Nerves of Steel! Steel City FC outlast Croatia Cleveland in penalty shootout to advance in U.S. Open Cup Qualifying

US Open Cup 2027 Qualifying – First Round

FINAL: Steel City FC (USL-2) 1, Croatia Cleveland (NCSL) 1

Steel City wins, 4-3, on Penalties

Steel City FC’s road to a second consecutive Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup appearance began the exact same way last year’s journey ended: battling Croatia Cleveland in a high-stakes, razor-thin contest.

In last year’s historical run, Steel City needed a victory over Croatia Cleveland in the final qualifying round to punch their ticket to the proper tournament. On Saturday afternoon, the script was rewritten as a First Round opener, but the drama remained unchanged. Steel City FC endured 120 minutes of grueling action and a nerve-shredding penalty shootout to advance to the Second Round of 2027 U.S. Open Cup qualifying.

Trailing 1–0 in the first half against the run of play, Steel City showed immediate resilience after the break. Sam Boehm delivered the crucial second-half equalizer, breathing life back into the squad and forcing extra time.

The match marked the First Team debut for Head Coach Jonathan Velotta, who praised his side’s response after falling behind early.

“We felt in control of the game in the first half and disappointed to give up the goal against the run of play,” Velotta told Pittsburgh Soccer Now.

“But we weren’t purposeful enough around the box. We started the 2nd half with so much more intent and created loads of chances. The game got more attritional the longer it went on, but we still felt we had enough quality to win the game. Our culture is strong and ultimately carried us through.”

Velotta also highlighted the integration of young talent in the high-stakes match:

“We had four academy players make their First Team debut, so I’m proud of their involvement.”

Extra Time and Penalty Kick Shootout Drama

With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the match went to a penalty kick shootout. Veteran goalkeeper Garret Watson—a club coach who has exclusively suited up for First Team action during Open Cup qualifying windows—delivered a memorable performance between the posts.

Watson set the tone early with a dynamic save at the start of the shootout exchange.

After four rounds of kicks, the shootout stood deadlocked. Watson stepped up once again in the fifth round, making another diving save to give Steel City the match point.

Former Highlands and Robert Morris University standout Gabe Norris coolly stepped to the spot and converted the winning penalty, sending Steel City FC through to the next round.

“For me at this point, it’s just a blessing to get to go out and play at this level with the guys,” Watson shared with PSN post-game.

“I think we were the better team and would love to have the moments leading up to conceding the goal back, but Croatia Cleveland is a great squad that is always hard to play against—they’ve proved that two years in a row.”

“Thankfully we came out in the second half and got right back into it. Penalties are always tricky, but I’m glad I was able to step up and make some saves for the squad and now we look to the next round. One down, three to go.”

Steel City FC now awaits its Second Round matchup, scheduled for October 3 or 4 (opponent, location, and kick time TBA).

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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).