MONTCLAIR, N.J. (May 31, 2019) – With the next-man-up mentality as its mantra this week, injury-stricken Bethlehem Steel FC took on New York Red Bulls II at MSU Soccer Park, falling 4-0 against the club rivals.
New York Red Bulls II were on top of the match from the beginning and picked up momentum when Steel FC had to sub off injured Philadelphia Union Academy player Michael Pellegrino for fellow Academy man Dante Huckaby, with Huckaby making his USL-Championship debut. Forward Shanyder Borgelin had to come in for forward Yomi Samuele Scintu in the 27th minute, furthering the injury woes of the visitors. Red Bulls II’s Kyle Zajec knocked home first-half goals in the 26th and 31st minutes. Mathias Jorgensen converted a penalty kick for the hosts in the 65th minute and then Walter Cortés was credited with an own goal in the 76th minute on a missed clearance. The boys in blue fought hard, but Red Bulls II proved to be strong on the day in this one.
Bethlehem Steel FC next hosts Nashville SC at Talen Energy Stadium on Sunday, June 9 (6:00 p.m. ET | Talen Energy Stadium | Chester, Pa. | ESPN+).
RECAP:
Bethlehem Steel FC 0 – New York Red Bulls II 4
MSU Soccer Park (Montclair, N.J.)
Friday, May 31, 2019
TODAY’S MATCH INFO:
Venue: MSU Soccer Park (Montclair, N.J.)
Referee: Elton Garcia
Assistant Referees: Justen Lopez, Tyler Wyrostek
Fourth Official: Wolciech Gluszak
Weather: 76 degrees and partly cloudy
Attendance: 869
GOALS/ASSISTS
NY – Kyle Zajec (Jared Stroud, Marcus Epps) 26’
NY – Kyle Zajec (Unassisted) 31’
NY – Mathias Jorgensen (Penalty Kick) 65’
NY – Walter Cortés (Own Goal) 76’
DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY
BST – James Chambers (caution) 24’
NY – Jordan Scarlett (caution) 69’
BST – Jamoi Topey (caution) 84’
LINEUP
Bethlehem Steel FC: Matt Freese (Tomás Romero 46’); Walter Cortés, Jamoi Topey, Michael Pellegrino (Dante Huckaby 7’), Nathan Harriel; Chavany Willis, James Chambers ©, Anthony Fontana, Issa Rayyan; Michee Ngalina, Yomi Samuele Scintu (Shanyder Borgelin 27’)
Substitutes not used: Selmir Miscic, Axel Picazo
New York Red Bulls II: Evan Louro; Rece Buckmaster, Preston Kilwien, Jordan Scarlett (Chris Tiao 73’), Edgardo Rito (Janos Lobe 59’); Christopher Lema, Kyle Zajec; Sebastian Elney, Jared Stroud (Salvatore Esposito 70’), Marcus Epps ©; Mathias Jorgensen
Substitutes not used: Rashid Nuhu; Jeciel Cedeno, Nicholas Schimbeno
TEAM NOTES
Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Matt Freese made his first start for Steel FC since the match at Swope Park Rangers (April 6) and made four saves in tonight’s match.
Nathan Harriel led Steel FC in total touches in the match against New York Red Bulls II, making 62 on the day. The Philadelphia Union Academy defender also led the team in tackles with four.
Philadelphia Union Academy midfielder Michael Pellegrino made his first start for the Steel since the 2017 regular season. Pellegrino holds the record for the youngest Steel player to start a match at 16 years, eight months and 12 days, a feat which he accomplished in the club’s match against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on September 27, 2017.
Philadelphia Union Academy midfielder Dante Huckaby made his Steel FC debut in tonight’s match. The 16-year-old came on as a first-half substitution to make his first regular-season appearance for the club.
Bethlehem Steel FC plays next against Nashville SC at Talen Energy Stadium on Sunday, June 9 (6:00 p.m. ET | Talen Energy Stadium | Chester, Pa. | ESPN+).
