Bridge City FC ride dominant final quarter to quiet Rockford Thunder, 11-6, to stay in postseason hunt

MLIS North Division

Bridge City FC 11, Rockford Thunder 6

Box Score

Bridge City FC returned home for the first time in over a month, picking up a much needed victory, outlasting Rockford Thunder, 11-6, before another packed crowd at Sewickley Sports Arena on Saturday night.

Eight different goal scorers, including Nate Dragisich, Jack Shearer and Josh Luchini each picking up a pair of goals, led the Black and Gold’s early assault, which provided a 4-0 lead to start, they relied on a strong finish to the match, with five unanswered goals after Rockford fought back in the third quarter.

With the win, Bridge City remains in contention for one of the two postseason bids that come out of Major League Indoor Soccer’s North Division.

“The boys showed good character,” Shearer told Pittsburgh Soccer Now after a bounce-back victory that followed a tough loss to league leading Cleveland last weekend.

“To come off a tough defeat in Cleveland a week ago, they shifted gears fairly quickly and responded in good fashion with a much needed 3 points. To score 11 goals at home in front of a great crowd and atmosphere, was fantastic to see.”

After Rockford battled back to level the match, 6-6, late in the third quarter, the home side scored five unanswered goals in the fourth quarter, with Luchini picking up a pair of goals resecure the lead.

As Bridge City stayed on the front foot in the final 15 minutes, they also slammed the door shut and quieted the Thunder attack for the rest of the way.  Primary keeper, Grant Glorioso (in goal for 54 minutes) made 11 saves in the match, including a few key stops in the late stages.

“The group is getting more and more experience each and every game and it’s great to see guys getting comfortable out there within the indoor game,” Shearer added.

With a 5-4-0 overall record, Bridge City remain in postseason contention, sitting in fourth place, but will need to keep building points, as the top two teams in the MLIS will earn playoff berth.  Bridge City host the next two matches at home (vs Fort Wayne next Saturday, who they defeated 9-8 to open the season, vs Chicago who they lost to, 7-6, back in January), then finish the season at first-place Toronto.

“We will continue to make our playoff push and finish the season strong,” Shearer said.

“The fans showed out and were rocking all evening long and we are so grateful for them.

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** Major League Indoor Soccer (MLIS) season concludes with a four-team playoff format.  The top two teams from each conference (North and South) advance to a final weekend championship on March 28–29, 2026, at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The league features 13 teams playing a 12-game regular season.

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).