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Bethlehem Up for Challenge in Louisville

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 04/25/18, 3:57PM EDT

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Steel FC took advantage of bye week ahead of 2017 USL Cup Playoffs rematch


Bethlehem Steel FC Head Coach Brendan Burke has appreciated the additional preparation last week's bye has afforded his side before visiting Louisville. | Photo courtesy Matt May / Tampa Bay Rowdies

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – There’s been time to regroup for Bethlehem Steel FC ahead of its visit to Louisville City FC this Saturday night at Slugger Field, and according to Bethlehem Head Coach Brendan Burke that’s made for as good a setup as his side could hope for in the first meeting between the clubs since the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 USL Cup Playoffs.

“We have had plenty of time to prepare for Louisville and we’ll need all of that time,” said Burke in his weekly press conference on Wednesday. “They don’t give away much defensively and it’s a difficult environment to play in on top of that. We have a big challenge ahead of us this weekend, but luckily we were able to give the guys what I think was a good mixture of rest and push them really hard a couple times throughout that period.

“[It’s] always nice to have a bye week so you can refresh mentally and catch your breath, but we knew it was important that we push hard through that period. I think we’re in a good place to give them a test this weekend.”

Steel FC’s postseason trip to Louisville ended in disappointment as the hosts struck twice in either half to take a comfortable 4-0 victory on their way to claiming its first USL Cup last fall. There has been little drop-off in City’s performance this season either, with the club sitting top of the Eastern Conference after an undefeated start five games in.

Despite that, Steel FC’s players believes they can give Louisville a test in the same manner as when the side earned a 2-2 draw at Slugger Field late in the regular season a year ago. Santi Moar was one of the players on the scoresheet that night as Bethlehem twice took the lead before walking away with a point, and the attacking midfielder is looking forward to Saturday’s encounter.

“I think it’s a great atmosphere for a soccer player to go and play,” said Moar. “Obviously, their fans and supporting base is big and is going to try and make our life harder as soon as we step on the field. But I think that will motivate us and make our game stronger.”


Steel FC attacking midfielder Santi Moar is looking for his first goal of the season, but found the net last year at Slugger Field. | Photo courtesy Bethlehem Steel FC

A finalist for last season’s USL Rookie of the Year, Moar’s second season has gotten off to a slower start offensively, but the winger has had some bright moments in the opportunities he’s had. The 24-year-old had four shots and two key passes in Steel FC’s 1-1 draw against FC Cincinnati in the club’s last outing, which marked his second start of the season in five appearances overall. That matchup saw Steel FC outshoot its visitors 14-8 at Goodman Stadium, but put only three shots on target, something that Moar knows will need to be sharper against a side with Louisville’s defensive prowess.

“The game is going to be decided in the box,” said Moar. “We have to make sure that we are clinical in their box and score some goals. We’ve been working on that.”

With Bethlehem looking to break a four-game winless streak, the challenge Louisville and its perfect home record this season poses remains a daunting one, but one its players wholeheartedly embrace.

“They have a lot of good individual talent,” said defender Brandon Aubrey. “It will be tough, but I don’t think it’s out of our reach. I think with the guys we have, we are more than capable of going in there and bringing home some points.” 

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