Match Preview: Bethlehem Steel FC Travels to Take on Memphis 901 FC
September 28, 2019 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Philadelphia Union II News Release
CHESTER, Pa. - Bethlehem Steel FC (8-15-6, 13th place in East) had a rough night against a Tampa Bay Rowdies team and Malik Johnson, who had one of their best matches all year, defeating the Steel 6-1. The Boys in Blue now travel to take on Memphis 901 FC (8-14-7, 12th place in East) at AutoZone Park tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET. 901 FC sits just one point ahead of the Steel in the Eastern Conference standings, so this match is set to have major USL Championship Playoff implications as both sides continue their hunt for a spot in the postseason.
Simply put, the Steel ran into a buzz saw of a Rowdies side that was looking to make a statement in the league and a 6-1 score line should have done it. Looking to move forward and continue the final stretch of its regular-season schedule, Steel FC is poised to take on a Memphis 901 FC team that is 4-2-0 in its last six matches. Memphis lost their first in five 1-0 in a mid-week match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, but chose to rest a large portion of their starters and focus on the matchup with the Steel this weekend. Over their run of four unbeaten, 901 FC took down Atlanta United 2, Swope Park Rangers, Loudoun United FC and Saint Louis FC and averaged only one goal against across that span. The Tennessee side is hitting their stride at the right point in the season.
The Boys in Blue fell 1-0 at Talen Energy Stadium the last time they squared off with Memphis 901 FC. Memphis' Rashawn Dally was lone man on the score sheet that night as the visitors held the Steel scoreless in the inaugural match between the sides. A lot has changed for both sides since late March, including 901 FC's addition of former Steel FC forward Brandon Allen. The 2019 expansion club has also added former Philadelphia Union midfielder Marcus Epps on loan from New York Red Bulls. Allen has added six goals for Memphis since joining the side, while Epps has already punished the Steel once with an assist while playing for New York Red Bulls II (July 10). This is a must-win for both Steel FC and 901 FC. Survival in the chase for the playoffs is on the line for both sides. A loss may not eliminate either side, but it puts the winner in a much better position. This is going to be a fist fight.
The Boys in Blue travel to take on Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park on Saturday, September 28, at 8:00 p.m. ET, live on ESPN+.
MATCH INFORMATION
2019 USL Championship Regular Season
Date: September 28, 2019
Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: AutoZone Park, Memphis, Tenn.
Referee: Alejandro Mariscal
Assistant Referees: Trent van Haitsma; Kyle Johnston
Fourth Official: Ronald Ware
Bethlehem Steel FC: 8-15-6, 13th place
Memphis 901 FC: 8-14-7, 12th place
Match Day Twitter: @BSteelFC
Game Day Hashtag: #MEMvBST
Game Notes: https://bit.ly/2FbuCue
Match Preview: https://bit.ly/2lSiqrq
Match Center: https://bit.ly/2nbXPie
• Discuss this story on the United Soccer League Championship message board...
United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 28, 2019
- Reno Falls to Real Monarchs 2-1 - Reno 1868 FC
- Recap: Rodriguez and Obregon Jr. Shine in Big Toros Win over OC - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- ATL UTD 2 Earns 1-1 Draw at Saint Louis FC - Atlanta United 2
- Indy Eleven Falls at Pittsburgh in Fight for First in East - Indy Eleven
- STLFC Draws 1-1 against Atlanta United 2 - Saint Louis FC
- Switchbacks FC Fall to Las Vegas Saturday Night - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Hounds Climb to Second in Standings, Defeat Indy, 3-0 - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Real Monarchs SLC Earns 2-1 Comeback Victory over Reno 1868 FC - Real Monarchs
- Zorros Fall 2-1 at San Antonio - Fresno FC
- San Antonio FC Defeats Fresno 2-1 in Front of Sellout Crowd - San Antonio FC
- Lights FC Win 3-1 on the Road with Huge Second Half in Colorado Springs - Las Vegas Lights FC
- Memphis 901 FC Routs Bethlehem Steel FC, 5-0 - Memphis 901 FC
- Loudoun United Fall to Nashville SC 2-0 at Segra Field - Loudoun United FC
- Fury FC Fall 3-1 on the Road Despite Strong First Half - Ottawa Fury FC
- North Carolina FC Earns Vital Come-From-Behind Victory over Ottawa Fury FC - North Carolina FC
- Charlotte Dominates Hartford - Charlotte Independence
- Ten-Man Rowdies Score Twice Late in 2-2 Draw against Louisville - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- Nashville SC Moves into First Place with 2-0 Win over Loudoun United FC - Nashville SC
- Hartford Athletic Falls in Final Road Match of the Season - Hartford Athletic
- Reno 1868 FC V Real Monarchs SLC Lineup Notes - Reno 1868 FC
- Fresno FC vs. San Antonio FC Preview - Fresno FC
- Athletic Heads to Charlotte for Final Road Match of the Season - Hartford Athletic
- Match Preview: Bethlehem Steel FC Travels to Take on Memphis 901 FC - Philadelphia Union II
- Nashville SC Staying Focused and Forward-Thinking Ahead of Final Road Clash at Loudoun - Nashville SC
- Roughnecks Face Final Away Match against Tacoma Defiance - FC Tulsa
- Game Day: LouCity Hosts Tampa Bay Rowdies Tonight - Louisville City FC
- How to Follow: Nashville SC at Loudoun United FC - Nashville SC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
