USL Preview: Bethlehem Steel FC vs. FC Cincinnati

Steel look to build off victory as they host Cincinnati in home opener

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem Steel FC hosts its home opener on Sunday afternoon as it welcomes FC Cincinnati to Goodman Stadium. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. ET as the hosts look to build on an opening win, and the visitors look to rebound ahead of their home opener next Saturday.

Bethlehem Steel FC news and notes

• Current record: 1-0-0, 3 points
• The Steel opened their inaugural season with a win on the road, as Fabian Herbers scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory against FC Montreal at Stade Olympique in the opening game of the 2016 USL season.
• A first-round MLS SuperDraft selection by the Philadelphia Union, the goal was Herbers’ first as a professional after a standout career at Creighton University.
• Steel captain Ryan Richter was named to the USL Team of the Week after his strong performance helped Bethlehem earn a shutout.
• The Steel’s home for its inaugural season is Goodman Stadium, which opened in 1988, and is on the campus of Lehigh University.

FC Cincinnati news and notes

• Current record: 0-1-0, 0 points
• FC Cincinnati came close to earning a point in its first contest in club history, but a stoppage-time goal by Romario Williams gave the Charleston Battery a 1-0 win last Saturday.
• While the game ended in a loss, the side produced a solid opening performance that was highlighted by midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin, who was named to the bench of the USL Team of the Week on Tuesday.
• Cincinnati’s defense also appeared solid until Williiams’ late finish, with the goal being the Battery’s only shot on target for the game.
• FC Cincinnati hosts the Charlotte Independence in its home opener next Saturday at Nippert Stadium.

2016 Team leaders

• Goals: Bethlehem – Fabian Herbers, 1; Cincinnati – N/A
• Assists: Bethlehem – Walter Restrepo, 1; Cincinnati – N/A

Series notes

• This is the first meeting between the two expansion clubs

Officials

• REF: Jaroslaw Werel
• AR1: Ryan Dos Reis
• AR2: Daniel Richman
• 4TH: John Barr

Game hashtag

• #BSTvCIN