Match Recap: Bethlehem Steel FC disappoint in 1-1 draw with Rochester Rhinos

“We’re brutally disappointed not to pick up three points today.” James Chambers is trying to light some fires in the Steel FC camp. After conceding a late second half goal, Chambers was trying to make something happen, even yelling at Anderson to go grab the ball after the defender won a free kick in his own half. Not that Anderson did anything wrong really, Chambers just really wants this team to take what they can get every time out.

The first half was just about the best half this team has played all year. Rochester’s wonky 5-3-2 formation saw the Rhinos turtle up and look horribly unorganized. Derrick Jones continued his domination of everything midfield related by scoring (an admittedly soft) goal that beat Adam Grinwis’ outstretched arms 20 minutes in. Chambers and Jones connected well in the 38’ with a shot on range that Grinwis was thankful to see hit him right in the mitts. Captain Ryan Richter was able to find Gabe Gissie in the 39’ but his header was right at Grinwis as well. Rochester got one shot in the half when Christian Volesky nodded a header over Matt Jones’ crossbar.

Then the second half started. End to end action was on tap for the first twenty minutes. Rochester found what was called multiple times an undeserved equalizer after a centering pass deflected off Matt Jones and was blasted in by Rochester’s Kenardo Forbes from six yards out. Bad officiating and Bethlehem getting sucked into the wrong type of physical play really doomed the home side. Ryan Richter had the club’s best chance of the second half with about eight minutes of regular time left to play Richter’s cross was good but Anderson’s header didn’t get the chance to matter as the set piece was called back after what was (apparently?) ruled a jersey tug.

Brendan Burke was disappointed, in what he said was an overall very good performance. Bethlehem do get a single point, but will try and do better when Toronto FC II make the trip down from Ontario on Sunday the 31st at 4pm.