The Pathway and the Pursuit: Steel City FC balances Academy growth and Open Cup ambitions

When amateur and pre-professional clubs enter the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup qualifying rounds, the objective is straightforward: win three or four consecutive knockout matches over three autumn months to book a ticket to the tournament proper.

For Steel City FC, that journey requires navigating a unique balancing act.

They did it a year ago — and are currently on a quest to do it again.

The squad brings together seasoned college alums, battle-tested club veterans, and bright young academy prospects—all part of a club and culture they’ve been part of — but still adapting on the fly under new head coach Jonathan Velotta – who made his official debut as the club’s head coach in the first round of qualifying.

With Round 2 set for Saturday night against FC New York at UPMC Graham Field, Steel City FC enters the match coming off a drama-filled, 120-minute battle against Croatia Cleveland in Round 1 that ended in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.

Trial by Fire: The First Round Penalty Drama

In his first official match leading the Men’s First Team after stepping into the role vacated by Dan Brower, Velotta saw his side fall behind early against Croatia Cleveland. The team clawed its way back, survived extra time, and ultimately triumphed in penalties when midfielder Gabe Norris stepped up in the fifth round to bury the clincher.

“One down, three to go,” goalkeeper Garret Watson noted after the match, capturing the single-elimination reality of the fall qualifying circuit.

It was Norris’ return to the club, following a year where he stepped away to focus on getting his MBA and pursuing a Law degree at Duquesne University School of Law, while still devoting some time to coaching younger  Academy players.

“I definitely needed a break, but I was starting to get that itch again,” Norris said.

“I think I’m very bought into this team culture and the identity they’re trying to create. I can see JV (Jonathan Velotta) and Tommo’s vision, and I’m really excited about it.”

When asked how taking a high-stakes 5th-round Open Cup penalty compares to law school finals, Norris didn’t hesitate: the pressure on the pitch is a breeze compared to the classroom.

“It is so much less stressful,” Norris exclaimed. “Like, way less!”

Reflecting on his head coaching debut in the post-game comments shared with Pittsburgh Soccer Now, Velotta praised the group’s mental fortitude and response under pressure.

“The way the guys responded after going down early spoke volumes about the character in this group,” Velotta noted. “We have a mix of guys who have been in these high-stakes games before and young players experiencing it for the first time. To stay composed through 120 minutes and handle a shootout like that sets a strong foundation for what we’re trying to build.”

For Norris—a former Horizon League champion at Robert Morris University—the Open Cup qualifying window offers a unique competitive outlet.

Despite a grueling 120-minute battle in Round 1 against Croatia Cleveland, Norris emphasizes that Steel City’s identity centers on relentless work ethic. Facing FC New York at UPMC Graham Field, he expects the home environment and academy crowd to set a physical, high-intensity tone immediately.

Norris also pointed out how smooth the transition has been under Coach Velotta, who previously served as the club’s Academy Director and Boys Program Director before taking the top job on the touchline.

“Coach Velotta brings so much clarity and energy,” Norris added.

“He constantly preaches ‘be brave, get on the ball, make decisions.’ That fearless mindset trickles down from the veterans to the youngest guys in the squad.”

Building the Ladder: The Academy Pipeline

While securing results in the Open Cup is the immediate priority, Steel City FC’s underlying mission is constructing a clear ladder from youth soccer to pre-professional play in Western Pennsylvania.

On social media, the club has spotlighted current Academy talents who have earned their way into First Team training sessions and matchday rosters.

A prime example of this vertical pathway is Michael Bishop, a U19 Academy player who has progressed through every level of the club’s system.

Bishop began his youth journey on his age group’s second team. Through steady development, he earned a starting spot on the top Academy side, joined the First Team training pool during the 2026 Open Cup qualifying campaign, and ultimately made his competitive First Team debut.

“Kids watching us should know that it’s not easy,” Bishop shared. “It’s a long journey that requires a lot of work, but it’s worth every second. When I started, I was on my age group’s second team, and I climbed the ladder. I worked my way onto the Academy team, became a starter, then into the First Team’s training squad, and finally playing in the Open Cup.”

“I was 12 when I first saw the Men play, and I thought they were at a technical and athletic level way above me. When I got the opportunity to play, I was nervous because I never competed against people with that much talent. Then I learned they were all great people with experience and knowledge for me to learn from.”

That dynamic is mutually beneficial. Veterans like Norris take pride in mentoring the academy players breaking through.

“It’s great seeing the talent coming through the pipeline,” Norris said. “When you see young guys coming into training, working hard, and stepping up without fear, it elevates the entire group. That blend of youth and experience is what makes this group special.”

“For so long I was the young kid, and I had guys like Nicky [Kolarac] and Rami [Bensasi] who were really important in my life and development, Recognizing that’s more my role now—how can I be that mentor for these young kids and give them a sense of calm? Going out and playing in front of all these academy kids I coach is a big deal for me personally.”

For the complete interview with Gabe Norris,check out the latest edition of Sounding Off on Soccer Podcast.

Sounding Off on Soccer: Steel City FC continue on their US Open Cup qualifying quest with Gabe Norris

What’s Next: Round 2 at UPMC Graham Field

Having reached the tournament proper last year—culminating in a memorable matchup against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at FNB Stadium—the club knows how steep the qualifying climb is, and how small the margins remain.

Facing FC New York at UPMC Graham Field, he expects the home environment and academy crowd to set a physical, high-intensity tone immediately.

“It’s that ‘Grittsburg’ culture that you don’t really get outside of Pittsburgh,” Norris stated.

“It’s almost like a punch in the nose real quick early in the game.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Saturday, October 3 at UPMC Graham Field in Wilkinsburg.

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).