BIRMINGHAM, AL (Nov. 13, 2018) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of midfielder Mikey Lopez on a multi-year deal. The 25-year-old Dallas-native joins the club following a season with fellow USL team San Antonio FC, where he started 29 games and scored four goals.

“Mikey is a player of high pedigree and ample professional experience,” said Jay Heaps, Legion FC President and General Manager. “We identified him as an already talented player with an even higher ceiling. We’re proud to sign Mikey to Legion FC and are anxious to be a part of his continued career.”

Prior to moving to San Antonio, Lopez spent two seasons with New York City FC in Major League Soccer. He played in 27 games in 2016-17, and helped the team finish second in the Eastern Conference and make the MLS Playoffs both years. Playing primarily as a defensive midfielder, he made 11 starts and tacked on an assist. Originally, Lopez was drafted by Sporting Kansas City as the 14th overall pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. He spent three years with the club and made 14 MLS appearances. The defensive midfielder made his professional debut for SKC on May 29, 2013 in a U.S. Open Cup victory over the Des Moines Menace. His time in Kansas City included loan moves to USL sides Orlando City SC and Oklahoma City Energy FC in 2014 and 2015.

Before turning pro, Lopez spent two years playing collegiate soccer at the University of North Carolina. While with the Tar Heels, he was an integral part of their 2011 NCAA Championship team and was named the ACC Freshman of the Year. The midfielder made 17 appearances with the United States Under-20 National Team in 2012-13, becoming a key part of the U-20 squad that finished second in the 2013 CONCACAF Championship, qualifying for the 2013 U-20 World Cup.

Transaction: On November 13, 2018, Legion FC signed midfielder Mikey Lopez to a multi-year contract.

Player Profile:

Name: Miguel “Mikey” A. Lopez, Jr.

Position: Midfielder

Jersey Number: 5

Height: 5’ 8.5”

Weight: 161 lbs.

Birthdate: February 20, 1993 (age: 25)

Birthplace: Mission, Texas

Citizenship: United States

Previous Club: San Antonio FC (United Soccer League)

Twitter: @MLopez12_5

Instagram: @MLopez12_5

Facebook: “Mikey Lopez” @93ML5

Career Highlights:

2013 CONCACAF U-20 Runner Up

2011 NCAA Champion

2011 ACC Freshman of the Year

1st Round, 14th Pick - 2013 MLS SuperDraft

5 goals, 4 assists in pro career

About Birmingham Legion FC

Set to debut as an expansion member of the United Soccer League in 2019, Birmingham Legion FC is the Magic City’s first and only locally owned and operated professional soccer franchise. The club will play home matches at a newly renovated BBVA Compass Field, on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, beginning in the Spring of 2019. For ticket information and to purchase official Legion FC merchandise, please visit bhmlegion.com. Supporters are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest club news.