Bethlehem Steel FC was solidly in the middle of the pack in the Eastern Conference three-fifths of the way through its inaugural season in the USL. Sitting at 6-6-6, the side was inconsistent, it had only won back-to-back games once all season, but it was persistent, taking points on the road against the likes of the Rochester Rhinos, Charlotte Independence and Richmond Kickers.

Then, over the final 12 games of the season, it gradually melted away. The Steel wouldn’t win once over that span, even with a chance at a playoff berth remaining within reach until the final two weeks of the season. Finding a way to be more consistent, particularly in front of goal, will be the key to improvement in 2017.

2016 USL SEASON IN REVIEW

Record: 6-14-10, 28pts
Place: 11th in the Eastern Conference
Goals For: 32
Goals Against: 43
USL Cup Playoffs: N/A

2016 leaders: Derrick Jones (5 goals), Ryan Richter (5 goals, 4 assists), James Chambers (4 assists), John McCarthy (48 saves)

WHAT WENT RIGHT

The Steel were competitive in almost all of their contests, and played an attractive style that saw the side’s young players put together some good attacking sequences. The likes of Derrick Jones and Auston Trusty, both of whom were signed to MLS Homegrown Player contracts midseason by the Philadelphia Union, also lived up to the promise they held when initially signed to the Steel.

WHAT WENT WRONG

Bethlehem’s defense had a tendency to give up goals at inopportune moments -- see its 3-2 loss to FC Montreal when a win was essential -- but more than anything the side struggled to find a decisive final pass in the attacking third. Only 16 of the team’s 32 goals were assisted, meaning most of the chance creation came through individual excellence, or taking advantage of opponents’ errors.

GOALS OF THE SEASON

Steel midfielder James Chambers showed off a flair for striking from long range, which included this free kick against FC Montreal.

Derrick Jones’ first professional goal was a fine one, as he took a layoff from Eric Ayuk, navigated some space and shot low into the corner against the Richmond Kickers.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

Matt Perella made only four appearances for the Steel in 2016, but he also pulled off one of the best saves of the campaign as he tipped over a fierce volley by Louisville’s Aodhan Quinn.

An offseason signing by the Philadelphia Union, 2015 USL Goalkeeper of the Year John McCarthy led the Steel in saves this season, including this outstanding stop against Louisville City FC in a seven-save shutout.

HE SAID IT

“Helping guys, especially the younger guys with big potential, understand that mentality, work ethic, and meaningful training and game hours are really the only way to get there is the biggest takeaway from my early success as a coach.  Once that buy-in from the player exists, the technical and tactical nuances of their development can be addressed.  That is our early focus with each of the guys that are introduced to the group.” – Steel Head Coach Brendan Burke