USL Philadelphia Union II

Preview: Bethlehem Steel FC Begins Final July Home Stand with Indy Eleven

July 25, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Philadelphia Union II News Release


BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Looking to return to its winning ways and rise up the table, Bethlehem Steel FC returns to 'The Fortress' for a Thursday morning contest against USL-newcomer Indy Eleven on Thursday, July 26. The contest will be Camp Day, with children from around the Lehigh Valley spending the day soaking in professional soccer in the region. Kick off from Goodman Stadium on the campus of Lehigh University is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and will be broadcast locally on Service Electric and on ESPN+.

After a grueling stretch that saw the club claim one point, Steel FC returns home looking to take advantage of its home field. Steel FC is unbeaten in its last eight matches at Goodman Stadium and has lost just once in 10 matches at home. Steel FC is coming off a 2-1 loss last week against rival New York Red Bulls II, with the club's goal coming from Philadelphia Union homegrown Anthony Fontana. On the first-half strike, Steel FC midfielder Santi Moar collected his sixth assist of 2018.

Thursday's contest is the second meeting between the two sides, with Steel FC claiming the inaugural matchup, 2-1, at Lucas Oil Stadium on May 19. While the two sides were deadlocked at the break, Moar opened the scoring in the 60th minute. After Indy Eleven equalized on a goal from Zach Steinberger, Steel FC responded four minutes later on a long-distance strike from Prosper Chiluya for the match-winner and his first goal with the club.

Sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference table, Indy Eleven come to Goodman Stadium having dropped its last two road contests including a 3-1 loss to Tampa Bay Rowdies. Indy Eleven has been consistent both at home on the road, with four victories in each setting. The club is led offensively by Soony Saad and Ayoze, each with four goals scored while Ayoze has added five assists to lead the team.

"Indy has seven or so clean sheets, they are an older, very experienced and compact team, especially on the road," Bethlehem Steel FC head coach Brendan Burke said. "They have been just as good on the road as they have at home which makes this a very important matchup for both clubs."

MATCH INFORMATION

2018 USL Regular Season

Date: July 26, 2018

Kickoff: 11:30 a.m. ET

Location: Goodman Stadium, Bethlehem, PA.

Bethlehem Steel FC: 6-8-6

Indy Eleven: 8-7-4

Match Day Twitter: @BSteelFC

Game Day Hashtag: #BSTvIND

Watch: https://es.pn/2Oj73SL

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from July 25, 2018


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