The Steel’s opening match of 2019 against Birmingham Legion FC was the 100th match in charge for Bethlehem Steel FC head coach Brendan Burke. Burke has amassed a 33-40-27 record across all competitions in his four seasons with Steel FC. Burke has helped managed the Steel to two USL Cup Playoffs births, including leading the club to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the first time in the club’s modern-era founding.

Kacper Przybylko and Zach Zandi both scored their first goals for Bethlehem Steel FC. This was also the debut match for both players. Przybylko signed a new contract with Philadelphia Union on Dec. 17, 2018, after joining the Union in earlier in 2018. Zandi signed his first professional contract for Bethlehem Steel FC on Jan. 8, 2019.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese earned his first career shutout, making three saves in the match. Freese signed for Philadelphia Union on Dec. 21, 2018 after playing two seasons of collegiate soccer at Harvard University.

Nine players made their debuts for Steel FC in the match against Birmingham Legion FC, including three Philadelphia Union Academy Players. Matt Freese and Kacper Przybylko both started and made their debut appearances for the Steel. Steel FC players Jamoi Topey, Chavany Willis, Zach Zandi and Saed Díaz all started and made their debuts as well. Union Academy players Cole Turner, Shanyder Borgelin and Jack de Vries all made substitute appearances for the first time.

***

Goalkeeper Carlos Miguel Coronel stood strong in Sunday, March 17, saving a penalty kick in the second minute of first-half stoppage time and then saving the rebound attempt. Coronel also made eight total saves in the match.

The match was the first regular-season match played by Steel FC in Talen Energy Stadium in the club’s history.

NC’s Marios Lomis, on an assist from Steven Miller, scored the game’s only goal.

Steel FC plays next on Sunday, March 24, hosting Memphis 901 FC at Talen Energy Stadium (6 p.m. ET/ESPN+).