as we learn our team and develop more chemistry to fill some gaps we saw on the field.” 

Tanner, who played both right and left wing on Saturday, looks forward to playing FC Birmingham in the future. 

Goals 

#19 River Riley 35’
#22 Briana Morris 46’
#2 Jesse Mendel 46’
#11 Mia Teare 48’

YC

L. Dixson 46’

Also in action on Saturday was Nashville Rhythm F.C. versus Atlanta Fire United. The 2023 regular season conference winner, Rhythm, came away with 4-0 win against United at full time. Birmingham and Rhythm now tied in points for the Southeast Conference. 

Up Next Week 

The conference is back in action on Friday, May 24, with two games, Chattanooga FC hosts Nashville Rhythm F.C and Decatur FC versus Atlanta Fire United. In the same weekend, 865 Alliance hosts UFA Gunners.