BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem Steel FC and Louisville City FC played to a 0-0 draw on Saturday night at Goodman Stadium as neither side was able to take its chances in an entertaining contest. Bethlehem’s Chris Nanco almost gave the hosts the lead in the sixth minute, only to be denied by Louisville goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh after the Canadian’s speed had taken him in behind City FC’s back line. Six minutes later Louisville rang the crossbar as Niall McCabe’s deflected looped high before hitting the top of the woodwork, but the hosts had other chances to take the lead as Louisville defender Pat McMahon had to block a big chance for Santi Moar in the 27th minute and Nanco had a header go just wide of the left post off a cross by Michee Ngalina early in the second half. Louisville began to look more dangerous in the second half as as Oscar Jimenez had his low shot force a first save from Steel FC goalkeeper John McCarthy, and with 18 minutes to go an effort by Speedy Williams from 20 yards also called McCarthy into action. Bethlehem’s Matt Mahoney then had to make a big challenge to deny a chance to deny a big chance to Ilija Ilic with six minutes to go, while Tonny Temple sent a shot for the hosts just wide of the left post in the 88th minute, but in the end honors were left even as the sides shared the points.

Scoring:
None

• #BSTvLOU: Highlights and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Louisville seemed to experience a little bit of a hangover from its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup victory on Tuesday night as it didn’t record a shot on goal until the 56th minute as Bethlehem put in a stellar display to take the game to its visitors. The side certainly improved as the game went on, though, but was unable to find a telling final finish to grab victory on the road as only three of the 11 shots attempted by the defending USL Cup champions came from inside the Bethlehem penalty area.

• 2. Steel FC’s speed up front caused problems for Louisville in the first half as both Chris Nanco and Michee Ngalina got in behind the back line to create chances the hosts will have been disappointed not to convert. Ngalina in particular continued to look bright for Bethlehem, with the 18-year-old causing problems regularly down the right side and into the right channel when he got into one-on-one matchups and will be someone opposing sides will have to keep a close eye on as he progresses this season for the playoff contenders.

• 3. Both teams will likely be happy enough with a point from Saturday’s game, with Steel FC getting a boost in their pursuit of a second consecutive postseason berth and Louisville ensuring it took something back home after its midweek work. Louisville still holds an edge on its competitors in the race for top spot in the Eastern Conference and will return home next Saturday night looking to continue its perfect record at Slugger Field.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Michee Ngalina, Bethlehem Steel FC – Ngalina put in a strong performance both in winning possession and threatening Louisville’s defense, being one of the more likely to break the deadlock on the night.

Upcoming Games:

Bethlehem Steel FC at FC Cincinnati – June 13, 7:30 p.m. ET, Nippert Stadium

Louisville City FC vs. Penn FC – June 16, 7:30 p.m. ET, Louisville Slugger Field