By Zander Plizga

Cleveland, OH – The Men’s First Team secured its second straight Great Forest Title and fourth in four years, dating back to its time in the NPSL before the USL 2 move. This 1-0 win over Cleveland Force pushed Steel City to an impressive (33-1-11) regular-season record over the past four years, an unprecedented 85%-win percentage in this time. Steel City looks to close out its unbeaten regular season with its upcoming match at Lorain County, Saturday, July 11th.

Photo Cred: Rocco Donnelly

First Half Chances

Steel City got off on the front foot, sustaining long spells of possession early on in the game. In the 13th minute, SCFC struck the bar off a corner. Jaxon Ervin (Duquesne ’26) swung in a cross that bounced around and fell to a scrum inside the six-yard box. A quick shot rose just too high and hit the bar before going out for a goal kick.

The next attempt came just four minutes later in the 17th minute, after a sweeping move where Steel City moved the ball from touchline to touchline, a deep cross that was cut out leaked out to Cam Territo (Duquesne ’23) atop the box. His half-volley attempt rose just too far above the bar.

In the 21st minute, Steel City threatened the net again, after winning the ball high up the field, a great switch of the play found Jake Lane (Old Dominion ’27) one-on-one out wide. Lane took on the defender and smacked a shot near post that the keeper bobbled out of bounds.

Counter Class

Steel City FC finally found the back of the net in the 52nd minute off a well-orchestrated counterattack. Anass Hadran (RMU ’26) picked up the ball deep in SCFC’s own half before driving past a defender and playing Lane out wide. Lane lost the defender with some fancy footwork before clipping a ball back post, where Ervin calmly headed it home. This goal marked Ervin’s 5th of the season, and it was the third time Lane and Ervin had connected to score.

Photo Cred: Rocco Donnelly

Defense Wins Championships

The cliché is true: defense does win championships. Steel City has posted 8 clean sheets on the season, backed by standout Goalkeeper Josh Lane (RMU ’27) and the Steel City backline. The connectiveness and commitment to put in the extra effort for each other are a major part of its success and why the Steel City defense has been near the top of USL 2 all season long.

Up Next

Steel City FC returns to action on Saturday, July 11th, when they travel to ForeFront and face Lorain County for their last regular-season match. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Saturday’s game will be broadcast on SportsEngine.

 

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