CHESTER, Pa. (July 4, 2019) – Bethlehem Steel FC (5-8-4) will look to build on a strong 3-0 shutout in its last match as the club prepares for an Independence Day showdown against in-state rivals Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC (5-2-7) at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh Pa. tonight at 7:00 p.m. ET. Last time the Steel were in Highmark Stadium, they spoiled what was expected to be a great night for Pittsburgh by winning the first USL Cup playoff match to be played in Highmark and making this more than just a regional rivalry. The Riverhounds are looking for revenge.
The Boys in Blue put up three on Hartford last weekend en route to taking all three points and gaining much needed momentum towards tonight’s match. Standout players in the match were Issa Rayyan and Tomás Romero, and they will need to continue to perform for Steel to compete with a Pittsburgh side that is undefeated at home this season (3-0-4).
Pittsburgh has been “steamrolling teams” recently, according to Steel Head Coach Brendan Burke, and they have collected 10 points in their last four matches. The Steel already know the Riverhounds well, but a new playing surface at Highmark Stadium could make things interesting. It’s still turf, but it could change the course of the game depending on how it plays. The old surface used to make every ball bounce up, forcing visiting teams into a very direct match played in the air. If the new turf plays even a little smoother it could mean that the Steel can play more towards their style of play instead of that of the Riverhounds.
The Boys in Blue square off against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Highmark Stadium tonight, July 4 at 7:00 p.m. ET. Fans can catch all the action on ESPN+.
MATCH INFORMATION
2019 USL Championship Regular Season
Date: July 4, 2019
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Highmark Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Referee: Malik Badawi
Assistant Referees: Caleb Perry; Ben Pilgrim
Fourth Official: Kerven Moon
Bethlehem Steel FC: 5-8-4
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC: 5-2-7
Match Day Twitter: @BSteelFC
Game Day Hashtag: #PITvBST
Match Center: https://bit.ly/2FPHWV7
Watch: ESPN+
