Saturday, August 9th’s 3:00 p.m. match between Bethlehem Steel FC and Tampa Bay Rowdies in Lehigh, PA has been officially cancelled. Impending catastrophic weather due to hit Florida has forced Tampa Bay to change their travel arrangements in order to be back prior to Hurricane Irma’s nasty arrival. The match is rescheduled to Wednesday, September 27th at Goodman Stadium in Lehigh, PA.

Photo courtesy of Bethlehem Steel FC. “Go gold” on social media by using this picture as your profile icon to support Pediatric Cancer Foundation of Lehigh Valley’s efforts.

Hurricane Irma is scheduled to make landfall along Florida’s southeastern coast later this weekend – perhaps Sunday morning – meteorologists are still unsure. Irma’s arrival may be far from central PA but the potential damage she may cause has forced a change in the Week 25 USL schedule. Tampa Bay Rowdies have made it clear they would like to return home prior to the storm’s arrival. Playing a late afternoon match in Bethlehem could cause unnecessary travel problems when they look to return home Saturday evening.

Saturday’s match-up was scheduled to be Bethlehem Steel FC’s inagural “Gold Match” – designed in partnership with Pediatric Cancer foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) to promote awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research. Specially designed gold warm-ups will be worn by Steel FC players prior to the match and gold armbands will be sported as well.  Players will be escorted onto the pitch by children from PCFLV in a tribute to all those who have fought pediatric cancer. A silent auction is to be held on the concourse beginning when gates open and closing at the 70th minute mark. All auction items can be autographed by players after the game and proceeds will benefit PCFLV.

The good news is, the new “Gold Match” is scheduled for Sunday, September 24th at 3:00 p.m. when Steel FC battle against cross-state rival Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Steel FC will continue to run a special ticket promotion to aid PCFLV further. Special General Admission tickets are being sold for $15, with every ticket donating $8 directly to PCFLV. More detailed information can be found at bethlehemsteelfc.com. “Go Gold” logo