Match Preview: Bethlehem Steel FC Takes on Loudoun United FC in Regional Derby
May 3, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Philadelphia Union II News Release
CHESTER, Pa. - Bethlehem Steel FC (3-4-1) will look to a combination of veteran leadership and talented youth to get itself back on the winning path when the club squares off against Loudoun United FC (1-3-2) Friday at Audi Field.
Steel FC enters the match against Loudoun following a 3-0 setback at home on April 20 and a subsequent bye week. The Steel currently sit in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, with Loudoun United trailing four positions behind in 14th. The Steel will likely see either Tomás Romero or Kris Shakes of the Philadelphia Union Academy in net for this match, while the hosts' goalkeeping decision stands just as flexible with Calle Brown and Earl Edwards Jr. splitting the club's six matches so far.
Despite being affiliated with MLS side D.C. United, Loudoun has the second-highest average age of any MLS-affiliated USL Championship club. Based on minutes played, Loudoun United has an average age of 23.426 years old, while Steel FC is sitting at 21.009 years old. It's a different approach that should prove for an interesting matchup in the first-ever regular-season meeting between the two teams.
Bethlehem Steel FC takes on Loudoun United FC at Audi Field tonight, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The match set to be broadcast on ESPN+.
MATCH INFORMATION
2019 USL Championship Regular Season
Date: May 3, 2019
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Audi Field, Washington D.C.
Referee: Mark Allatin
Assistant Referees: Ben Pilgrim, Jeffrey Skinker
Fourth Official: Nickrod Fateh
Bethlehem Steel FC: 3-4-1
Loudoun United FC: 1-3-2
Match Day Twitter: @BSteelFC
Game Day Hashtag: #LDNvBST
Match Preview: https://bit.ly/2UXquTt
Match Center: https://bit.ly/2IVwhY0
Watch: ESPN+
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