Philadelphia Union II

Philadelphia Union II is an American professional soccer team based in Chester, Pennsylvania competing in MLS Next Pro. Founded in 2015 as Bethlehem Steel FC, the team is the official affiliate of the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. The team competed for five seasons in the USL Championship (the first three as Bethlehem Steel FC) before going on hiatus from competition during the 2021 season. The club's current colors are navy blue and gold.

"Bethlehem Steel FC" redirects here. For the early 20th century club, see Bethlehem Steel F.C. (1907–1930).
Philadelphia Union II
Full namePhiladelphia Union II
Founded2015 (2015) (as Bethlehem Steel FC)
StadiumSubaru Park
Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Capacity18,500
OwnerKeystone Sports & Entertainment
Head coachMarlon LeBlanc
LeagueMLS Next Pro
20204th, Group F
Playoffs: DNQ
WebsiteClub website

History

Since the formalized partnership between United Soccer League and Major League Soccer in 2013, MLS teams had begun to form and field their own teams on the then third tier. This endeavor was largely driven to fill in the missing piece of player development between high school/college players and professional soccer players. In June 2015, the Philadelphia Union sent out a survey to fans gauging interest in fielding their own USL team.[1] The survey input and directives from the Union front office eventually led to the creation of a team that would play in the Lehigh Valley, officially announced on August 19, 2015.[2] This announcement made the Union the ninth MLS team to independently own and operate a USL club. The announcement also coincided with dissolving the previous affiliation with USL side Penn FC (formerly Harrisburg City Islanders), originally established in 2010.[3] After surveying fans for a name of the team, the results ended overwhelmingly in favor of “Bethlehem Steel FC” honoring the previous incarnation of the team in the early twentieth century.[4] Bethlehem Steel FC would become the “missing link” of player development between YSC Academy and first team for the Philadelphia Union. The club began to take shape hiring former Union assistant coach, Brendan Burke as the first head coach of the team's history on October 29, 2015.[5] On December 3, 2015, Burke made his first signing to the team in Derrick Jones, who was a player developing in the Union Academy.[6]

First seasons (2016–2018)

In preparation of their inaugural season, Steel FC built a roster with a combination of USL veterans (Mickey Daly, Ryan Richter, Bolu Akinyode), Philadelphia Union draft picks (Josh Yaro, Fabian Herbers), and key international players (James Chambers, Cory Burke). This team would be largely supported by Union players on short-term loans in addition to academy players from YSC Academy.[7] The team's first season saw glimpses of positives but ultimately struggled down the stretch of the season, going winless in their last 12 matches.

On January 5, 2017, the United States Soccer Federation granted USL provisional Division II status; making the 2017 season the first time the Steel FC would compete as a Division II team.[8] Steel built on their inaugural season continuing to integrate more amateur players from YSC Academy and other young players. The emergence of Seku Conneh and Cory Burke as reliable scoring threats helped Steel FC double their previous season's win total, finished 8th in the Eastern Conference and earned their first playoff appearance.[9]

In 2018, Steel FC took another step forward with their best season to date, setting a record earning 50 points and 14 wins. Steel FC finished 6th in the Eastern Conference and won their first playoff match against in-state rivals Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Advancing to the Conference Semi-finals, Steel FC ultimately lost to eventual 2018 USL Champions, Louisville City FC.[10]

Relocation and rebranding (2019–present)

At the conclusion of the 2018 season, Bethlehem Steel announced that it would play the 2019 season at Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania; home of Steel's MLS parent club, Philadelphia Union. The relocation was prompted due to Goodman Stadium not having stadium lighting, limiting the scheduling possibilities and being in non-compliance with USL requirements. The team front office pledged to continue seeking out potential venue solutions that meet the USL Championship requirements for the 2020 season.[11][12]

On December 12, 2019, the Philadelphia Union announced that the Bethlehem Steel would change their name to Philadelphia Union II for the 2020 USL Championship season.[13]

On October 16, 2020, the Philadelphia Union announced that Union II would be withdrawn from the USL Championship and did not play competitively in 2021.

MLS Next Pro

The club announced on December 6, 2021, that it was joining the 21-team MLS Next Pro for the inaugural 2022 season.[14]

Colors and badge
Bethlehem Steel FC Crest (2016–2019)

On October 27, 2015, Bethlehem Steel FC's name, crest, and colors were officially announced during a ceremony held at the ArtsQuest at SteelStacks. "Steel FC" alludes to the historical Bethlehem Steel F.C., which played from 1907 to 1930.[4] The origin of the clubs' name is the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, which was once the second-largest steel producer and largest shipbuilder the United States and was important to the economy of the area. The name was chosen following a fan poll held between September 8, 2015 and September 28, 2015; the other three options were Lehigh Valley Steel SC, Lehigh Valley Blast, and Steel FC.[15]

The colors of Bethlehem Steel FC are navy blue and gold, and red, combining the primary colors of both the original Bethlehem Steel F.C. and the Philadelphia Union. The team's crest is elongated, representing the foundation of a new player development program and extension of the Union brand. Its gold rivets symbolize the relationship between the Bethelehem and Philadelphia clubs. The Union's rattlesnake alludes to the "Join, or Die" political cartoon by Benjamin Franklin that was featured in the 1754 Pennsylvania Gazette, and is also reminiscent of the Gadsden flag, another Revolutionary icon. The red beam in the middle of the crest is a tribute to the original logo of Bethlehem Steel F.C.

Before sponsoring a team in the USL, the Philadelphia Union commemorated the original Bethlehem Steel F.C. once before. In February 2013, the club unveiled a third kit with Steel F.C.'s colors, featuring a black jersey with white trim, a sublimated Union logo, and a Steel F.C. jock tag.[16][17][18][19][20]

In 2016, the crest earned a third place recognition for "2016 Primary Logo of the Year."[21]

Sponsorship
Period Kit Manufacturer Shirt Sponsor Ref
2016–2018 Adidas Lehigh Valley Health Network [22]
2019 —
2020–present Sun East Federal Credit Union [23]

Facilities

Stadium
Lehigh's Murray H Goodman Stadium
Main article: Subaru Park

Philadelphia Union II plays home matches at Subaru Park in Chester, also home to the Philadelphia Union. Previously, they played matches at Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem for three seasons.

Period Stadium Location Capacity
2016–2018 Goodman Stadium Bethlehem, PA 16,000[24]
2019–present Subaru Park Chester, PA 18,500[25]

Training facility

Philadelphia Union II practices at the training fields next to Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Club culture

Supporters

After announcing the creation of Bethlehem Steel FC, a supporters collaboration was soon formed. Largely organized through Facebook, the official supporters group emerged as the East End Army.[26] The East End Army support the team from the lower bowl section of Goodman Stadium, dubbed "the Forge." The official pub partner for Philadelphia Union II is Golazo House located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.[27]

Rivalries

Philadelphia Union II is one of three USL teams in Pennsylvania, the others being Penn FC and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Since the 2015 season, Penn FC (formerly Harrisburg City Islanders) and Riverhounds compete for the Keystone Derby Cup, which currently excludes Bethlehem Steel FC.[28]

Players and staff
For details on former players, see All-time Bethlehem Steel FC roster.

Current roster
As of March 25, 2023
No. Pos. Player Nation
13 GK Holden Trent ([A])  United States
14 MF Jeremy Rafanello ([A])  United States
23 FW Nelson Pierre ([A])  United States
24 DF Anton Sorenson ([A])  United States
25 FW Chris Donovan ([A])  United States
29 DF Olwethu Makhanya ([A])  South Africa
32 FW José Riasco  Venezuela
33 MF Quinn Sullivan ([A])  United States
35 DF Gino Portella  Italy
36 MF Pedro Álvarez  Venezuela
39 DF Francis Westfield ([B])  United States
40 DF Hugo Le Guennec  France
41 MF David Vasquez ([B])  United States
42 DF Carlos Rojas (On loan from Deportivo La Guaira)  Venezuela
43 MF Alex Pérez ([B])  United States
44 DF Neil Pierre  United States
45 DF Noe Uwimana ([B])  United States
48 FW Marcelo Mazzola ([B])  United States
49 MF Luciano Sanchez ([B])  United States
52 MF Boubacar Diallo  Senegal
55 FW Sal Olivas ([B])  United States
56 MF CJ Olney ([B])  United States
58 DF Gavin Wetzel ([B])  United States
61 DF Daniel Krueger ([B])  United States
62 DF Luke Martelli ([B])  United States
64 GK Jonathan Evans ([B])  United States
65 DF Devon Stopek ([B])  United States
75 DF Nathan Nkanji  Venezuela
76 GK Andrew Rick  United States
77 MF Edward Davis ([B])  United States
78 MF Anthony Ramirez ([B])  United States
80 DF Juan Castillo  Colombia
81 GK Gavin Atkinson ([B])  United States
82 MF Francis Castillo-Orellana ([B])  United States
83 MF Alexandru Zama ([B])  United States
88 MF Kyle Tucker  United States
98 FW Stefan Stojanovic  United States
  1. ^
    Philadelphia Union first team player.
    2.
  2. ^
    Signed to Philadelphia Union Academy contract.
    3.

Out on loan
No. Pos. Player Nation
22 GK Brooks Thompson (at North Carolina FC)  United States

Coaching staff
Position Staff Nation
Head CoachMarlon LeBlancUnited States United States
Goalkeeping CoachKarl SprattUnited Kingdom United Kingdom
Video AnalystAustin ReynoldsUnited States United States
Athletic TrainerBrian BetzUnited States United States
Equipment ManagerAndrew VaccaroUnited States United States

Coaching and Technical Staff as of April 21, 2022[29]

Head coaches

This list includes all those who have managed the club since 2016, when the club joined United Soccer League for the first time, whether coaching on a full-time or interim basis. Games played include all League, Playoff, and the win percentage is calculated from the total of games.

  • Figures correct as of March 13, 2022. Includes all competitive USL and playoff matches. Playoff matches decided by penalties officially recorded as draws.

M = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost;

Name Nat Tenure M W D L Win % Notes
Brendan Burke USAOctober 29, 2015 – February 12, 202013340335730.1%
Sven Gartung GERFebruary 12, 2020 – August 5, 202050140.0%
Marlon LeBlanc USAAugust 5, 2020 – present1122718.2%Interim coach through March 2, 2021[30][31]

Records

Year-by-year
Season League Position Playoffs Continental / Other Average
attendance		 Top goalscorer(s)
Div League Pld W L D GF GA GD Pts PPG Conf. Overall Name(s) Goals
2016 2 USL 30614103243-11280.9311th25th DNQ DNQ 2,573 Ghana Derrick Jones
United States Ryan Richter		 5
2017 USL 32121284645+1441.388th17th Conference QF 3,052 Liberia Seku Conneh 10
2018 USL 34141285641+15501.476th14th Conference SF 2,347 Spain Santi Moar
Democratic Republic of the Congo Michee Ngalina		 6
2019 USLC 3481974978-29310.9116th32nd DNQ 478 Cameroon Faris Pemi Moumbagna 11
2020 USLC 1621132045-2590.5616th32nd DNQ N/A United States Jack McGlynn 5
2021 On Hiatus
2022 3 MLSNP 2411944239+3401.673rd, Eastern8th Conference SF DNQ N/A United States Chris Donovan 8

References
  1. "Union sends out survey to gauge interest in USL team". 16 June 2015.
  2. "Philadelphia Union and USL announce expansion team in Bethlehem, Pa., for 2016 season".
  3. "Harrisburg City Islanders and Philadelphia Union Agree to Dissolve Five-Year Exclusive Partnership". Archived from the original on 2015-09-06. Retrieved 2016-09-25.
  4. "Press release". October 27, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  5. "Bethlehem Steel FC names Brendan Burke manager". October 28, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  6. "Bethlehem Steel FC Sign Union Academy Product Derrick Jones". Philadelphia Union. December 3, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  7. Tom Via II (November 30, 2016). "Foundation laid in inaugural season poinsed to pay dividends for Bethlehem Steel FC". Bethlehem Steel FC. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  8. "U.S. Soccer Board of Directors Grants Provisional Division II Status to NASL and USL". U.S. Soccer. January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  9. Chris Hockman (December 1, 2017). "Year in Review – Bethlehem Steel FC". USL Soccer. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  10. Rob Simmons (November 14, 2018). "Season review: The Bethlehem Steel experiment". The Philly Soccer Page. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  11. Tim McDermott (November 12, 2018). "Statement from Tim McDermott, Philadelphia Union Chief Business Officer". Bethlehem Steel FC. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  12. Matthew Ralph (November 15, 2018). "Lehigh Valley-based fans aren't happy with Steel FC's 2019 move to Chester". Brotherly Game. Retrieved November 22, 2018.
  13. "Philadelphia Union USL Championship Team To Rebrand As Union II". Philadelphia Union. December 12, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
  14. "MLS NEXT Pro Unveils 21 Clubs for Inaugural Season". philadelphiaunion.
  15. "Philadelphia Union open fan vote for USL team name". October 27, 2015. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
  16. "Jersey Week: Union pay homage to Bethlehem Steel with retro 3rd shirt". MLSsoccer.com.
  17. "Philadelphia Union honors Bethlehem Steel soccer club on new jerseys". lehighvalleylive.com. 28 February 2013.
  18. "Bethlehem, PA Patch – Breaking News, Local News, Events, Schools, Weather, Sports and Shopping". Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  19. "Philadelphia Union unveil new third jersey, inspired by Bethlehem Steel". Philly.com.
  20. "Todo Sobre Camisetas: Philadelphia Union Adidas Third Jersey 2013". todosobrecamisetas.blogspot.com.ar.
  21. "Bethlehem Steel FC Grabs the Bronze for Best New Primary Logo". Bethlehem Steel FC. December 22, 2016. Archived from the original on January 3, 2017. Retrieved January 2, 2016.
  22. "Bethlehem Steel FC Announce Partnership With Lehigh Valley Health Network". Philadelphia Union. March 27, 2016. Retrieved September 26, 2016.
  23. "Philadelphia Union II Names Sun East Federal Credit Union Official Partner | Philadelphia Union". Archived from the original on 2020-11-25.
  24. "Lehigh University | Goodman Stadium". Lehigh University. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  25. "About Talen Energy Stadium". Philadelphia Union. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  26. "Supporters". Archived from the original on 2016-09-27. Retrieved 2016-09-25.
  27. "Golazo House named official pub partner of Bethlehem Steel FC". February 14, 2018. Retrieved October 22, 2018.
  28. "2016 Keystone Derby will be sponsored by PA Lottery, exclude Bethlehem Steel". PENN97. February 25, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2016.
  29. "Coaching and Technical Staff". Archived from the original on 2016-07-01. Retrieved 2016-05-08.
  30. Jonathan Tannenwald (5 August 2020). "Union part ways with USL coach Sven Gartung, then Paxten Aaronson and Patrick Bohui get team's first win of year". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  31. Pardeep Cattry (2 March 2021). "Philadelphia Union announce changes to coaching staff for 2021 MLS season". philadelphiaunion.com. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
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