Johannes Bergmann signs with Birmingham Legion FC in USL Championship

From being an NCAA National Champion in 2018 to showcasing his talent in the 2019 College Showcase, and then making it to the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, Johannes Bergmann has had an incredible journey. This year, he made the leap from college soccer to professional play, signing with Birmingham Legion FC in the USL Championship (the second division of U.S. soccer). Johannes is the only German college player to be part of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft and is now ready to make his mark in Alabama.

Birmingham Legion FC

“I’m very happy to announce that I’ve signed with Birmingham Legion FC. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family, friends, teammates, and God. I’m incredibly excited about this new chapter in my life and can’t wait for the season to begin!” – Johannes Bergmann

The 25-year-old Johannes Bergmann most recently played for the University of Maryland from 2017 to 2019, starting 61 of a possible 63 games. He anchored the backline as the Terrapins won the 2018 National Title. Bergmann was named First Team All-Big Ten and was included in the United Soccer Coaches All-North Region First Team in 2019.

“We are excited to add Johannes to the team. He is an excellent defender and will strengthen the spine of our team,” said Legion FC President and General Manager, Jay Heaps.

Before his time in the U.S., Bergmann grew up playing for the German Bundesliga youth club RW Erfurt and spent three years with FSV Wacker Nordhausen, making 56 appearances. He was also a member of the German Under-18 and Under-20 National Teams.

About Birmingham Legion FC

Launched in 2018 as an expansion member of the USL Championship, Birmingham Legion FC is the Magic City’s first and only locally owned and operated professional soccer franchise. Legion FC finished their inaugural campaign in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the USL Championship playoffs. The club plays home matches at BBVA Field, on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Player Profile:
Name: Johannes Bergmann
Position: Defender
Number: 4
Height: 6’ 1”
Weight: 186 lbs.
Birthdate: September 29, 1994 (age: 25)
Birthplace: Erfurt, Germany
Citizenship: Germany
Previous Club: University of Maryland (NCAA D1)

The adidas MLS College Showcase

The three-day event offers employees from all MLS clubs the opportunity to view the best college players in the country, including those with remaining NCAA eligibility.

40 top college players took part in the adidas MLS College Showcase 2019, from Freshman to Seniors. The players take part in a series of training sessions, tests, interviews and test games. MLS clubs can interact with potential draft players without endangering the players’ college eligibility.

The adidas MLS College Showcase 2019 took place in combination with the NCAA Men’s College Cup 2019 and is an NCAA officially approved scouting event that is closed to the public.