BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem Steel FC got a late equalizer to earn a 2-2 draw with the Charlotte Independence on Sunday afternoon at Goodman Stadium. The Steel took the lead in the 22nd minute when Ryan Richter’s low cross was turned home by Seku Conneh at the near post for a 1-0 lead. Bethlehem again went close just before halftime when Bolu Akinyode fired a shot just wide from 20 yards, but the Independence hit back 14 seconds into the second half when Enzo Martinez stole possession and finished low to make it 1-1. Martinez then played provider just beyond the hour-mark as his turning cross from the left reached Jun Marques Davidson for a close-range finish. The Steel leveled the score with two minutes to go when Richter converted from the spot after Corey Burke was brought down in the area, but the game ended all square as the Steel’s winless streak reached four games.

Scoring:
22’ – BST – Seku Conneh (Ryan Richter)
46’ – CLT – Enzo Martinez
62’ – CLT – Jun Marques Davidson (Enzo Martinez)
88’ – BST – Ryan Richter (PK)

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. The Independence concluded their four-game road trip undefeated (2-0-2), and while they might be a little disappointed not to have taken all three points after the Steel’s late equalizer, the point on the road brought to an end a very successful road trip that has Charlotte closing in on its first playoff berth. With a home clash against the recently struggling Wilmington up next, the Independence are in position to take another big step toward the postseason next Saturday night.

• 2. There are other players who’ve been important to the Independence’s success this season, but none more than Enzo Martinez, who put in another stellar performance on Sunday evening to rally the side to victory. Martinez is now tied for the team-high in both goals (6) and assists (4) this season, but he has provided so much more in terms of linking play through the midfield, and providing leadership for the side as it pursues its first playoff berth.

• 3. Sunday’s game marked the end of a six-game home stand for the Steel that saw the side go only 2-2-2 over its course. The losses to Toronto and Harrisburg, both of which sit below Bethlehem in the Eastern Conference, will hurt the most out of this run, but with a five-point gap separating the Steel and eighth-place Orlando City B in the standings and only eight games remaining, time is quickly running out for the side to make its playoff debut this season.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Enzo Martinez, Charlotte Independence – Martinez had a goal and assist to turn a halftime deficit into a lead for the visitors, as his stellar season continued on Sunday afternoon.

Upcoming Games:

Bethlehem Steel FC at Pittsburgh Riverhounds – August 13, 7:30 p.m. ET, Highmark Stadium

Charlotte Independence vs. Wilmington Hammerheads FC – August 13, 7:30 p.m. ET, Ramblewood Stadium