Goalkeeper: Matthew Perrella is the lone holdover from the goalkeeping corps from a season ago after making four appearances late in the 2016 season. He is likely to be joined by 2017 MLS SuperDraft selection Jake McGuire, who signed with the Union after being signed off waivers after being selected by the Houston Dynamo. A former member of the Portland Timbers U-23s, McGuire had a solid career at the University of Tulsa as he enters his first professional season.

Defense: Steel FC made a big offseason addition with the arrival of 2016 USL All-League First Team selection Hugh Roberts from the Richmond Kickers. One of two players to play every minute of the regular season in 2016, Roberts’ consistency at the center of defense should be a boost to Steel FC, which could also call on U.S. U20 international Auston Trusty again on loan from the Union to help form a strong central tandem. Youngsters Matthew Real and Mark McKenzie will also likely get chances to impress, while 2017 MLS SuperDraft selections Jack Elliott and Aaron Jones have also seen action with the side during the preseason.

Midfield: Veteran James Chambers was one of Steel FC’s leaders in its inaugural season with three goals and four assists, and Bethlehem also saw Joshua Heard return for his second season with the club after scoring two goals in 22 appearances in his first professional season. The likes of Union rookies Marcus Epps and Adam Najem – who was named the PDL’s Creative Player of the Year and the league’s No. 8 prospect for the Michigan Bucks – should also bolster the side, while Eric Ayuk could also see action for a second consecutive year after three goals and one assist in 17 appearances a season ago.

Forward: Steel FC has a variety of options in attack, led by Jamaican international Cory Burke, who had a productive offseason with the Reggae Boyz as he scored his first two international goals to help them qualify for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Burke is rejoined by Amoy Brown and Seku Conneh, but the side has added some solid options through the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, with former Charlotte Eagles forward Santi Moar – the No. 37 prospect in the PDL a year ago – having a solid preseason, and Chris Nanco also having signed after being selected by the Union in the Third Round.