LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 20, 2019) – Bethlehem Steel FC had never defeated Louisville City FC through nine all-time previous meetings. That changed tonight. Defender Walter Cortés scored and Philadelphia Union Academy goalkeeper Tomás Romero put in an amazing performance as Brenden Burke’s side saw out a 1-0 win over the defending USL Championship title-holders at their own ground.
Cortés struck early for the Steel, bagging a 26th-minute ripper from outside the box to put LouCity on their heels. The Costa Rican picked up the ball off a Louisville turnover and fired a goal-of-the-week level shot past Chris Hubbard.
Romero’s amazing night included 12 saves – the most all-time for Steel in a single game – highlighted by a key double save midway through the second half.
The Steel withstood the Louisville attack well in the first half, only allowing two shots on target and winning 52.1% of their duels. Louisville picked up the pace in the latter half, but the Boys in Blue were able to hang on as they exercised the demons following a late-game collapse against New York Red Bulls a week earlier.
The Steel return to action on Saturday, July 27 against Saint Louis FC at World Wide Technology Soccer Park (8:30 p.m. ET | Fenton, Mo. | ESPN+).
RECAP:
Bethlehem Steel FC 1 – Louisville City FC 0
Louisville Slugger Field (Louisville, Ky.)
Saturday, July 20, 2019
TODAY’S MATCH INFO:
Venue: Louisville Slugger Field, Louisville, Ky.
Referee: Eric Tattersall
Assistant Referees: Ian McKay; Eric Wood
Fourth Official: Brandon Smith
Weather: 93 degrees and sunny
Attendance: 8,965
GOALS/ASSISTS
BST – Walter Cortés (Unassisted) 26’
DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY
LOU – Paco Craig (caution) 45’
BST – Walter Cortés (caution) 85’
BST – Matt Real (caution) 90+3’
LINEUP
Bethlehem Steel FC: Tomás Romero; Matt Real, Mark McKenzie, Ben Ofeimu, Walter Cortés; James Chambers ©, Cole Turner; Zach Zandi, Issa Rayyan (Nathan Harriel 80’); Faris (Axel Picazo 46’), Yomi Samuele Scintu (Shanyder Borgelin 63’)
Substitutes not used: Lukas Burns; Steve Kingue, Selmir Miscic
Louisville City FC: Chris Hubbard; Oscar Jimenez (George Davis IV), Paco Craig, Taylor Peay; Brian Ownby, Magnus Rasmussen, Devon Williams, Niall McCabe; Sunny Jane (Abdou Mbacke-Thiam 54’), Luke Spencer ©, Antoine Hoppenot
Substitutes not used: Tim Dobrowolski; Shaun Francis, Napo Matsoso, Alexis Souahy, Shaun Totsch
TEAM NOTES
Philadelphia Union Academy goalkeeper Tomás Romero had one of his best games of the season, making 12 saves in the match and recording Steel FC’s third shutout of the year.
Steel FC defender Walter Cortés scored his third goal of 2019 in the match tonight. Cortés gave the Steel the early lead in the 26th minute over Louisville City FC.
With tonight’s result, Steel FC picked up the club’s first win all-time against Louisville City FC, as well as it’s first win at Louisville Slugger Field. The club now holds an all-time record of 1-5-4.
Bethlehem Steel FC forward Faris, who played 45 minutes before being substituted off at halftime, had a game-high passing accuracy of 100%.
Philadelphia Union defender Matt Real stood strong on the backline, racking up a team-high four defensive tackles and two fouls won. The only other player with two fouls won was forward Faris.
Bethlehem Steel FC hits the road again next weekend to take on Saint Louis FC on Saturday, July 27 at World Wide Technology Soccer Park (8:30 p.m. ET | World Wide Technology Soccer Park | Fenton, Mo. | ESPN+).
