A stoppage-time game-winner and seven total goals between the two sides made Bethlehem Steel FC’s win over Sporting KC affiliate Swope Park Rangers earlier this season one to remember and the two sides pick up arms again this Saturday at Talen Energy Stadium. While the Steel will be without Faris and Philadelphia Union’s Sergio Santos this time around after the pair saw red against Birmingham, it’s a next-man-up mentality that will provide opportunities for development and a chance to rise to the challenge against Swope Park Rangers. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are available here, with the match set to be broadcast on ESPN+.
Strength
First Team Support –Swope Park Rangers are the USL Championship affiliate to Sporting Kansas City. The side has been at their best this year when they’ve received the support and efforts of first team players in big matches. SKC are in the middle of a playoff push right now so fans shouldn’t expect too many first team guys to travel with the Rangers this weekend, but even one or two can make Swope Park far stronger.
Weakness
Driverless – The Rangers will be without their head coach for this one since Paulo Nagamura will serve a one-match suspension after he was sent off against New York Red Bulls II. It’s not often that you lose your coach for a game and that could make things interesting in this one. Another weakness: Nagamura’s side is winless (0-9-2) on the road in 2019.
Players to watch
Felipe Hernandez, M #85 – Hernandez is a crucial part of the Swope Park attack, leading the side in 2019 with eight goals. The next closest player, Wilson Harris, only has four to this point in the season. The midfielder also leads the Rangers in shots (25) and shots on target (14), is their second best chance creator with 25 on the year and has provided three assists, including one against the Steel earlier this year.
Killian Colombie, F #53 – A 23-year-old midfielder from France, Colombie has provided the second most assists for SPR (tied at three with Hernandez) and has also taken 14 shots. Steel fans should expect for him to be utilized more in the final third, with Swope Park’s top assist man (Alexsander Andrade) unavailable (see below). Colombie also found himself on the score sheet with an assist against the Boys in Blue last time these teams met.
Ethan Vanacore-Decker, ST #91 – Vanacore-Decker has already made the Steel pay once this year by finding the back of the net when Brendan Burke’s side traveled west, and the hosts will have to keep an eye on his movement in the final third. He’s scored three goals, taken 24 shots and put 13 of those on target, all in the neighborhood of his side’s leaders in those categories. He’s not a very physical player, but he can create half a yard of space to take his chance if Steel FC isn’t careful.
Alexsander Andrade, OUT – Andrade leads the Rangers with five assists this season and is also their best chance creator with 34 in 2019, but they’ll be without his services and distribution while he serves a suspension after seeing red in his last match.
Injuries/Suspensions
Paulo Nagamura (Head Coach) – Suspended
Alexsander Andrade – Suspended
The Boys in Blue host Swope Park Rangers at Talen Energy Stadium on Sunday, September 1 at 6:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are available here, with the match set to be broadcast on ESPN+.
