CHESTER, Pa. (May 30, 2019) – Bethlehem Steel FC (3-5-4) looks to build on gained momentum when the club travels to take on club-rivals New York Red Bulls II (6-2-2) at MSU Soccer Park this Friday evening.
Steel FC was able to scrap out a 2-2 draw against reigning USL Cup Champions Louisville City FC, making up a two-goal deficit in the second half. Chavany Willis bagged a brace in the match and the Steel showed a fighting mentality that seemed to have been lost over the last month. It gets no easier for the club now with rivals New York Red Bulls II looming.
The Steel should have cause for concern if they see Tom Barlow, Vincent Bezecourt or Marcus Epps in the Red Bulls II lineup. The first-teamers have torn USL defenses up this year, helping NYRBII to 23 goals, best in the Eastern Conference. New York’s defense is as strong as its offense, only letting in 14 goals and combining with their attacking teammates to rack up a +9 goal differential.
In recent meetings Steel FC has gotten the better of New York Red Bulls II, posting a 3-1-1 record against its rivals in the past five matches. The Pennsylvania-club has had some great moments against Red Bulls II, including Philadelphia Union forward Michee Ngalina scoring his first goal for the Steel in the May 16, 2018 match at Goodman Stadium. Ngalina’s goal was the first of three in a 3-0 shutout win.
The Steel are going to need that fighting mentality because they’re walking into a war in this one.
Bethlehem Steel FC takes on New York Red Bulls II on Friday, May 31 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The match set to be broadcast on ESPN+.
MATCH INFORMATION
2019 USL Championship Regular Season
Date: May 31, 2019
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: MSU Soccer Park, Montclair, N.J.
Referee: Elton Garcia
Assistant Referees: Justen Lopez, Tyler Wyrostek
Fourth Official: Wolciech Gluszak
Bethlehem Steel FC: 3-5-4
New York Red Bulls II: 6-2-2
Match Day Twitter: @BSteelFC
Game Day Hashtag: #NYvBST
Match Center: https://bit.ly/2XaKvrB
Watch: ESPN+
