Articles written by: Tim Jones

Still learning soccer after nearly five decades. A southwestern Ohio buckeye transplanted to Chester County. Used to teach history, enjoys new ideas, sometimes bakes bread, is a sports fan, and loves apparently unconnected connections.

USL Match report

Match Report: Bethlehem 4 – 0 Toronto II

The game was a “must-win” against a team that had scored 16 goals in its previous six games. Bethlehem Steel FC prevailed 4-0 to remain in 6th place in the USL eastern conference playoff race with three more games to play.

Philadelphia Union II

Organizational core principle: Maximize and fulfill potential

Tim Jones offers explanations why Bethlehem head coach Brendan Burke, USL Coach of the Month for August, was able to bring Bethlehem back into playoff contention.

Featured / Philadelphia Union II / Raves

Raves: Matt Mahoney, the underdog come good

Of the dozens of players who have trialed with Bethlehem Steel, only one has ever made the team and returned for a second year: former Temple Owl Matt Mahoney.

Philadelphia Union II / Roster News

Bethlehem Steel sign 15-year-old U.S. youth international Selmir Miscic

The Bethlehem Steel FC have signed a 15-year-old U.S. youth international midfielder Selmir Miscic.

Analysis

CONCACAF’s Nations League

Two new international soccer initiatives commence in the FIFA international window this weekend. Tim Jones describes and explains one, the Concacaf Nations League. You may watch bits of the other, the UEFA Nations League, on TV Thursday through Tuesday.

USL Match report

USL match report: Penn FC 3 – 1 Bethlehem Steel FC

Penn FC ended Bethlehem’s run of August success decisively on the second day of September at Lehigh. A sustained run of emotion, focused effort came a cropper against mature, experienced desperation as Penn faces a challenging path to the playoffs. Bethlehem must finish strongly after its upcoming trip to Pittsburgh against the Riverhounds.

Analysis

Fortress Bethlehem: What the Steel must do to make the playoffs

Bethlehem’s current position in the table, 5th, reflects that they have played the most games in the league, and that a “points-currently-won” table hides the fact. A points-per-game statistic is a more accurate comparison, and PSP has calculated one. We have also sketched out a possible path to the playoffs.

Analysis

Jay Sugarman on player development

Several days ago Union principal owner Jay Sugarman introduced new Sporting Director Ernst Tanner to the Media at Talen Energy Stadium. Tim Jones listened carefully and has been thinking about what he said.

Philadelphia Union II / Roster News

Bethlehem Steel acquire Congolese midfielder

Bethlehem have brought in 18-year-old center midfielder Antonio Lokwa in a move announced this week.

USL Match report

Match report: Bethlehem Steel 1-2 Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Bethlehem’s dominant streak came to an end as an exhausted side fell 2-1 to a superior Pittsburgh Riverhounds side on Sunday afternoon.