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FINAL: Michigan Stars FC 1, Steel City FC 0 (US Open Cup First Round)

Photo Credit: Jared Todhunter
US Open Cup First Round

FINAL: Michigan Stars FC 1, Steel City FC 0

Ambrose Urbanic Field, Pittsburgh PA

Match Stats

Match Summary

Despite dominating most facets of play in the first half, Steel City FC couldn’t capitalize on its chances, giving way to the Michigan Stars to steal a road victory with a late second half goal that gave the professional club a 1-0 win against Pittsburgh’s NPSL side at Ambrose Urbanic Field on Thursday night.

In the 83rd minute of the match, Michigan’s Niels Lellouch rose above a crowded box, converting a long free kick from Daniel Wright with a pinpoint header which sailed past Steel City’s goalkeeper Garrett Watson, who was frozen on the near post side.

Steel City were on the front foot for large portions of the first half, owning a 12-2 (5-0 on target) shots advantage, but they couldn’t capitalize despite coming close a few times, including Ryan Mertz hitting the crossbar in the 22nd minute.

 

In the 29th minute, Nathan Prex was robbed after a low shot from right side was denied by Michigan’s keeper Tatenda Mkuruva, who had five massive saves in the first 45 minutes.

Look for a more detailed recap to follow along with post match reaction, in-depth piece from Colton Coreschi on Friday, plus Jared Todhunter photos! 

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Final Stats

Match Updates

Follow along here with the latest match updates as Steel City FC makes its US Open Cup debut against professional side, Michigan Stars FC.

PSN’s coverage team includes Colton Coreschi reporting and Jared Todhunter’s photography.

SECOND HALF

FINAL — MICHIGAN STARS FC 1, STEEL CITY FC 0

90′ — FIVE MINS STOPPAGE TIME ADDED

Here’s a look at the Match’s lone goal…

83′ — GOAL — MICHIGAN STARS FC 1, STEEL CITY FC 0

Niels Nellouch rises up on the back post after a long free kick!

72′ — Michigan continues to play more patiently out of the back — leading to more time on the ball and less giveaways.   Steel City looking like they will have to find another gear to increase pressure they brought most of first half.

61′ — SC’s GK Garrett Watson saves Marcello Borgas!

60′ — SUBS for Steel City

  • IN: Ethan Bowser, Patrick Koenig
  • OUT:  Nick Kolarac, Ben Conti

46′ — There do not appear to be any changes for Steel City as second half begins.

FIRST HALF

END OF FIRST HALF — Steel City clearly on the front foot for most of the first 45 — but nothing to show for it.  High press has been effective in punishing Michigan into giving ball away, but the home side need to convert on their chances.

Here’s the half time stats:

45′ — Steel City’s dominance continues without converting.  In stoppage time — Kolarac ends up with shot from left side after solid bout of possession, but low shot pretty easy for Tatanda to handle.

29′ — Steel City on the attack again — and again SO close. This time Mertz with a well-placed diagonal cross over to Nathan Prex by far post. Former Seneca Valley standout with one-time effort saved by Michigan keeper

22′ — Crossbar hit!!  Steel City FC so close to taking the lead. It was Ryan Mertz — just like his bro did the other day.  Set up nicely by Nicky Kolarac winning a ball back when pressing high. 

18′ — Through 18 minutes, Steel City FC and Michigan Stars FC on even terms. Both sides with a shot — and Steel City’s effort was on target — a free kick from Nick Kolarac. 

It’s been physical too — w/ eight fouls already

Starting Lineups have been posted by each club:

Image

Michigan’s Lineup Card:

MATCH REPLAY

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