Sideline Shindig

by Marissa Blackman It feels so good to say it! Today is #GameDayEve! Usually, I compare both teams and try to find trends with the clubs, but, considering this is only the second game of the season for each club, any trends gathered from only one match would be rather inconsequential. Nevertheless, I have gathered a few details about the two clubs. Both long time USL clubs kicked off their 2016 season with a win. Wilmington Hammerheads FC beat Orlando City B 2-1, and Richmond Kickers beat Harrisburg City Islanders 3-1. Wilmington's goals were distributed evenly throughout both halves of the match, whereas Richmond scored twice in the first half and once in the later. Richmond goal keeper Ryan Taylor only needed to make one save in his club's home opener, and the rest of his squad forced the Harrisburg goalie to make three. In Wilmington's first away game of the season, goal keeper John Smits made three saves, tallying the same number of saves as Orlando City B. Wil

by Marissa Blackman Bethlehem Steel FC, one of the six clubs competing in USL for the first time this season, is certainly making its presence known. Steel players are already standing out. The team captain, Ryan Richter has been included in the USL's week one Team of the Week. Fred, a Brazilian midfielder, who has experience with D.C. United, Philadelphia Union, and several other clubs in Brazil and Australia recently joined the Bethlehem squad as both player and assistant coach Today, Bethlehem Steel FC, recognized the East End Army as its official supporters group. Although this is Bethlehem's inaugural season, the East End Army already stands over four hundred members strong. The group has a designated seating section, The Forge, within Goodman Stadium, the home field of Bethlehem Steel FC. Most notably, the Leigh Valley team won its inaugural match against FC Montreal. Fabian Herbers' goal in the forty third minute was enough to tally three points for his club.

by Marissa Blackman The 2016 campaign for Wilmington Hammerheads FC is off to the best possible start. The team took three points from the season opener against Orlando City B. Here are a few of my takeaways from the match. Orlando put up a good fight.  The Hammerheads did not maintain constant control of the game, and the club did not win by the proverbial skin of its teeth either. Despite Orlando being an extremely worthy opponent, the Hammerheads were still able to get a 2-1 victory. When Wilmington did have possession, the Hammerheads passed in deliberate, meticulous patterns. When Wilmington lost possession, the club was able to regain it through a combination of quick footwork and solid defense.  The Hammerheads play consistently. Orlando made feasible attempts at goals, but the Hammerheads made quick clearances. Orlando City B scored the club's only goal of the match as a result of a string of failures to adequately get the ball away from the box. After the equalizi