CHESTER, Pa. (April 16, 2019) – Bethlehem Steel FC (3-2-1) will clash with Charlotte Independence (0-4-1) at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 at the Sportsplex at Matthews, marking the first meeting between the clubs in 2019.
Steel FC enters the match after collecting seven points in the club’s last three matches, stemming from a draw at home against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, a win on the road at Swope Park Rangers and the first win in club-history over Charleston Battery. Charlotte gets ready to host the Steel, following losses to Indy Eleven, Saint Louis FC, Charleston Battery, New York Red Bulls II and a draw against Atlanta United 2.
The Steel have fared well historically against the Independence, holding an all-time record of 3-2-1 against the North Carolina club. Two of Steel FC’s victories have come on the road, including last season when the club knocked off Charlotte 3-0.
Strengths
BST – Momentum and results on the road. The Steel have picked up a lot of momentum over the past few weeks and will look to keep that going against the Independence. Unbeaten in their last three contests with two wins and a draw have definitely built the Steel’s confidence. While the club has only played two matches away from Talen Energy Stadium, Steel FC is a perfect 2-0 which translates to much needed confidence for the league’s youngest squad.
CLT – Charlotte’s midfield is incredibly strong and one of the best in the league on paper. The club’s midfield carries names like Alex Martínez and Jorge Herrera sitting just behind offensive powerhouses like Dominic Oduro and Enzo Martínez. The Independence have scored multiple goals in three of their five matches this season, in no small part to their experience through the midfield.
Weaknesses
BST – Recovery. When Steel FC kicks off on Tuesday night in North Carolina, the club will have had just three days to recover after a tough matchup against then-undefeated Charleston Battery. Steel FC used a lot of energy and might look to make changes to the lineup against Charlotte. While fresh legs might be welcome, a change in personnel could cause chemistry issues for the Steel.
CLT – Defense. Charlotte’s problem hasn’t been scoring goals, but in the way that they play defensively. The Independence have given up a total of 11 goals so far this year and allowed their offense, which has scored six goals, to be outpaced. The club is scoring, but will find this match difficult if they can’t defend with numbers behind the ball.
Bethlehem Steel FC takes on Charlotte Independence at the Sportsplex at Matthews on Tuesday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast on ESPN+.
MATCH INFORMATION
2019 USL Championship Regular Season
Date: April 16, 2019
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Sportsplex at Matthews, Matthews, N.C.
Bethlehem Steel FC: 3-2-1
Charlotte Independence: 0-4-1
Match Day Twitter: @BSteelFC
Game Day Hashtag: #CLTvBST
Match Center: https://bit.ly/2ZeACdO
Watch: ESPN+
