CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Bethlehem Steel FC took it second road win of the season with a 1-0 victory against the Charlotte Independence on Friday night at Ramblewood Stadium. The Steel took the lead in the 11th minute when Jamaican forward Cory Burke stole onto a pass that was intended for Independence goalkeeper John Berner, rounded the ‘keeper and finished. Burke forced a good save from Berner around the half-hour mark as the Steel looked to add to their lead. Charlotte brought more energy in the second half, but was unable to find a decisive finish to earn a point as their winless streak moved to five games.

Scoring:
11’ – BST – Cory Burke

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. The Steel capitalized on a defensive error, and took a win that could very well mean a lot as they push toward a playoff position at the end of the season. Cory Burke’s finish wasn’t one to necessarily write home about, but it got the job done, and earned the Steel their first road win since the opening game of the 2016 USL season.

• 2. On the face of it, the Independence are a very different team than the one that was running toward the top of the Eastern Conference a month ago with four consecutive wins. That run included the only defeat the New York Red Bulls II have suffered this season. The aggressive openings to games seem to have been lost, with Charlotte now having scored only one first-half goal in its last four games after notching nine in its first eight.

• 3. Cory Burke’s first goal for the Steel must have felt like a long time coming for the Jamaican, but it was absolutely invaluable on Friday night. On loan from Tivoli Gardens, Burke’s playing time has been limited so far this season, with only three appearances and 121 minutes under his belt entering the game. That may have led to the moment of hesitation once he rounded the goalkeeper on the goal, but he seemed to grow into the game soon after, and almost added a second in the first half with a good header that Independence goalkeeper John Berner saved well.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Cory Burke, Bethlehem Steel FC – Burke’s first goal of the season proved the difference as the Steel moved solidly into the playoff picture with a good road win.

Upcoming Games:

Charlotte Independence vs. Richmond Kickers – June 18, 7 p.m. ET, Ramblewood Stadium

Bethlehem Steel FC at Wilmington Hammerheads FC – June 17, 7 p.m. ET, Legion Stadium