Match Preview: Bethlehem Steel FC Prepares to Host Loudoun United FC on Kids Night
September 18, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Philadelphia Union II News Release
CHESTER, Pa. - Bethlehem Steel FC (7-14-6, 13th place in East) put in a strong performance against Indy Eleven over the weekend, despite taking the 2-1 loss. The club is now set to host Loudoun United FC (6-14-6, 15th place in East) at Talen Energy Stadium tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET. It's also Kids Night at the stadium, so everybody 12 years old and under gets in for free and fan favorite Mark McKenzie, who has played for Steel in the past, will be on hand for photos and autographs beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET. McKenzie will be sending good vibes to many of the players he has fought alongside this season as they rev up for a tough test against Loudoun before a difficult trip to Tampa Bay over the weekend.
A strong run of form for Steel continued last weekend with a gritty performance against Indy Eleven on the road. The result didn't exactly go their way, with Indy taking the 2-1 win, but the hosts needed an 80th-minute winner from USL legend Dane Kelly to take the points. The chances were there and the Steel limited Indy's opportunities as much as possible, so Brendan Burke's side will look to continue performing at a high level and look to lock down Loudoun in the mid-week matchup.
The Steel and Loudoun drew 3-3 when they met at Audi Field this year. Burke's side took a 60th minute lead with a penalty-kick from Faris, but the hosts equalized in the last moment of the match. Faris is expected to rejoin the starting lineup Wednesday after serving a red-card suspension. With the Cameroonian forward up top, Steel fans can expect to see him stretch the Loudoun backline and use his strength to hold up play.
Philadelphia Union defender and Steel alumnus Mark McKenzie will be available for photos and autographs starting at 6:30 p.m. ET just inside the Premier Orthopaedics Gate as fans enter the stadium.
The Boys in Blue host Loudoun United FC at Talen Energy Stadium on Wednesday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Tickets are available here, with the match set to be broadcast on ESPN+.
MATCH INFORMATION
2019 USL Championship Regular Season
Date: September 18, 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Talen Energy Stadium, Chester, Pa.
Referee: Daniel Gutierrez
Assistant Referees: Patrick Casey; Justen Lopez
Fourth Official: Joseph Franks
Bethlehem Steel FC: 7-14-6, 13th place
Indy Eleven: 6-14-6, 15th place
Match Day Twitter: @BSteelFC
Game Day Hashtag: #BSTvLDN
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