Philadelphia Union II

Bethlehem signs Fred as player/coach, parts ways with Lee

Photo: Earl Gardner

Bethlehem Steel announced on Thursday it has acquired former Philadelphia Union midfielder Fred as a player and assistant coach.

Head coach Brendan Burke said in a statement, “Fred brings with him the playing experience that will help mentor the younger players as they encounter challenges and opportunities. It is a unique role that will enable Fred to guide the team through example and make us stronger as we continue to develop throughout the season.”

Fred, 37, spent three seasons with the Union, first joining the team in its inaugural season, returning to the club in 2014. Beginning his professional career in his native Brazil, the midfielder has also played in Australia’s A-League for Melbourne Victory, Wellington Phoenix, and Melbourne Heart, and in the US for DC United.

Bethlehem Steel also announced on Thursday it has has mutually agreed to terminate its contract with Raymond Lee. Drafted by the Union in the 2015 SuperDraft, the 22-year-old defender was waived in August before signing with Bethlehem in January.

Bethlehem begins its inaugural season tonight when it faces FC Montreal on the road. The game, which kicks off at 7 pm, will be streamed live on YouTube. Bethlehem’s home opener is on Sunday, April 3 at 3 pm against FC Cincinnati.

3 Comments

  1. Good luck Bethlehem Steel

  2. old soccer coach says:

    Loaned from the Union to Bethlehem Steel for this game [judging by the roster generated by going to the USL website, clicking teams, clicking Bethlehem Steel, and clicking roster] are seven: McCarthy; Yaro, Washington; Ayuk, Restrepo, Fernandes; Herbers. Marisa Pilla broke the same information yesterday late afternoon or early evening.
    .
    If the Union guys all start, based on who played where in the last preseason game prior to the opener [that predictor worked very well for the Union opener] the Steel roster will provide Richter at Right Back, Daly at Left Center Back, and Akinyode and Chambers at the Defensive Center Midfield spots. The only change from the side that started against Georgetown would be Herbers for Brown at Striker.
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    Since Corey Burke, a BSFC loan signing form the Red Stripe Jamaican Premier League, has just returned from Jamaican National Team camp, having not made the final twenty-three for the two games against Costa Rica [as cited by an article two days ago on the blog titled “Unauthorized Bethlehem Steel FC Blog: Because somebody has to go in goal”], I am assuming he is not listed on the roster at USL because he has not practiced recently with the Steel, did not make the trip, and that the roster is probably specific to the FC Montreal game only.
    .

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