Goals from Union attacker Michee Ngalina and academy product Zach Zandi pushed Bethlehem Steel FC to three points against Swope Park Rangers last Sunday, but now Brendan Burke’s side faces a tougher test in North Carolina FC. The Steel will look to pick up vital points on the road this weekend as they chase a playoff spot. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from WakeMed Soccer Park. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+.
Strength
Home Field Advantage – North Carolina FC is incredibly strong at home, carrying an 8-1-4 record into the stretch run of the 2019 season. Their only loss – X-X to Indy Eleven – came [early/recently] but otherwise this is a side that is always up for the challenge on the superb WakeMed Soccer Park surface. Taking down North Carolina FC at WakeMed is a big task for any side.
Weakness
Current Form – Although North Carolina is currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, they’ve lost two matches in a row. The club’s first loss was only a 1-0 loss to seventh place Louisville City FC, but they got routed 4-0 by Loudoun United FC (14th) in their last match. Steel fans will be hoping that this isn’t just a one-game falter, but if not then the Steel should have a way to beat them.
Players to watch
Steven Miller, D #31 – A 5’11” defender, Miller is not only North Carolina FC’s leading assist provider (six), but also the club’s leading goal scorer (nine) in 2019. Miller is flat out a two-way player. He gets involved in the attack, scoring goals, making assists and creating chances for his side in the attacking third (30 on the year so far), but he also gets back to his defensive position and is one of the side’s most effective tacklers (43). If the Steel can’t get a handle on Miller then they could be in for a long night.
Ben Speas, F #10 – Speas is one of those players that has the freedom to go where he pleases within the North Carolina framework. The former Columbus Crew player has buried a pair of goals, but no one can even come close to his chance creating productivity. Speas leads the side’s next best chance creator (Steven Miller) by 28, with a total of 58 chances created on the year and has five assists.
Alexander Tambakis, GK #1 – Tambakis has been big in net for North Carolina this year, making a total of 68 saves going into the match against the Steel, posting six clean sheets and only conceding 21 goals for a goals against average of 0.95 in 2019. Tambakis is going to be tough to beat this weekend.
Injuries/Suspensions
None
The Boys in Blue travel to take on North Carolina FC at WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, September 7, at 7:00 p.m. ET live on ESPN+.
