Steel City FC women bounce back ‘fighting tooth and nail’ in 1-0 win in Rochester

Steel City FC women picked up an important three points, as Saveria Ulizzi’s (Montour / CMU) 16th minute goal was the difference in a 1-0 road victory against Flower City 1872 in Rochester on Saturday evening.

“I am really proud of our girls. We fought tooth and nail,” Helena Locteli, Steel City co-captain, said after the match.

In goal, Mackenna Yaracs (Butler / LaSalle) earned the shutout in her first start.  It was Steel City’s second clean sheet this season.

With the win, Steel City (3W-1L-2D, 11 points) move into second place all alone in the USL W League Great Forest Division, trailing Pittsburgh Riveters (14 points).

Steel City, with one match at hand on the Riveters, who play on Sunday night, hosting Erie Sports Center (6 p.m.), will keep a busy schedule over the next week as they travel to Cleveland on Wednesday, then host Flower City at Founders Field the following Saturday (June 21).

“We have a much stronger squad now, and we’ll have to use our depth,” Tom Ovenden, Steel City FC, Head Coach said following the 3-1 loss to Riveters on Wednesday.

“Everyone’s going to have to do their part as we’re getting down to the business end of the season.  It’s good for the game. It’s good for Pittsburgh, having us one-two, I’m really excited. We like playing on turf as well, so our game is suited for some of these away games as well.”

If Steel City can bag and maximize points, they can make this a race to the end, setting up a very meaningful second encounter at Highmark Stadium on June 27.

However, Steel City cannot afford many slips in their next three matches, or they’ll be in danger of falling further behind in the race.

Latest Great Forest Division Standings (as of 6/15/2025)