Bethlehem Steel FC is north of the border this weekend as it continues its road swing to finish out the 2019 USL Championship regular season. The Boys in Blue take on Ottawa Fury FC on October 12. Kickoff from TD Place Stadium is set for 2:00 p.m. ET and fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+.
Strength
Form – Ottawa has been in excellent form over their last five matches that saw the Canadian side clinch a spot in the USL Championship Playoffs for the first time in club history. The Fury are 4-1-0 during the stretch as they prepare for Steel FC on Saturday. During that run Ottawa has knocked off vaunted opponents Tampa Bay Rowdies and Indy Eleven, who are battling for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Making things even more difficult for the Steel is that the Fury are excellent at home, posting a 10-2-4 record in 2019 at TD Place Stadium.
Weakness
Midweek Match – Similarly to the Steel, Ottawa Fury FC had a midweek match leading into the matchup this weekend. They were also on the road and went full bore to clinch their spot with a 2-1 over Swope Park Rangers. The travel and effort that they put in trying to get that playoff spot could help the Steel out over the Fury this weekend.
Players to watch
Wal Fall, M #5 – Fall is the type of player that can hurt opposing teams from his midfield position. The team leader in goals, Fall has tallied an even 10 in 2019, provided three assists and created a second-best 37 chances for the Fury. He was one of the goalscorers last time out between the two sides, so the Steel already know he’s dangerous.
Carl Haworth, F #9 – Haworth may be a forward, but his advantage for Ottawa lies in the chances he creates with unselfish play. The 5’8” Canadian has scored nine goals this year, but he’s more importantly their top assist man with six helpers on the year. Combine that with a team-high 61 chances created and the Fury’s ability to get him ready supply of the ball and the Steel can find themselves in trouble.
Kevin Oliveira, M #10 – The Cape Verde native has been effective and dangerous for the Fury this year, leading the team in shots (61) and shots on target (30), as well as scoring six goals for the Canadian side. Oliveira is also the team’s third-best chance creator, opening up 31 opportunities through his play in 2019.
Injuries/Suspensions
None
Bethlehem Steel FC takes on Ottawa Fury FC in the second match of a three-leg road swing to finish out the 2019 regular season on Saturday, October 12, at 2:00 p.m. ET from TD Place Stadium. Fans can catch all the action live on ESPN+.
