Bethlehem Steel FC Makes Short Trip for Friendly against Villanova
February 27, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Philadelphia Union II News Release
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Riding a three-match exhibition winning streak, Bethlehem Steel FC will look to extend the streak when it travels to face Villanova on Wednesday, February 28. Kick off from the Higgins Soccer Complex is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. and the match is free and open to the public.
"Games like this where we are limited on who we can put on the field present an opportunity for guys looking to solidify their spot on the team," Bethlehem Steel FC head coach Brendan Burke said. "Against Syracuse we had seven players play the full 90 minutes which was a test for preseason but it helps prepare us for March 18 which is what the entire process is about."
Steel FC is coming off a 2-0 victory against another NCAA Division I club, Syracuse. After facing an eager squad, Steel FC settled in with a pair of first-half goals that proved enough. Brandon Allen converted a penalty kick in the 25th minute for the forward's second goal of the preseason while trialist Audi Jepson scored for the second-straight match. Steel FC was limited to available players for the match last week, with Union Academy players not able to participate per NCAA rules.
Wednesday's contest will be the third all-time match between Steel FC and Villanova and the second year in a row the clubs have faced off at the Higgins Soccer Complex. The Wildcats won the inaugural friendly, 3-2, but Steel FC bounced back with a matching scoreline in its favor in 2017.
The match is Villanova's first of their spring season. Under the direction of Tom Carlin, Villanova went 7-11 last year but were difficult to defeat at home. The Wildcats return all but six players from last season, where Villanova won five of its seven home matches.
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