BETHLEHEM, PA --- Despite holding the clear offensive advantage, FC Cincinnati conceded a late goal in the second half to lose 1-0 Sat. evening to Bethlehem Steel FC at Goodman Stadium. The loss dropped FCC to 2-3-2, snapping a three-match undefeated streak as they also yielded a second decision to Steel FC, who snapped their two-game losing streak to climb to 2-3-0.
Hugh Roberts had the lone tally of the game, flicking in a cross from Adam Najem following a short corner by Steel FC in the 87th minute.
“Disappointed obviously because for the first 80 minutes we had played a really, really good road game,” said Head Coach Alan Koch. “We minimalized the number of opportunities that they could get. We had several opportunities for us to score and I don’t know how many times we hit the post but we should have gotten something out of this game. Unfortunately, that’s soccer.”
FCC held the clear advantage, out-shooting Steel FC, 21-9, with 13 of the team’s shots on target. Minutes prior to Steel FC’s goal, Aodhan Quinn nearly had a goal of his own for the Orange and Blue, hitting the right post from a direct free kick in the 83rd minute. Andy Craven also saw his effort hit hardware in the 74th minute after a give-and-go with Corben Bone led to a Craven redirect that bounced off the crossbar.
FCC was able to create several opportunities throughout the match. Following a scoreless half, FCC came out in the 48th minute and forced a turnover in the Bethlehem midfield. Daryl Fordyce ran down the middle of the box, looking to redirect a shot by Kadeem Dacres but was unable to settle the ball, knocking it over the crossbar.
Dacres, who was a solid player for FCC throughout, had a pair of early chances in the first half, taking a pass from Fordyce well in box only to be stopped by Jake McGuire, who was able to get into position to block Dacres’ shot and then quickly jump on the rebound. It was Dacres again a minute late, carrying the ball down the right flank and this time attempted to go with his left foot but saw his shot ricochet out of bounds for an FCC corner.
Weideman announced his presence in the 14th minute, heading a cross towards the Steel FC goal but McGuire made a diving save to his right.
Fordyce found himself on the end of a corner kick and looked to head the ball home but his shot bounced just wide as FCC came up empty again.
Steel FC looked to take their first shot on goal of the half in the 21st minute as Najem took a hard shot but Kenney Walker was in position to block the effort.
FCC looked to catch Steel FC by surprise, sending a long ball from the back, pitting Wiedeman against Hugh Roberts in a footrace but Wiedeman, who was first to the ball, was effectively bumped off to thwart his run.
Steel FC had one of the final chances of the half in the 44th minute, looking to capitalize on a set piece from Aaron Jones but Santi Moar’s flick toward the net dribbled wide untouched.
FCC moves on to travel to Richmond Kickers next Sat., May 6 for a 7:00 p.m. match.
Goal Summary
BST: 87th – Hugh Roberts (Najem)
Starting lineup
FCC
Mitch Hildebrandt, Matt Bahner, Austin Berry, Harrison Delbridge, Tyler Polak, Daryl Fordyce, Corben Bone, Kenney Walker, Kadeem Dacres, Andrew Wiedeman, Jimmy McLaughlin
BST
Jake McGuire, Giliano Wijnaldum, Austin Trusty, Hugh Roberts, Aaron Jones, James Chambers, Adam Najem, Cory Burke, Santi Moar, Marcus Epps, Seku Conneh
