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USL Philadelphia Union II

Bethlehem Steel FC Drops Decision at Rival Penn FC

July 6, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Philadelphia Union II News Release


Chris Nanco of Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Penn FC
Chris Nanco of Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Penn FC
(Philadelphia Union II)

HARRISBURG, PA. - Bethlehem Steel FC saw its season-long five-match unbeaten streak come to an end on the road, falling on the road at rival Penn FC, 3-2.

Bethlehem Steel FC jumped out to the early lead with a strike from Philadelphia Union midfielder Fabian Herbers in the 17th minute of play. The German international collected a pass from Santi Moar, spinning to his left and taking four touches before firing a right-footed shot pass Penn FC's Romu Peiser. The assist was Moar's 11th of his career, becoming the club's all-time leader.

The lead didn't last for long as the hosts used their aerial awareness to strike for two goals in five minutes. After Steel FC goalkeeper Jake McGuire made a diving save on a shot from Isaac Osae, the rebound was chased down by Frederick Opuku at the far post and fired into the back of the net at the tight angle. The hosts took the lead in the 25th minute once again off a McGuire save. Off a set piece, McGuire tipped Paulo Junior's off the crossbar but Lucky Mkosasa found himself open inside the box and finished it off the play for his sixth goal of the year.

After getting outshot by a 17-5 margin in the first half, Steel FC return to the pitch looking for an equalizer early in the final period which the hosts took advantage of. Forcing a turnover in the midfield, Mkosana changed the point of attack with a pass to Isaac Osae at the edge of the box. Unmarked on the quick buildup, the Ghanian beat the keeper with a hard right-footed shot into the upper 90.

With the deficit at two, Steel FC nearly got a goal back in the 66th minute. After earning a free kick, Moar lifted a cross to the far post toward an unmarked Drew Skundrich at the far post but the rookie was unable to get a header on the service.

Seeking some magic much like the contest against New York Red Bulls II, Steel FC trimmed the Penn FC lead to one in the 82nd minute. Pushing hard for a result, outside back Olivier Mbaizo came forward with a run into the 18-yard-box and was taken down by Calvin Rezende. Herbers calmly beat the keeper with a conversion from the penalty spot which ultimately ended the scoring.

Steel FC has little time to dwell on the match as it continues a busy slate at Atlanta United 2 on Wednesday, July 11. The inaugural contest will be held at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, GA., and is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m.

MATCH RECAP

Bethlehem Steel FC 2, Penn FC 3

FNB Field

Harrisburg, PA.

MATCH STATS

Shots: 29-8 (Penn FC)

Shots On Goal: 12-6 (Penn FC)

Corners: 5-5

Saves: 9-3 (Bethlehem)

SCORING SUMMARY

BST - 17' Fabian Herbers (Santi Moar)

PEN - 20' Frederick Opoku

PEN - 25' Lucky Mkosana

PEN - 55' Isaac Osae (Lucky Mkosana)

BST - 82' Fabian Herbers (PK)

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY

BST - 6' Richie Marquez (Yellow Card)

BST - 68' Fabian Herbers (Yellow Card)

BST - 83' James Chambers (Yellow Card)

BETHLEHEM STEEL FC STARTING XI

Jake McGuire; Matt Real, Brandon Aubrey, Richie Marquez (Matt Mahoney 86'), Olivier Mbaizo; James Chambers, Derrick Jones; Santi Moar (Tonny Temple 79'), Anthony Fontana (Drew Skundrich 63'), Chris Nanco; Fabian Herbers.

Substitutes not used: Tomas Romero, Prosper Chiluya, Ben Ofeimu, Mike Catalano.

PENN FC STARTING XI

Romu Peiser; Pedro Galvao, Harri Hawkins, Kyle Venter, Marco Franco; Richard Menjivar, Dan Metzger (Miguel Jamie 89'); Frederick Opoku, Lucky Mkosana, Paulo Jr. (Jake Bond 71'); Isaac Osae (Calvin Rezende 64').

Substitutes not used: Sean Lewis, Tiago Calvano, Salvatore Barone, Prince Baffoe.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Officials: Bardkyl Pashaj, Zeno Cho (Assistant), Kevin Lock (Assistant), Dustin Killick (Fourth Official).

LVHN TEAM NOTES

- Fabian Herbers collected his team-leading fourth and fifth goal of the season tonight. Herbers has now eight goals while on loan from the Philadelphia Union over the past three seasons. Tonight was his first multi-goal effort with the USL squad.

- Santi Moar provided the assist on Herbers' opening goal, extending his club lead to five in 2018.

- On the assist, Moar broke a tie with Philadelphia Union midfielder Adam Najem for the franchise lead in assists. Moar has set up 11 goals in 47 appearances with Steel FC.

- Goalkeeper Jake McGuire make a season-high nine saves in the loss, two shy of his career and franchise record of 11.

Check out the Philadelphia Union II Statistics




Images from this story

Anthony Fontana of Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Penn FC
Anthony Fontana of Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Penn FC
 Chris Nanco of Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Penn FC
Chris Nanco of Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Penn FC
  



United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 6, 2018


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