Steel City FC returns to USL League Two Postseason with Jaxon Ervin and Ryan Kopay
Before boarding the bus to Flint, Michigan, for the USL League Two Central Conference Playoffs, Steel City FC standouts Ryan Kopay and Jaxon Ervin sat down with Pittsburgh Soccer Now's John Krysinsky.
The Great Forest Division champions capped off a historic, undefeated regular season (conceding only three goals across 12 matches!) and are now slated for a Round of 32 clash against Northern Indiana FC at Atwood Stadium on Friday, July 17 at 4:00 PM ET.
In this episode, Jaxon and Ryan dive deep into their local roots—having grown up playing youth soccer together with Beadling SC in Western Pennsylvania before embarking on successful college careers (Jaxon at Duquesne and West Allegheny; Ryan at Moon, Akron, and Fairleigh Dickinson). They discuss what it means to return home each summer, the unique bond of this tightly-knit Pittsburgh roster, and the mental preparation required to survive the "one-and-done" crucible of the USL League Two postseason.
Episode Highlights:
- **** The historic, undefeated regular season: Analyzing Steel City's incredible defensive record (9 clean sheets, 3 goals conceded).
- **** Western PA Roots: How playing together at youth powerhouse Beadling SC built a lifelong chemistry that translates to the pitch today.
- **** Local Pride: The meaning of wearing the Steel City FC crest and representing Pittsburgh on the pre-professional national stage.
- **** Postseason Mentality: Breaking down the Friday matchup against Northern Indiana FC and preparing for the hostile, high-stakes environment at Atwood Stadium in Flint.
- **** College Journeys: Balancing their summer campaign with their collegiate seasons (Duquesne and Fairleigh Dickinson).
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