While Birmingham Legion FC makes a playoff push in its first year of United Soccer League action, the pro soccer team is enjoying success on the field and at the box office.

Legion FC ranks the top half of the USL Championship Eastern Conference in attendance -- ranking 13th out of 36 teams in the entire league -- by drawing an average of 4,684 this season, according to Soccer Stadium Digest. BBVA Field holds a capacity of 5,300.

Team officials, though, are particularly pleased because attendance has risen throughout the season.

“We have grown as a team and it is awesome to see our supporters group continue to grow as well,” coach Tom Soehn said on Twitter following last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Memphis. “Thanks to our fans for being by our side every step along the way.”

The victory over fellow expansion team Memphis 901 FC was Birmingham’s sixth straight shutout and continued its stellar play during the second half of the USL season. In its run of shutouts -- with five victories, including a 1-0 win over then league-leading Tampa Bay, and one draw -- Legion FC has built an USL-best 555 minutes of unscored-upon minutes.

The Memphis win at home was the team’s third highest attendance of the season, a near sellout at 5,219. The team recorded its record attendance in the franchise opener on March 10 with 5,800, which counted standing-room only attendance.

“We’re averaging 90% capacity for the season over 12 home matches with five matches remaining,” Legion FC Communications Coordinator Clayton Humphries said.

Legion FC has five more regular-season home games on the schedule -- against St. Louis FC (Sept. 13), Indy Eleven (Sept. 20), Charleston Battery (Oct. 5), New York Red Bulls II (Oct. 16) and Pittsburgh Riverhounds (Oct. 20). It will be fascinating to see how the team draws while battles college football for fan interest.

Team captain Mikey Lopez said Legion FC’s players respond to the large crowds and fan enthusiasm.

“The attendance and atmosphere that the fans have given us has been amazing. They push us till the very last whistle and that was evident this past game,” Lopez said. “We continue to feed off their energy. We love them and their support, and we hope it continues as we continue our playoff push.”