The Union will host Swansea FC, a Welsh club from the Premier League, in an international friendly Saturday. The game fills the space of the MLS midseason break, providing strong competition for the club following a short rest after the Sporting KC game on July 6.
For head coach Jim Curtin, the annual international friendly is an opportunity to look ahead and size up his team’s future. The game gives Curtin a chance to experiment with under-utilized and younger players, giving first caps to Bethlehem players. Last year’s friendly against Crystal Palace marked the debut of Derrick Jones, a staple of this season’s midfield.