Former standout New Hampshire central defender Josh Bauer has signed a short-term contract with Birmingham Legion in the USL Championship, it was announced last week.

“We’re excited to add Josh to our group,” President and GM Jay Heaps said in a statement. “He had an outstanding college career, and we look forward to Josh having an impact for the remainder of the season.”

Another All-American in the Magic City 🤩

Welcome to Birmingham, @josh_bauer98!https://t.co/xyWIrv8xWA | #HammerDown pic.twitter.com/HlEYTNZTWm

— Birmingham Legion FC (@bhmlegion) August 19, 2020

A redshirt senior heading into the fall, Bauer had originally planned to be part of the 2020 MLS Draft. However, he elected to return to school for this fall before the America East elected to postpone the 2020 season. After that, he made the decision to turn pro, and will join the Legion for the remainder of the year. He was named to the bench for his new team's 2-2 draw against Memphis over the weekend.

He is still expected to be eligible and take part in the 2021 MLS Draft, assuming that takes place as expected.