USL Philadelphia Union II

Steel FC Eager to Carry Momentum against Syracuse Saturday

February 23, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Philadelphia Union II News Release


BETHLEHEM, Pa. - After a busy week of training that included a victory against an in-state rival, Bethlehem Steel FC will host Syracuse in its final preseason match held at YSC Sports. Kick off from Wayne, Pa., is slated for 2 p.m. and the match is free and open to the public.

The club is coming off a strong second-half performance where the club vanquished USL-rival Penn FC, 5-2. After allowing an early first-half goal, Steel FC erupted for five goals as Philadelphia Union Academy midfielder Tonny Temple led the comeback with a brace. Newly signed forward Aidan Apodaca also netted a goal, his second goal of the preseason, in the victory.

The match will be the first of two consecutive matches against NCAA Division-I opponents, with Steel FC making the short trip to Villanova for a midweek tilt. Per NCAA rules, Union Academy players will not be allowed to participate in either of the friendlies.

Saturday's match will be the second all-time matchup between the two teams, with Syracuse serving as Steel FC's inaugural preseason opponent in 2016. In the match at the Power Training Complex in Chester, Pa., Steel FC picked up a 5-0 shutout.

The alma mater of Steel FC forward Chris Nanco, Syracuse was 6-8-4 in 2017 and fell via penalty kicks in the ACC Tournament. One of the youngest squads in NCAA men's soccer last season, Syracuse returns every goal scorer from 2017.

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