Birmingham Legion FC and Charleston Battery played to a 2-2 draw in USL Championship action on September 13, 2026, with both sides trading momentum in a compelling match at Protective Stadium.

Back-and-forth battle

Charleston Battery, one of the league’s most consistent sides, took the lead in the 22nd minute when Nick Markanich found space at the back post and converted a precise cross. Birmingham Legion responded well, gradually pushing higher up the pitch and equalizing in the 41st minute through Enzo Martinez, who arrived late in the box to finish a flowing attacking move.

The Battery regained the lead in the 58th minute with a clinical counterattack, but Birmingham refused to fold. The Legion kept probing and were rewarded in the 77th minute when a substitute forward turned inside the penalty area and slotted home the equalizer.

Key moments

• 22' — Charleston take the lead: Nick Markanich finishes a well-delivered cross at the back post.
• 41' — Birmingham equalize: Enzo Martinez arrives late to convert a slick team move.
• 58' — Charleston restore their advantage: A fast break ends with a low finish across goal.
• 77' — Birmingham equalize again: A substitute makes an immediate impact with a composed strike.

Tactical story

Charleston Battery looked dangerous whenever they could isolate their wide attackers in one-on-one situations, and their quick transitions caused Birmingham problems throughout the first hour. Birmingham’s response was to tighten their midfield and commit more bodies forward, which left them vulnerable to counters but also created sustained pressure.

The Legion’s substitutions proved crucial. Fresh legs in the attacking third allowed them to keep intensity high in the final 20 minutes, and Charleston’s defense began to drop deeper. Both teams had chances to win it late, but a combination of saves and last-ditch blocks ensured the points were shared.

Standout players

Enzo Martinez was Birmingham’s driving force, linking midfield and attack while also scoring the first equalizer. Nick Markanich’s movement and finishing made him Charleston’s most dangerous player. Birmingham’s substitute forward changed the game after coming on, while Charleston’s goalkeeper made two important stops to preserve the draw.

What it means in the USL Championship

The draw keeps Charleston Battery in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, though they will feel they let two points slip after leading twice. Birmingham Legion will take confidence from twice coming from behind against a top opponent. In a tightly packed table, the point could prove valuable for both clubs as the postseason push intensifies.