Rochester – Toronto FC II fell at the hands of Bethlehem Steel FC 2-0 on Thursday night in the final of four games played in Rochester this season.
The game’s start was delayed due to a storm rolling through the greater Rochester area. Kickoff was pushed back 40 minutes as lightning strikes lit up the night sky.
Once underway the visitors had the early jump forcing the TFC backline into making significant blocks and interceptions. Caleb Patterson-Sewell was also sharp in goal holding out the Bethlehem attack into the halftime break.
The best chance of the half for the Reds came in the 32nd minute off a corner kick. The ball found its way to Lars Eckenrode, who with his back to the goal, flicked the ball over his head. The ball looped in the air but unfortunately for the Reds, it touched the top of the bar and went out for a Steel FC goal-kick.
Patterson-Sewell continued his strong play in the second half denying Bethlehem in tight twice. Once to his left and once from a shot straight on.
However, Bethlehem broke the deadlock in the 70th as Michee Ngalina streaked in behind the Reds backline on a ball from Drew Skundrich and slipped the ball past an on-rushing Patterson-Sewell.
The visitors added one more before the end of the night as Aidan Apodaca found some space in the 18 and slid it home to make it 2-0.
Toronto FC II returns to action on Wednesday when they travel to Indianapolis to take on Indy Eleven. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM from Lucas Oil Stadium.
