Men’s First Team Battle to 0-0 Draw with Riverhounds 2

Photo Cred: Liam Cohen

By Zander Plizga

Cheswick, PA — The Men’s First Team moved to 3-0-2 on the season after a 0-0 draw with Riverhounds 2 late Wednesday evening at Founders Field. With heat and humidity shaping the tempo, the match quickly became a battle of defensive discipline, forcing both sides to battle through the tough conditions.

Steel City continued their defensive dominance, anchored by Goalkeeper Josh Lane (RMU ’27), who recorded seven saves in the match. Lane notched his fifth clean sheet of the season and continues to be the heart of Steel City’s defensive prowess.

Staying Clean

Lane delivered another stellar performance, finishing with seven saves and complete command of his box. He was all over every cross, loose ball, and shot the Hounds sent his way. His presence continues to anchor Steel City’s defense, and he remains a major reason why the club is the last remaining team in the USL yet to concede a goal this season. Alongside Lane’s shot-stopping ability, his ability to find a variety of ranged passes has helped open up games for Steel City. Lane isn’t the only star though, the back line is just as deserving. This backline has seen over ten different players see game time, exemplifying the club’s focus on fluidity, position-less football, and rotational play. The back line’s flexibility, communication, and commitment to the system have kept the group organized in every phase of a match.

Dynamic Duo

Ashwin Menon (Duquesne ’27) and Jaxon Ervin (Duquesne ’27) saw a lot of joy on the right wing throughout the first half. Despite a more direct playstyle from both sides, Menon and Ervin slowed down the direct play with their combinations on the right wing. Numerous times in the first half, Ervin and Menon asked questions of the opposing outside back. While the game was stretched and more direct, these two slowed down the pace of the game with their combinations and attacking pressure. Whether it was underlaps from Menon or dribbles from Ervin, they found success on the wing, winning corners, creating dangerous crosses, and moving through the back line.

Mounting Pressure

Johan Nissen-Lie (Bellarmine ’28) put together a complete performance up top for Steel City. Nissen-Lie was all over the pitch for its entirety, applying pressure to the opposing backline. He consistently closed spaces down, forced bad decisions, and won loose balls. His ability to win the ball high up the field helped Steel City transition early and have some scoring opportunities off the counter.

Photo Cred: Liam Cohen

The Fast Lane

Jake Lane (Old Dominion ’27) hit the field running in the second half. He brought a different play style than Ervin, and this tempo switch really bothered the opposing outside back. Lane was able to use his outstanding footwork to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities. Lane was unfortunately unable to win a penalty off an incredible individual dribble and ball from Carter Kopay (Pitt ’30). Lane had a couple of shots that were well blocked by defenders, but overall, Lane applied a ton of pressure on the Hounds whenever he had the ball.

Next Up

Steel City FC returns to action on Saturday, June 13, when they host Erie Sports Center at Founders Field. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m., and tickets are available HERE..

Saturday’s game will also be broadcast on SportsEngine