Men’s First Teams Defense Holds Strong, Propelling the Squad to a 1-0 Win
By Zander Plizga
Akron, Ohio – Cam Territo’s (Duquesne ’23) slicing free kick was the deciding goal that gave Steel City FC its 1-0 victory over Akron City FC late Saturday evening at InfoCision Stadium. This victory pushed the men to a (5-0-2) record on the season. It was Steel City’s first real road game of the year, and they came off the bus flying. The quick start was accompanied by a full 90 minutes of strong defense, which landed Josh Lane (RMU ’27) his 7th straight shutout.
Hitting the Ground Running
Photo Cred: Rocco Donnelly
Steel City attacked early, inside the third minute, Territo intercepted an Akron midfielder and played a first-time ball into Johan Nissen-Lie (Bellarmine ’28), who set it out wide for the on-running Jake Lane (Old Dominion ’27). Lane took on his defender and beat him wide before cutting his shot back across the goal and striking the post.
Two minutes later, Steel City was threatening the net again. A cross from Jaxon Ervin (Duquesne ’26) found the head of Nissen-Lie, forcing the Akron keeper to make a diving save on the goal line.
Lane was at the heart of a lot of the Steel City attack early, after receiving a clipped ball from his roommate and fellow Chicago native Cormac Apostolides (CWRU ’27). Lane breezed past his defender to serve in a cross along the endline. Ervin pounced on it but was unable to finish. The loose ball fell to Ryan Kopay (FDU ’28) and was put just over the crossbar.
Set Piece Practice
After a quick counter and buildup, Ervin found himself out wide looking for a back-post cross. He clipped the ball into an Akron defender’s arm, winning a set piece just outside the eighteen. Nick Graeca (John Carroll ’25) and Territo stepped over the ball, waiting for the whistle. Graeca faked his run-up, and Territo sliced his shot through the Akron wall and into the back of the net.
Photo Cred: Rocco Donnelly
Defensive Backbone
Lane and this Steel City backline remain connected and continue their USL 2 season as the only team yet to concede a goal. The backline handled its fair share of direct play from Akron City FC, and Lane made a sprawling leg save late in added time to help seal the game.
Up Next
Steel City FC returns to action on Wednesday, June 24, when they head to Erie to take on Erie Sports Center at Gannon University. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Wednesday’s game will also be broadcast on SportsEngine.