BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem Steel FC welcomes the Eastern Conference-leading Charleston Battery on Thursday for a special matinee clash at Goodman Stadium, with both teams aiming to get back on a winning track. The contest will utilize the Video Assistant Referee system, and kickoff is set for 11 a.m. ET.
Matchcenter: http://bit.ly/2rU717O | Tickets: http://bit.ly/2ojeaAO | Broadcast: Service Electric 2 (BST), WCIV (CHS)
Bethlehem Steel FC news and notes
Current record: 3-5-0, 9pts
Bethlehem was edged out 2-1 against FC Cincinnati on Saturday night at Nippert Stadium as Seku Conneh’s fourth goal of the season couldn’t deny the hosts victory.
Steel FC has alternated wins and losses in its past five outings, and is the only team in the Eastern Conference that has yet to record a draw this season.
Two members of Steel FC are currently with the U.S. U20 National Team at the FIFA World Cup, with Derrick Jones playing a key role in Monday’s 3-3 draw with Ecuador to open the tournament.
Steel FC defender Aaron Jones is tied for 10th in the USL with 16 chances created this season.
Charleston Battery news and notes
Current record: 6-1-2, 20pts
The Battery were held to a 2-2 draw by the Harrisburg City Islanders in the first game of their three-game trip on Saturday night at FNB Field.
Goals by Romario Williams and Ataullah Guerra had given Charleston a second-half lead despite the side being down to 10 men, but Jonny Mendoza scored an equalizer in stoppage time to earn the hosts a point.
Charleston will be without defender Forrest Lasso (caution accumulation) and midfielder Tah Brian Anunga (red card) due to suspension for Thursday’s game.
The Battery announced on Wednesday they had added midfielder Chris Goslin and defender Miles Robinson on loan from their MLS partner, Atlanta United FC.
Series Notes
Squads
Bethlehem – GK: Matthew Freese, Tomas Romero, Jake McGuire; D: Aaron Jones, Matt Mahoney, Hugh Roberts, Ken Tribbett, Mark McKenzie, Matt Real, Charlie Reymann, Giliano Wijnaldum, Richie Marquez; M: Josue Monge, Adam Najem, Josh Heard, Cory Burke, Dawson McCartney, James Chambers; F: Santi Moar, Seku Conneh, Amoy Brown, Chris Nanco, Charlie Davies, Marcus Epps, Yosef Samuel
Charleston – GK: Alex Tambakis, Odisnel Cooper, Joe Kuzminski; D: Taylor Mueller, Skylar Thomas, O’Brian Woodbine, Quinton Griffith, Mikey Ambrose, Miles Robinson; M: Neveal Hackshaw, Ataullah Guerra, Chris Goslin, Dante Marini, Justin Portillo, Maikel Chang, Kotaro Higashi, Ryan Arambula; F: Romario Williams, Heviel Cordoves, Ricky Garbanzo, Nico Rittmeyer, Jeffrey Otoo, Robbie Robinson
Discipline
Bethelehem – None
Charleston – Suspended: Forrest Lasso, Tah Brian Anunga
Officials
REF: JONATHAN WEINER
AR1: Jaroslaw Werel
AR2: Kevin Lock
4TH: Joshua Encarnacion
VAR: Henrik Karlsson
Game hashtag:
Twitter social handles
Bethlehem Steel FC – @BSteelFC
Charleston Battery – @Chas_Battery
Tag(s):