Following a draw on the road at Audi Field against DC United affiliate Loudoun United FC, Bethlehem Steel FC returns to Talen Energy Stadium to host Atlanta United 2 on Sunday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m. ET. The match is set to be broadcast on ESPN+. An even all-time series so far with each team grabbing a win, it’ll be a fight between the two development-focused sides to find out who comes out on top.
Strengths
Possession – Atlanta holds the bulk of possession in most of their matches, allowing their skill players the time to create chances and shots in the attacking phase of play. The USL Championship club has taken 93 shots through nine matches, averaging 10.3 shots per match. Holding possession for so long eventually opens up those chances to shoot.
Weaknesses
Goal Differential – Atlanta United’s USL affiliate has had issues this year defensively. Through nine matches in 2019 Atlanta has let in 15 goals. While the Steel have let in 16 goals so far Atlanta’s issue lies in their offense’s trouble producing to cover their defensive mistakes. That has resulted in ATL UTD 2’s minus six goal differential and a possible weakness that Steel FC will look to exploit.
Players to watch
Romario Williams – Williams is an issue for opposing defenses, there’s no doubt about it. The man isn’t as big as most modern center backs, but he’s fast and very intelligent in the attacking third. He’s their leading goal scorer in 2019 and scored against Steel FC as a member of Charleston in 2017. He’ll surely be a point of emphasis in this match for the Steel’s center back pairing.
Jon Gallagher – Gallagher has been used as a right back/right wingback in all five of his appearances for Atlanta United 2 in 2019. His ability to get forward from the backline is an issue when defenses lose him on late runs and has allowed him to create the most chances to score (11) of any player on Atlanta’s roster so far this season.
Luiz Fernando – When you focus too much on Williams, Fernando will be there waiting to strike. Luiz Fernando has taken the most shots (12) of any Atlanta player this year and has scored one goal from his efforts. This will be a match where Steel backline will need to be on the same page defensively.
Injuries/Suspensions
George Campbell – Suspended (ejection)
Head Coach
Stephen Glass – Glass joined the club in August 2018 as a head coach for the Academy’s U-17 team and came to Atlanta after serving as Coaching Director of the Carolina Rapids, a youth club affiliated with MLS’s Colorado Rapids. Prior to coaching, Glass enjoyed an outstanding professional playing career in the English Premier League with Newcastle United (1998-2001), scoring seven times in 42 appearances. He spent two seasons in the English Championship with Watford before moving to his native Scotland and appeared in 86 matches for Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League.
Head down to Talen Energy Stadium to catch all the action live on Sunday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are available here with the match available on ESPN+.
