Steel FC 1- 1 Appalachia FC 1863
2/28 Pre-season Friendly Schenley Oval Sportsplex @ 5:00 PM Steel FC 1 - 1 Appalachia FC 1863 We had the pleasure of hosting AFC 63 for the third time here in Pittsburgh and came away with a 1-1 draw. This match was our first pre-season game of 2021 and it showed. Fitness, rust, and overall lack of playing as a team since last November really showed. We also used this game as a tryout for potential new players so it was a mixed bag of talent with 6 of our normal starters not attending.
The game started out with both teams taking it easy and going through the "feeling out process". We had a few good chances we were unable to capitalize on and so did our opponent. The once chance that was converted was by AFC 1863. They played a diagonal ball down the left hand side and our CB slipped allowing their left winger to get in behind. He cut in from the left side and whipped in a right footed shot that was saved by our keeper, Will Marshall. However, the rebound fell perfectly to an AFC player and he calmly put it into the open net. They led 1-0 at halftime. The second half came and we started to get on the ball more and took control in the possession category. However, our lack of finishing kept us down by one. Finally, with more pressure on their back line, we had a breakthrough. A ball was cleared from their right back which found Rob Heuler's feet about 22 yards out. He danced around an AFC player on the right side and crossed a line-drive ball to our CDM, Casey Peckio. Rather than bringing the ball down and having a go, Peckio ripped it side-volley style out of the air and it found the bottom left corner of the net. 1-1. As the game progressed both teams started throwing more numbers forward to try to bag the game winner. We hit the post 3 times and AFC had a breakaway saved. However, no one found the back of the net and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. After reviewing the game film it was determined we missed 10 high quality chances. All in all not a great way to start out the season and much to be improved upon.
Goals: Peckio Assist: Heuler
Our next game is as follows: 3/14 Pre-season Friendly Steel FC vs Century United Century Field @ 7:00 PM
Game Footage (black) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nohH35GiUIw&t=3132s