BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem Steel FC and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday evening at Goodman Stadium as two goals three minutes apart in the first half provided the only goals of the game. Steel FC had an early chance off a short corner as Yosef Samuel’s close-range effort was saved by Pittsburgh goalkeeper Keasel Broome, and Josh Heard sent the rebound high. Bethlehem captain James Chambers almost scored a spectacular strike on the volley from a cross by Santi Moar, only for Broome to make a strong reflex save to keep it out in the 20th minute. Moments later Pittsburgh had a great strike of its own as Romeo Parkes lashed a shot from 25 yards, only to see it ring off the crossbar. The Riverhounds took the lead in the 24th minute as Shannon Gomez’s low cross from the right found Chevaughn Walsh for a good finish into the right corner. Bethlehem was almost immediately offered a chance to level from the penalty spot as Chambers was fouled in the area, and the Irishman put home a low finish to the left corner to make it 1-1. Riverhounds forward Corey Hertzog clipped the right post just before halftime, and Walsh almost added a second with a good effort that flashed over early in the second half. While Pittsburgh carried much of the play in the final half-hour, though, Bethlehem almost grabbed the lead with eight minutes to go as a curling effort by Moar went just wide of the right post. The game ended all square, however, as Bethlehem’s undefeated streak reached eight games.

Scoring: 
24’ – PGH – Chevaughn Walsh (Shannon Gomez)
27’ – BST – James Chambers (penalty kick)

• #BSTvPGH: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. As in-state rivalries go, meetings between Steel FC and the Riverhounds don’t yet have the history of the Keystone Derby Cup between the Pittsburgh and the Harrisburg City Islanders, but the intensity on show on Saturday made for tremendous entertainment as both sides went back and forth throughout the first hour. While the opening two goals came three minutes apart, there were plenty of great moments that could have seen either side find the net. The Riverhounds in particular were unfortunate in the first half, with both Romeo Parkes and Corey Hertzog hitting the woodwork, but a battling performance by the hosts made them good value for a draw.

• 2. One of the top prospects in the PDL a season ago, it’s taken a little time for Chevaughn Walsh to find his feet with the Riverhounds, but of late the big Jamaican forward is looking very like a player who is going to be a consistent scoring threat for the side in its push for the playoffs. Walsh’s third goal of the season was nicely taken as he got into good position in space in the penalty area, but in addition to that Walsh offered a good central point to lead the line, connected his passes well, and showed good creativity. Pittsburgh needs a lift if it’s to return the USL Cup Playoffs, but Walsh looks like a player who could provide that.

• 3. Steel FC’s energy flagged as the second half went on, but the side will certainly be happy to take a point and extend its undefeated streak to eight games given the youthful nature of their squad on Saturday. All three substitutes, Brenden Aaronson, Tiger Graham and Seth Kuhn, were making their USL debuts coming out of the Philadelphia Union Academy. The absences of the likes of Seku Conneh and Cory Burke were certainly more noticeable than in previous contests, but Bethlehem remains solidly in playoff position after another solid home result.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

James Chambers, Bethlehem Steel FC – Chambers converted the equalizer from the penalty spot, and also marshalled the Steel FC midfield strongly to lead the side to a point.

Upcoming Games:
Bethlehem Steel FC at Richmond Kickers – July 22, 7 p.m. ET, City Stadium
Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Rochester Rhinos – July 22, 6:05 p.m. ET, Capelli Sport Stadium