Cheswick, PA – July 7, 2025 — In a remarkable inaugural campaign, Steel City FC’s men’s team has clinched the Great Forest Division of USL League Two, securing their first-ever division title in the league—and doing so with two games to spare!

Clinching with Confidence

On a stunning evening at Founders Field, Steel City topped Toledo Villa FC 2‑1 thanks to a late, composed penalty from captain Nick Graeca in the 85th minute. That result (7‑1‑2, 23 pts) sealed the division crown two matches ahead of the regular‐season end.

Speaking with Pittsburgh Soccer Now, Coach Dan Brower praised his side’s poise saying, “To get it done in front of our home fans … that was the icing on the cake.”

A Three‐Peat of Division Success

This accomplishment marks the third consecutive division title for the club—following back‑to‑back National Premier Soccer League Great Lakes Conference wins in 2023 and 2024, and now USL League Two division champions in 2025. This campaign was Steel City’s first in USL League Two after joining the Great Forest Division. To win the division on debut is a true statement: the club’s summer brought immediate reward.

Graeca’s MVP Month

Midfielder and captain Nick Graeca earned league-wide recognition by being named to the June USL League Two Team of the Month, notching 3 goals across 3 games and completing 69% of his passes. His decisive penalty in the title-clinching match was the perfect encore.

From USL League Two: MID – Nicholas Graeca – Steel City FC

Steel City FC’s leader in the middle, Nicholas Graeca, was instrumental to their success in June which saw their offense come alive. He notched three goals in three different games, including a 95th-minute winner against Toledo Villa FC. The midfielder had a 69% passing accuracy during the month with an average of 40 passes per game.

Homegrown Talent Leading the Way

A key feature of this season has been the rise of homegrown players: in multiple matches, over half the first-team roster were club academy graduates—a testament to the club’s commitment to its development pathway. Founders Field has seen local talent shine, with names like Luke Fiscus, John Bence and Amir Awais stepping into pivotal roles. The season even saw a debut for Nick Niebauer, a 2008 birth year. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

This dynamic demonstrates that Steel City FC’s academy is not just a feeder program, but a launching pad for competitive success at higher levels.

Postseason Spotlight: Bucks Await

Now as Central Conference Quarterfinals bid begins, Steel City faces a familiar powerhouse: Flint City Bucks, a storied name in USL2. The clash promises high stakes and will test whether Steel City’s league-dominating form can carry into knockout football. The playoffs begin for the boys on Friday, June 18 with a trip to Flint, Michigan.

Why This Matters

  • Historic debut: Clinching a division title in first USL2 season is no small feat.

  • Youth pathway validated: Local academy grads playing key roles underlines long-term vision.

  • Momentum to playoffs: Riding high with form and confidence, they’re serious contenders for national honors.

Let’s get behind the boys for this playoff run!

 

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