After showing a lot of fight and picking up its first win since mid-April, Bethlehem Steel FC returns to Goodman Stadium to host Eastern Conference leaders Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, June 22 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are available here, with the match set to be broadcast on ESPN+.
Strength
Defense – Much like Saint Louis FC, the Tampa Bay Rowdies have a very strong defense. The visitors have only given up eight goals all year coming into this match, combing with their offense to rack up a +14 goal differential. Much of that is driven by the standout play of former Philadelphia Union goalkeeper John McCarthy, but more on him later. Getting through the Tampa Bay defense is going to be key for the Steel in this match.
Weakness
Form – The Rowdies are experiencing a rare dip in form over the last couple of weeks, picking up their first loss of the season against North Carolina FC (3-1) on June 8, followed by a 1-1 draw against Charleston Battery on June 15. Even though this is an opportunity for the Steel, the hosts should expect to get everything thrown at them by the Florida side who know that they can’t take their feet off the gas.
Players to watch
John McCarthy, GK – The former Philadelphia Union goalkeeper and Steel alumnus, McCarthy is in great form so far in 2019. He’s only allowed eight goals on his way to a 0.53 goals against average through 15 matches and has earned eight wins for the Rowdies. With 40 saves on the year, he’s a key piece of his side’s defense and is having a yet another Goalkeeper of the Year worthy season in the first half of 2019. Oh yeah, by the way, he’s also kept nine clean sheets through those first 15 matches.
Sebastián Guenzatti, ST – If you look at the Rowdies’ stats in 2019, Sebastián Guenzatti’s name appears at the top of almost every offensive category. He leads the Florida club in goals (7), shots (32), shots on goal (17) and game-winning goals (3). Tampa Bay’s defense is their strength by far, but Steel FC can’t fall asleep when it comes to the man up top for the visitors.
Papé Diakité, CB – A great goalkeeper can only do so much when it comes to limiting opportunities. That’s where Papé Diakité comes in for the Rowdies. He is their wall on the backline when it comes to not letting things get through to goalkeeper John McCarthy. Diakité has made 94 clearances for Tampa Bay in 2019, a mark that is 50 clearances better than his closest challenger, fellow-defender Tarek Morad.
Injuries/Suspensions
Dominic Oduro - Suspended
Head Coach
Neill Collins – Neill Collins was appointed Head Coach of the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Friday, May 18, 2018. He joined the Rowdies as a player prior to the 2016 season and made 67 appearances for the club as a center back before transitioning to the role of head coach. Collins holds a UEFA A license. He had an expansive playing career in England that included representing Sunderland, Preston North End and Sheffield United. From Sheffield United, Collins made the jump to the United States by signing with the Rowdies. His professional career spanned 598 competitive matches.
The Boys in Blue host the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Goodman Stadium on Saturday, June 22 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are available here, with the match set to be broadcast on ESPN+. Fans will note the change in location to Goodman Stadium, with the match set to be the club’s first in the Lehigh Valley in 2019.
