Steel City FC’s Nick Graeca earns well-deserved recognition on USL League Two Central Conference Team of Year

Photo (and all photos in this post) courtesy of Randy Warner / Steel City FC

Nick Graeca led Steel City to new heights this season, winning the Great Forest Division title during the club’s first season in League Two.

In addition to his team accomplishments, Graeca was honored as part of USL League Two Central Conference Team of the Year.

The DuBois native who starred at John Carroll University, delivered six goals, four of which were game winners.

In his second full season wearing the captain’s armband for Steel City, Graeca helped the club transition into a new league, but maintain the same level of excellence, which included Division titles the previous two seasons when they competed in the NPSL.

Steel City FC’s Head Coach Dan Brower shared his thoughts about Graeca.

“Nicky Graeca is one of the most impressive people who I have worked with in my coaching career and I’m so fortunate to have had the pleasure to watch him grow into the highly respected and decorated man he is today,” Brower said.

“It’s tough to put into words what Graeca has meant to the club over these last five years. He is much more than a catalyst, a workhorse, goal scorer and provider. I think it’s safe to say that when you spend any time on a team with ‘Graecs’, you know him to be the best teammate you could ever have. When a lot of guys think about ‘what’s in it for me’, Nicky is able to see the big picture – trust the process – and think about how WE can get better. And then do something about it! He is our leader – a highly driven person who is always committed to excellence.”

From his attacking midfield position, he had six goals (2nd straight year with that tally) with 4 of those being game winners so Nicky consistently delivered in pressure situations. His Steel City teammates and division rivals already knew of these clutch performances and now this All-Conference selection validates the fact he was just simply playing at a different level this year…a man possessed at times. With some Key Performance Indicators to back it up, it would be tough to find a more dynamic midfielder in the entire USL2.”