When Bethlehem Steel FC took to the field for the first time at Goodman Stadium on the campus of Lehigh University on Sunday against the Richmond Kickers, fans saw numerous faces they had supported over the past two seasons. During the match, the also got their first impressions of a trio of new players signed during the offseason to make impacts as the club looks to make the USL Cup Playoffs for the second-consecutive season.

In the club’s 4-1 victory over the Kickers, the trio of Brandon Allen, midfielder Mike Catalano and defender Brandon Aubrey took to the field in the new Steel FC navy and gold for the first time. For the Brandon duo, fans got to see the USL veterans for a full 90 minutes, while Catalano’s debut was short but just as exciting.

While the club notched four goals in the match, Aubrey and the rest of the defense had a strong showing. The former Toronto FC defender helped shutdown the Kickers offense led by new-signing Heviel Cordoves and limit the club to just seven shots, two on frame. Aubrey intercepted a pair of Richmond passes inside the Steel FC defensive third while registering three clearances to shut down potential scoring opportunities. A former strike in college, Aubrey even came forward and created two chances in the first half.

Fellow USL veteran, Brandon Allen dominated the second half as he became the first player in club history to tally a brace in his Steel FC debut. After being taken down at the edge box in the first half, the 24-year-old maintained his composure for much-needed goals down the stretch. After the Kickers sliced into the Steel FC advantage with a goal in the 57th minute, Allen took over with goals in the 64th and 89th  to push him atop the race for the league’ Golden Boot award.

"It’s really good to start the season the way I did,” Allen said following the match. “Obviously, the games get tougher as the season goes along but I’ll take it as it is today and continue to fight for goals the rest of the season.”

The final club debut also doubled as a professional debut for Mike Catalano. Entering for Philadelphia Union midfielder Derrick Jones in the 87th minute, Catalano added a spark late in the contest. Two minutes into his debut, Catalano threaded a pass behind the Richmond defense that Allen notched into the back of the net.

"It’s special to get your professional debut and Coach [Burke] is always stressing to make an impact as soon as you come onto the field,” Catalano said. “I just tried to do my best and the ball came to me for the opportunity to collect an assist and it was a good finish by Brandon [Allen]. I’m happy that we got three points, a 4-1 victory is a statement in the Eastern Conference.”