KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Former Western Michigan men's soccer standout Jake Rufe has signed a contract to join Birmingham Legion FC, a part of the USL Championship.
 
"I'm proud of Jake," WMU head coach Chad Wiseman said. "He has worked hard for this opportunity and will continue to represent Western Michigan well. He was a three-year starter for us in Kalamazoo and now gets to play in his home state with a squad that is just one step away from MLS competition. We continue to cheer loudly for Jake."
 
Rufe started 51 of 55 matches during his three years with the Broncos. He tallied two goals and four assists while earning second team All-Mid-American Conference accolades in 2017 and MAC All-Tournament Team honors in 2018. Rufe was an Academic All-MAC selection in 2017 and 2018. He scored his first goal as a Bronco in a 5-0 victory versus Stetson on August 27, 2017.
 
During his time at Western Michigan, Rufe played with AFC Ann Arbor, in USL League Two, in 2016 and 2017. He returned to AFC Ann Arbor in 2019 following a year with the USL League Two's Michigan Bucks. Prior to his collegiate and professional careers, Rufe grew up in Huntsville, Ala., where he attended Grissom High School and was named Gatorade Alabama Boys State Player of the Year in 2014. Rufe is the third player of the year selection to sign with Legion FC, following Chandler Hoffman (2008 & 2009) and JJ Williams (2016).
 
"Jake and Eli [Crognale] are good additions to the team as they both bring versatility and depth to our group," Legion FC President and GM Jay Heaps said. "Each player spent the preseason with the Club before signing in March, but due to the escalation of COVID-19, we held off on making this announcement. We are excited that they are with the Club and ready to go when training and play resume."
 
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