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USL Philadelphia Union II

Strong Second Half Leads Bethlehem Steel FC Past Indy Eleven

May 19, 2018 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Philadelphia Union II News Release


Prosper Chiluya of Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Indy Eleven
Prosper Chiluya of Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Indy Eleven
(Philadelphia Union II)

INDIANAPOLIS - Facing off against a new opponent, Bethlehem Steel FC claimed the first road victory of its 2018 campaign, defeating Indy Eleven, 2-1, at Lucas Oil Stadium.

After a scoreless and physical first half, Steel FC jumped ahead as Philadelphia Union midfield Fabian Herbers connected with Santi Moar for the opening tally of the night. Indy Eleven countered with a goal from midfielder Zach Steinberger in the 70th minute but Steel FC responded four minutes later with a long-distance strike from defender Prosper Chiluya.

The first half between the two sides saw both teams looking to establish their own style on the contest, producing 14 shots overall but only five on goal. Steel FC earned the first good look of the night, as the visitors went with a counter-attack that saw Adam Najem find Fabian Herbers for a chance that denied by a diving save. Minutes later, Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Jake McGuire was called upon on the other end of the field as he came off his line to deny a scoring chance by Indy Eleven's Justin Braun.

After the chances, the intensity grew between the foes with both sides seeing a yellow card being handed out in the opening half. With stoppages in play resulting from 14 total fouls, each team had a dangerous free-kick chance. Indy Eleven's chance came from Soony Saad which was stopped by McGuire while Herbers' went on frame in the 42nd minute but unable to open the scoreline.

Things opened up in the final 45 minutes, allowing Steel FC's offense to continue its strong recent form. After a strong defensive play from midfielder Derrick Jones, he floated a ball forward to Aidan Apodaca that earned the club a throw-in near the corner flag. Indy Eleven was unable to clear Olivier Mbaizo's throw inside the box which Herbers'sent into the middle of the box. Moar settled the pass with his left and fired it off the bounce with his right foot inside the right post for the early 1-0 lead and his second goal of the year.

Indy Eleven ended Steel FC's clean sheet 10 minutes later on a patient buildup that saw Soony Saad flick a volley into the middle of the box that was finished off by Steinberger.

Despite the equalizing goal away from home, Steel FC showed its growing experience to claim its first win on the road. Adam Najem fired a corner kick into the box that the hosts cleared out of their 18-yard box but Chiluya claimed it from 30 yards out. With both sides repositioning from the clearance, the 20-year-old fired a left-footed shot that bounced in front of the keeper and inside for the winning goal.

Steel FC looks to continue the moment next week when it visits the Ottawa Fury FC on Friday, May 25. The second match of the three-game road swing is scheduled to kick off from TD Place Stadium at 7 p.m.

MATCH RECAP

Bethlehem Steel FC 2, Indy Eleven 1

Lucas Oil Stadium

Indianapolis, IN.

MATCH STATS

Shots: 15-14 (Indy)

Shots On Goal: 7-6 (Bethlehem)

Corners: 6-5 (Bethlehem)

Saves: 5-5

SCORING SUMMARY

BST - 60' Santi Moar (Fabian Herbers)

IND - 70' Zach Steinberger (Soony Saad)

BST - 74' Prosper Chiluya

DISCIPLINE SUMMARY

BST - 15' Brandon Aubrey (Yellow Card)

IND - 41' Carlyle Mitchell (Yellow Card)

BST - 83' Derrick Jones (Yellow Card)

BETHLEHEM STEEL FC STARTING XI

Jake McGuire; Prosper Chiluya, Brandon Aubrey, Matthew Mahoney, Olivier Mbaizo; Derrick Jones, Adam Najem; Michee Ngalina (Drew Skundrich 70'), Santi Moar (Mike Catalano 90+2'), Fabian Herbers; Aidan Apodaca (Chris Nanco 74').

Substitutes not used: Kris Shakes, AJ Paterson, Tonny Temple.

INDY ELEVEN STARTING XI

Owain Fon Williams; Ayoze, Carlyle Mitchell (Brad Rusin 45'), Karl Ouimette, Kevin Venegas; Brad Ring, Soony Saad, Zach Steinberger, Nathan Lewis (Ben Speas 72'); Justin Braun, Jack McInerney

Substitutes not used: Jordan Farr, Nico Matern, Juan Guerra, Seth Mose, Amass Amankona.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Officials: Elvis Osmanovic, Amilcar Sicaju (Assistant), Art Arustamyan (Assistant), Adam Behrens (Fourth Official).

LVHN TEAM NOTES

- Tonight's win is Bethlehem Steel FC's first road victory of 2018 and the club's ninth overall.

- Santi Moar's opening goal was his second of the season. Moar's first goal of the year came two weeks ago against the Richmond Kickers.

- Moar's tally gives the second-year midfielder eight career goals with Steel FC, putting him into a three-way tie for third place in the club's all-time scoring list with Derrick Jones and James Chambers.

- On Moar's goal, Philadelphia Union midfielder Fabian Herbers' was credited with his first assist of the season. It was also Herbers' first assist as a member of Steel FC in which he has 15 appearances.

- Prosper Chiluya game-winning goal was his first league and team goal. Chiluya becomes the 25th player to score for Steel FC.

Check out the Philadelphia Union II Statistics




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Prosper Chiluya of Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Indy Eleven
Prosper Chiluya of Bethlehem Steel FC vs. Indy Eleven
   



United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 19, 2018


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