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USL Preview: FC Cincinnati vs. Bethlehem Steel FC

By USLSoccer.com Staff, 07/01/16, 9:03AM EDT

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Cincinnati returns home looking for second victory against Steel


Photo courtesy Sideline Photos / Bethlehem Steel FC

CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati will look to extend its undefeated streak to 10 games when it plays host to a Bethlehem Steel FC side aiming to keep pace in the race for a place in the Eastern Conference Playoffs on Saturday evening at Nippert Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET.

Matchcenter: http://www.uslsoccer.com/game/show/13218449

FC Cincinnati news and notes

  • Current record: 8-2-4, 28 points
  • Cincinnati earned a 0-0 draw on the road against conference leader Louisville City FC last Saturday at Slugger Field.
  • Louisville outshot Cincinnati 13-7 in the River Cities Cup clash, but a four-save shutout by Mitch Hildebrandt earned the visitors a point on the road.
  • The scoreless draw was only the second time Cincinnati had been held scoreless this season, with the first coming on the opening day of the season in a 1-0 defeat to Charleston.
  • Cincinnati leads the USL with 84 shots on goal this season, with leading scorer Sean Okoli leading the team with 20 shots on goal individually.

Bethlehem Steel FC news and notes

  • Current record: 4-4-6, 18 points
  • The Steel played to a scoreless draw against the Richmond Kickers in their last outing as Samir Badr recorded an eight-save shutout.
  • Badr has made five consecutive appearances in goal for the Steel, recording a 0.80 goals-against average a .818 save percentage and two shutouts.
  • The Steel will be without defender Auston Trusty, who is on international duty for the United States U20 National Team at the NTC Invitational.
  • Bethlehem has recorded only 49 shots on goal this season, fourth-fewest in the USL.

2016 Team leaders

  • Goals: Cincinnati: Sean Okoli, 7; Bethlehem – Four players tied with 2
  • Assists: Cincinnati: Corben Bone, 4; Bethlehem – Five players tied with 1

Series notes

  • Cincinnati took a 2-1 victory at Goodman Stadium in the first meeting between the teams on April 3.

Officials

  • REF: Michael Lavergne
  • AR1: Justin Frear
  • AR2: Nathaniel Buck
  • 4TH: Aaron Mitchell

Game hashtag:

  • #CINvBST

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