The Ocean City Nor’easters (2-0-0) will look to continue their strong start to the season Saturday night as they travel to Bethlehem for their matchup with Lehigh Valley United Rush (0-2-0) and a second game in a row on the road. The venue for this fixture is John Makuvek Field located on Moravian University's campus.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Ocean City has opened this year's campaign with wins against Philadelphia Lone Star (4-1) and, most recently, against Real Central New Jersey (3-0). The Nor’easters largely dominated in both of those fixtures combining for 7 goals scored and only 1 goal allowed, and it came from the penalty spot.

Last season Ocean City won the Mid-Atlantic Division (8-1-5) for the second year in a row, comparatively LVU finished in last place with a 1-10-3 record. The Nor’easters swept LVU in their three matches last year. Andrew Kitch, last year’s Young Player of the Year, scored his first Ocean City goal (a game-winner) in the first match against Lehigh.

This year's roster appears to be as talented as any past Nor’easter roster with multiple players getting on the scoresheet. Early standouts include Marshall midfielder Marco Silva and incoming Elon transfer Colin Veltri. Silva bagged two assists last game to give him a team-leading three. Veltri was the recipient of one of his crosses, which he turned in for a goal, however he is also a provider for the team- assisting in the first game against Lone Star. Making a return to the Storm after a year away, Arthur Widiez is tied for the team lead in scoring with a goal and an assist in the season opener.

Defensively the Nor’easters are also solid. Bolstered in the back by the return of 2024 Superdraft selection Josh Jones (Louisville / Real Salt Lake) and the addition of Kaelan Debbage (Spring Arbor) and Jansen Miller (Indiana), OCN’s backline has been a near impenetrable wall through the first two games. Between WVU keeper Marc Bonnaire and new addition Nathanael Sallah, the goalkeeping unit is also strong. This was proved by the clean sheet earned by Sallah and the rest of the defense in the 3-0 win against RCNJ.

Head coach Matt Perella knows this. He trusts in the talent and depth of his team. He is not afraid to use different personnel so it’s likely there will be some rotation in the starting lineup against Lehigh Valley United.

Lehigh Valley will be looking for their first win, as they have suffered defeats through their first two fixtures this year at home against Reading United AC (2-0) and on the road against Real Central New Jersey (1-0). Despite being kept scoreless in both losses, the Rush have only conceded three goals which could speak to an improved defense.

Follow the Nor’easters Twitter and Instagram accounts for live updates in game. Details regarding a livestream will be announced as soon as they become available.