Three early goals boost Steel City in top-of-table showdown win at Buffalo

Photo courtesy Steel City FC / Randy Warner

There would be no need for a dramatic comeback victory this time for Steel City FC.

Facing off against an FC Buffalo squad they were tied with in the USL League Two’s Great Forest Division standings, Steel City FC men’s first team exploded for three early goals, then cruised to a 4-1 victory at Coyer Field on the campus of Buffalo State University on Wednesday evening.

“We were solid defensively and that led to some very good first half chances,” Dan Brower, Steel City FC Head Coach told Pittsburgh Soccer Now after the match.

“With near record heat this week in Pittsburgh, we suffered at training and did again tonight in Buffalo – putting in a proper shift for each other and our club. So proud of the boys for both their performance and effort against a difficult Buffalo squad.”

With the win, Steel City (6W-1L-1D, 19 points) takes sole possession of first place with four matches remaining in the campaign.

Steel City’s captain, Nick Graeca (Dubois / John Carroll) started off the scoring spree after taking a pass from Nathan Prex (Seneca Valley / Lebanon Valley), then launching a strike from just inside the left edge of the box in the early moments of the match.

The visitors added goals in the 13th and 28th minutes to build the lead in the first half, with Jaxon Ervin (West Allegheny / Duquesne) and Prex each adding a goal.

In the second half, in the 83rd minute, Steel City added another goal, when Will Dunda (Quaker Valley / Geneva College) with some great work on the endline – providing a cutback for Ryan Kopay (Moon / Akron) to then slide a pass into Eben McIntyre (Charleroi / Memphis),.

McIntyre used some nifty footwork to cooly slot home Steel City’s fourth goal the game to bed.

A minute later, Steel City saw its shutout bid end when a pair of subs, Max Trushell whipped in a cross from the right, connecting with Jacobo Obradors, who’s header finished inside the near post.

Steel City FC’s attention now shifts to a home match on Sunday, June 29, when they host Akron, who they drew 2-2, in the season opener for both sides.