Women’s First Team Falls to Crosstown Rival Pittsburgh Riveters
By Zander Plizga
Cheswick, PA – Steel City FC move to 1-1-0 on the season after suffering a tough 2-0 home defeat to the Riveters Thursday evening at Founders Field. Despite the Riveters’ early pressure and the match’s transitional style, Steel City showed a strong buildup and success in finding the out-ball throughout the first half. Goalkeeper Ruby Morgan (Eastern Kentucky ’28) stayed busy and recorded 6 saves in the first half, one of them being an incredible diving attempt where she tipped the ball over the bar.
Photo Cred: Randy Warner
Academy Focus
Among the starting lineup 4 academy products played significant minutes in this match. Of them, Regan Reilly (Eastern Kentucky 28‘) stuck out for her composure under pressure and relentless defensive work rate. Emily Graeca (JMU ’28), SCFC captain and fellow academy product, anchored the backline with her ability to win duels, disrupt runs, play out of the back, and lead from behind.
Game Recap
Early on, the Riveters put a lot of pressure on Steel City, winning 4 or 5 corners inside of the first 15 minutes. Steel City settled in a little after this and began to create some chances with direct balls and winning the seconds. One of Steel City’s best chances came in the 9th minute when Maya Matesa (Duquesne ’26) found herself one-on-one with the opposing keeper. She shot low to the keeper’s right, but Bailey Herfurth made an incredible reactive save, getting her arm down just in time to deflect Matesa’s shot.
Photo Cred: Randy Warner
The game became more stretched following this attacking chance; neither side could get the game under complete control. Until the Riveters found the back of the net in the 19th minute off the foot of Lexi Tylenda, putting the Riveters up 1-0.
Steel City responded swiftly with a few good runs of play and put some real pressure on the Riveters when they won a set piece in the 27th minute. The ball was swung in and bounced around before being cleared to the top of the box, where the on-running Kayla Leseck (Duquesne ’27) thrashed a shot which skimmed off the adjoining point of the post and crossbar.
The second half followed a similar pattern of ups and downs, and it wasn’t until an unfortunate bounce, but a great finish, that the Riveters were able to extend their lead to 2-0. After this, Steel City was chasing the game, and neither team really found control of the match. Despite this, Steel City remained resilient and turned the tide late in the match with some impactful substitutions.
Steel City FC looks to bounce back Sunday, May 31st, when they take on Cleveland Force at Krenzler Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the full game broadcast available HERE.