Gearing up for his side’s match against reigning USL Champions Louisville City FC, Steel Head Coach Brendan Burke took questions from media on a weekly call. Understanding the challenge that lies ahead for Steel FC this weekend, Burke detailed what he thinks makes the Kentucky side so challenging to deal with.
“I think you know what you’re getting with them. James [O’Connor] had a very specific playing style that they were very good at executing and John [Hackworth] has a different playing style that they’re also really good at executing,” stated Burke. “They’ve had a few more ups and downs at the start of this year, but I think you’re starting to see them come into form over the last couple of weeks. I think you know what you’re going to get. The difficult part is that there’s a quality, a hunger and energy in their group that never goes away. They’re relentless.”
Hack’s Return
Old foes bring old friends back to Talen Energy Stadium as Louisville City FC Head Coach John Hackworth and Assistant Coach Danny Cruz make their returns to Philadelphia. Hackworth spent three years as an Assistant Coach and Youth Development Coordinator for Philadelphia Union before serving as Head Coach from 2012-2014. Cruz played for the Union for three seasons, making 70 appearances and scoring seven goals for the club. Brendan Burke was an Assistant Coach with the Union first team during Cruz’s time in Eastern Pa.
“It’s awesome and I’m really happy for those guys,” Burke responded when asked for his thoughts on coaching against John Hackworth and Danny Cruz. “They have their hands on a fantastic project right now with a really good roster. I know they’re both happy there from my conversations with them and I’m sure there will be a lot of mixed emotions coming back here. I’ll just leave it at that. I’m really happy for those guys and they seem to be in a great place right now.”
You’ll get your chance to see Hack and Cruz back in Talen Energy Stadium on Sunday, May 26 when Bethlehem Steel FC hosts Louisville City FC at 2:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are available here with the match set to be broadcast on ESPN+.
