DC United vs. Bethlehem Steel FC | 2019 Preseason Match Preview

PREGAME SUMMARY:
2019 MLS Preseason presented by Advocare
D.C. United vs. Bethlehem Steel FC
Joe DiMaggio Sports Complex, Clearwater, Fla.
Saturday, Feb. 2 — 11 AM ET
No stream or TV available


D.C. United will kick off their slate in Preseason presented by Advocare by taking on a local foe, in a sense, as they take on USL Championship side Bethlehem Steel FC, the reserve team of the Philadelphia Union.


D.C. United


The preseason preparations thus far for D.C. have been overshadowed by transfer rumors and signings. The club has brought in Argentine duo Lucas Rodriguez and Leonardo Jara, and signed several youngsters and depth pieces. The bigger story, however, is the transfer that didn't happen, as a reported deal to send Luciano Acosta to European powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain fell apart in the 11th hour on Thursday. But PSG's loss is likely to be D.C.'s gain moving forward.



Bethlehem Steel


Steel FC are set to embark on their fourth season in 2019, as they remain in the USL Championship. The team, led by coach Brendan Burke, has improved year over year in the standings, and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. But the squad has also become an increasingly integral place to blood Union youngsters before they make the move to MLS action.