Penn FC Sweeps Bethlehem in Regular Season Series
September 2, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Penn FC News Release
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Penn FC (8-9-8) took all three points in its last away match of the regular season, beating Bethlehem Steel FC (12-11-6) at Goodman Stadium by a score of 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Early pressure from the home side led to a handful of chances in the Penn FC box. After striking the post just minutes before, forward Marcus Epps capitalized on a misplayed backward pass and slotted Bethlehem to a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute.
After holding off the hosts and regrouping, Rush Soccer's First Team found itself back in the match. The visitors threw forward a handful of counter attacks, which paid off in the 32nd minute.
Miguel Jaime fired a crisp pass to the feet of Aaron Dennis at the top of the Bethlehem box. Dennis took advantage of the space he was given, rifling his shot into the back of the net from 30 yards out to level the match at 1-1.
Penn FC continued to utilize the counter attack to its advantage and took the lead five minutes before halftime.
Straight off a Bethlehem corner kick, Lucky Mkosana and Paulo Junior took off into the abundance of space. Junior carried the ball from box to box, beating two defenders on the dribble before finding a wide-open Mkosana on the penalty spot. The newly-selected Zimbabwe International found the bottom corner with a first-time finish -- turning the score to 2-1 in favor of the visitors and increasing his season tally to 10.
The second half started with more caution than the first and Penn FC used the lull to double its lead.
In the 59th minute, Junior found himself in space on the right wing. After beating a defender, Junior played an intricate one-two with Dennis at the top of the box. The return ball led Junior into the box and the Brazilian fired a strike home to give Penn FC its third unanswered goal and a 3-1 lead.
The Blue and White played firm defense and goalkeeper Romu Peiser was sharp between the pipes -- making several acrobatic saves -- to hold off Bethlehem's late pressure to keep the score at 3-1.
Despite the slow start assistant coach Daniel Sanchez was pleased with the team's adjustment in the first half.
"We did a good job against a really good team," Sanchez said. "We knew Bethlehem is a really tough opponent. They have so much quality, particularly up front. We knew it was going to be tough, but we are very happy with the three points here."
Penn FC completed its season sweep of its interstate rival while also earning its second straight win following a six match winless streak. Rush Soccer's First Team will now return home to finish off the season with a nine match Homestretch as it makes its final playoff push.
Raoul Voss's men return to action Saturday, Sept.8, to face Atlanta United 2 at FNB Field. Tickets for the 7 p.m. kick off as well as the rest of the matches throughout The Homestretch are available at pennfc.com/tickets.
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