The 2017 season was Bethlehem Steel FC's second season of competitive soccer in the United Soccer League and first season competing in the second division of American soccer. Steel FC competed in the league's Eastern Conference.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality. Squad correct as of June 21, 2017.
Bethlehem Steel FC compete in USL, which is the second tier of the American soccer pyramid. Steel FC's affiliation with the Philadelphia Union of MLS has prevented the team from participating in the U.S. Open Cup competition. The decision to make affiliated "farm teams" ineligible for the U.S. Open Cup was decided since the 2016 iteration of the tournament.[12]
The 2017 USL season will be contested by 30 teams, 15 of which compete in the league's Eastern Conference. All teams will play a regular season total of 32 matches between teams within their respective conference. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams from each conference advance to the 2017 USL Playoffs for a chance to compete for the USL Championship Title.
All times in Eastern Time.[13]
Last updated: October 28, 2017 Source: 2017 USL season Pld = Matches played; Pts = Points; W = Matches won; T = Matches tied; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference
Bethlehem Steel FC earned the final playoff spot during the 2017 USL season for the first time in the club's history. Finishing as the 8th seed, Steel FC's first round fixture was away at conference winning Louisville City FC.
As of October 28, 2017.[14]