Late PK propels Steel City men to Great Forest Division title and USL League Two postseason berth

Steel City FC found another late second half goal — this time coming off the foot of captain, Nick Graeca converting an 85th minute penalty kick that proved to be the difference in defeating Toledo Villa FC, 2-1, as the club captured USL League Two Great Forest Division title at Founders Field on Sunday evening.

With the result, Steel City (7W-1L-2D, 23 points) clinched a regular season Division title for the third straight season and for the first time competing in USL League Two’s Great Forest Division.  In addition, Steel City clinched a spot in USL League Two postseason tournament, with one game to spare.

“To get it done in front of our home fans. In front of our supporters, who’ve been great all year long, that was the icing on the cake,” Dan Brower, Steel City FC’s Head Coach said.

Early in the first half, both sides were feeling each other out as possession and advances were going both ways.

“I thought it was a pretty good start.  We created some chances. They played pretty direct. Thought out back line was pretty darn solid,” Brower added.

It took a dynamic goal to break the ice.

Steel City defender Anass Hadran (Robert Morris) found an opening, then delivered a rocket from 23 yards to give the hosts a 1-0 lead in the middle of the first half.

“We scored a great goal,” Brower added.

“There was some really good build-up on the left side that opened things up for us. Finished beautifully.  It was a strong strike.”

Steel City were the aggressors for the remainder of the first half, but Toledo capitalized late in the first half against the run of play in transition.

Toledo had a few early flurries at the start of the second half, but Steel City started to take control as the final 45 minutes played out.

In the 84th minute, Nathan Prex (Seneca Valley / Lebanon Valley) was pulled down, giving Graeca a chance to step up to take the penalty.

“Another late winner at Founders!” an elated Brower stated.

“It was a fantastic performance by the boys. This also took some pressure off of us. We definitely didn’t want to go to Cleveland, needing to get three points.”

Steel City will wrap up the regular season next Sunday, July 13, at 3 p.m.

John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).