News

Joliet (August) If you're among the world's 11 million FPL players, join our league. Win season tickets and swag! Shawn Gavin edged Ivaldo Basso in the final matchday last year.

Joliet (July) The word is out on the third-year club. 517 supporters cheered on the black-n-red on a Monday night to set a new attendance record for Steel City.

Joliet (July)

Steel City earned all three points behind over one-dozen Sam Price saves and a second late-game-winning-free-kick by Brandon Camacho.

Joliet (July) Steel City U23, in only their second season, added to their trophy case. The young guns finished second in the Illinois State Cup for the second consecutive season. The future Steel City stars are the reigning National Soccer League U23 champions.

Joliet (July) The league table is going down to the wire. With three games remaining, Steel City can finish anywhere from 1st to 10th place. 

Joliet (April 22nd)

With his USASA Cup goals this week, Jake Lysik became Steel City's all-time goal leader, passing Nolan McGrath. McGrath will always lay claim for having scored the first goal in Steel City history!

Joliet ((July) Steel City's U23 program, in only its second season, will play in its second straight U23 Illinois State Cup Final Saturday.  The match is at 5pm at Munz Sports Complex in Glenview. The reigning National Soccer League U23 champions face Berber City for the trophy. 

Chicago (June 17)

Steel City suffered their first defeat, in matchday #5, to Edgewater Castle in a tight affair in Chicago. It was the first time in nearly one year that the Steelman have blanked in a match.

Joliet (June)

 Steel City U23, who turned heads by winning the National Soccer League in just their first season last year, begin play in June. The young guns were also finalists in the Illinois State Cup last season.

Joliet (June)

 Steel City Reserves have started their first season in style. They are 3-0 in the National Soccer League's First division scoring 15 goals in three matches. Albert Lujan is on fire with 6 goals and 3 assists. Benji Chavolla has 3 goals and 3 assists.

Steel City remained "all-time" undefeated in Joliet and are one of only two league unbeaten teams after drawing with Chicago House Tuesday night in Joliet.

Joliet (June)  Through three matchdays, the Lisle native has tormented Midwest Premier League back-lines. Steel City is one of only two league unbeatens in '23.  The state champion at @BenetMensSoccer and former @GalaxySCIL standpoint, plays college soccer at @MacalesterMSOC. 

Joliet (May 17)

Steel City continued its all-time unbeaten run in Joliet with a 3-1 come-from-behind victory against DeKalb. Iniquez started the comeback, becoming the fourth leading scorer in Steel history. Camacho bent a 28-yard free kick around the wall for the go-ahead goal and Lechuga iced the game 3 mins from time.

Joliet (April)

Why can the Heartland Conference stake claim at being amongst the toughest semi-pro circuits in the country?  How will  Steel City replace 50% of prior year's goals output from players not returning? Ex-Steelman midfielder Tyler Kaput has the answers in our season preview.

Joliet (May 6)

 
Steel City's 4 first-half goals sinks hosts in final pre-season match.. Defense holds firm, down to ten men. It was successful a successful pre-season as Coach Mkhwanazi used 25 different players in three pre-season matches.

Joliet (May 6)

Coach Mkhwanazi announced the starting lineup for Steel City's last pre-season match of 2023.

Joliet (April 29)

Steel City outclassed its cross-town rival in the first ever J-Town Showdown. The match was a pre-season friendly for Steel City, while Sueno is in the heart of their UPSL season. Steel City is undefeated all-time in Joliet, a three-year undefeated streak. The backline of Schoebel, Dillard, Santos Contreras and Haro delivered the shutout in front of GK Sebastian Contreras. 

Joliet (April 29)

Coach Mkhwanazi named his XI for the first every J-Town Showdown.

Joliet (April 23)

You asked for it, you got it. Joliet's two semi-pro soccer teams will meat in an interleague friendly. It's Midwest Premier League (Steel City) vs. United Premier Soccer League (Suenos FC). Hit our posts on social media to suggest a name and/or trophy for the rivalry. The teams square off at Joliet's Memorial Stadium Saturday, April 29th.

Joliet (April 18)

Steel City is out of the National Amatuer Cup. The Joliet side lost a heart-breaker - in penalty kicks - to historic Schwaben AC. The match finished 1-1 before before Jake Lysik's extra-time penalty put Steel City up late. But Schwaben equalized in the 118th minute, forcing penalties.

Joliet (April)

Coach Mkhwanazi named his fist XI of the '23 campaign for Steel City's National Amatuer Cup match. Five players make their debut in red-and-black, including three on the backline.

Joliet (April)

There are thousands of eligible teams, and one single-elimination tournament determines the national semi-pro champion. Steel City's first round opponent is historic Schswaben AC, a club with a 97-year history. The match is April 18th at 8 pm at Lincoln Way North High School Stadium. Click for tix!

Joliet (March 27rd)

Ahead of our upcoming schedule release, we put together a guide for our newest fans..

Joliet (March 23rd)

It will be a busy summer of soccer in the southwest suburbs as Steel City embarks on multiple League and Cup campaigns. We return to the Midwest Premier League while our U23 and Reserves team will compete in the National Soccer League. Our first team will compete in the National Semi-Pro Cup and our teams will enter the Illinois State Cup.

Joliet (March 17th)

Steel City FC added to their trophy case by doing the "double," winning both the league and tournament championship in Roma's Indoor Soccer League. Steel City was over-awed at the energetic and skillful competition from local clubs such as UNFC, Candida and Redmin, who've been grinding the local circuit for some time. 

Joliet (March 14th)

Steel City's All-Time minutes leader, Nigel Dillard, returns for 2023. The center-back is also Steel City's assistant coach, as well as among our reserve team coaches. Dillard is a behavior specialist for teen offenders and victims of sexual assault. The Olivet Nazarene University alumi, scored the winning goal in '09 to clinch that school's first national tournament birth. Dillard coaches at his alma mater and at Legacy SC.

Joliet (March 10th)

Steel City's All-Time points leader, Jake Lysik, returns for 2023. The New Lenox native followed up his monster 10-assist 2021 season with 9 goals in all competitions in 2022. The tally earned him 3rd spot in the Midwest Premier League's Golden Boot Race. "Don't blink. You might miss a moment of brilliance," said coach Vincent, on his Steel City starlet.

Joliet (February 20th)

Max” is from Meiningen, Germany, having moved to the United States to attend Olivet Nazarene University.

The 6’1 175-pound center-back captained Olivet to two straight “Double” winning seasons, capturing the conference’s regular season and tournament championships.

The die-hard American football fan majored in psychology and lives in Shorewood, Illinois.

“I was aware of the club previously, and am excited to join a competitive group of players and well-run organization. I can’t wait to give the fans my all,” said Max.

Joliet (March) You've watched the World Cup, maybe  even Wrexham, and the Chicago Fire isn’t stealing your heart (although we’re rooting for them to). It’s time to go deeper with YOUR local, 5th division club in ‘23!  Click for our off-season update including our Home opener Date!

Joliet (February 20th)  A third player from Steel City FC has signed a professional contract. Amazing accomplishment for the second-year club.  Bulatovic starred for the club in '21, and we wish him the best in the Serbian First League with FC Metalac. 

Joliet (January 29) We owe the most sincerest gratitude to our club members. Their generosity helps us pursuie stability and our continued offerring of Steel City as a platform for the area's young adults. Those young adults, who are players, coaches, as well as students pursuing business, marketing, broadcasting and photography careers are thankful for the opportunity that club members provide. Click to learn more!

Joliet (November 1) Steel City's annual Insight Report gained acclaim across the semi-pro soccer landscape. The second year club is on the rise and is transparent with its metrics and community building.

Joliet (August 1) Shea Bechtel has been awarded the Midwest Premier League's Golden Boot. Bechtel tallied 9 times in 10 games, including 2 hat-tricks. The Plainfield native was  Joliet Herald's '21 POY and is Plainfield North's all-time leading scorer.  Jake Lysik's 7 goals earned him the league's 3rd leading scorer spot. Lysik is the Steelmen's All-Time Points Leader.

Joliet (July 27)  The National Soccer Leaugue's U23 Championship came down to the final match day. The red-and-black delivered blitzing CKS Warta 5-2.

Shea Bechtel and Nico Williams  scored twice and Hans Haenicke netted the winner.

It was Steel City U23's first ever season in competition. The team also finsihed 2nd place in the IL State U23 Cup. 

Joliet (May 21) 507 fans, including an additional 404 tuned in via live stream, enjoyed an amazing night at Duly for our home opener.

Six goals, three lead changes, a red card and a stadium fire marked an unforgettable night in downtown Joliet as Steel City FC played to a 3-3 draw with Iowa Raptors.

New Lenox (June 11, 2022)  - Wonder Twin Powers - ACTIVATE!. Jake Lysik and Nolan McGrath have assisted on each other's goals five times in the last fourth matches.

Joliet (August 7) Steel City ended its '22 campaign with its first taste of hardware. The club's U23 team won the National Soccer League U23 Championship and finished 2nd in the Illinois State U23 Cup. Shea Bechtel, of Steel City's semi-pro team, won the Golden Boot as the Midwest Premier League's top goal scorer. 

 Joliet (July 30)  Steel City finished the Midwest Premier League season with a record of 4-4-3 after losing to Chicago City 4-2 in Saturday night's season finale at Lincoln Way Central. Hans Haenicke capped off a big week by tallying. Haenicke had also scored the game winning goal that led the Reserves to a U23 title days earlier. Benji Chavolla also found net, one-timing a smooth Jake Lysik pass into the roof of goal.

Joliet (July 27)  The National Soccer Leaugue's U23 Championship came down to the final match day and the red-and-black delivered. Steel City Reserves blitzed CKS Warta 5-2 to win the league title. Shea Bechtel and Nico Williams each scored twice and Hans Haenicke netted the game-winer.

It was Steel City Reserves first ever season in competition. The Reserve side were also finalists in the Illinois State Cup.

 Joliet (July 26)  With one match remaining in the season, two Steel City players sit top three in the league in scoring. Two straight Bechtel hat tricks have vaulted him in the lead. 

 Joliet (July 24)  Shea Bechtel recorded his second straight hat trick and the defense recorded a clean sheet to secure the road victory in Bloomington, Illinois. Two straight wins for Steel City entering the season's last match, at home, on Saturday July 30th 

 Joliet (July 19)  Steel City kept their 2-year undefeated streak at Duly alive in a 10-goal thriller in front of 318 fans at Duly. Haenicke and Chavolla netted their first Steel City goals and co-captain Jake Lysik continued his blistering scoring pace too. 

 Joliet (July 12)  Steel City blew a late lead for the third time this season to draw with Berber City 2-2. The Steelmen remain undefeated over a 2-year period at Duly. 

 Frankfort (July 9)  Steel City Reserves finished in 2nd place in the Under-23 Illinois State Cup. It was the first-ever season that Steel City entered a reserve side in competition. Bright future!  

 Frankfort (July 9)  Cedar Rapids nets 3 in first 18 minutess to down Steel City in Midwest Premier League action in Iowa. Conucrrently, in Northbrook, Steel City Reserves lost in the U23 Illinois Sate Cup Final.  

Frankfort (July 5) Adria took advantage of three set pieces to down to Steel City 3-0. Steel City is now 2 wins 2 losses and 2 ties after having played the top five teams in the table. The team's next five matches - to end the season - is against bottom half of table teams. 

Joliet (June 26) Steel City Reserves, who play in the National Soccer League's Under-23 division are an offensive juggernaut. The team plays in the semi-final of the U23 Illinois State Cup Wednesday after beating DeKalb County United Reserves 6-1. In league play, the Reserves beat Roadrunners SC 4-3.

DeKalb (June 25) Steel City FC drew with league leaders DeKalb County United Saturday night. Nolan McGrath's near post header - off of a Jake Lysik corner - leveled the match 1-1 at half, and Michael Marchionna's well-placed 18-yard left foot gave Steel City a 2-1 lead.  DeKalb tied it 2-2, before Lysik responded - from a tight angle. The hosts plowed bodies forward for a corner kick four minutes into stoppage time, and a goal-mouth-scramble saw the hosts level with the game's last kick.

Kankakee (June 15) Steel City nation will need to wait a 104th year before a team in its area wins a State Cup. Steel City dropped a close one to Cjzarni Jaslo 2-1. Shea Bechtel leveled before halftime, but Cjzarni converted a penalty mid-second-half. It was Bechtel's third in two games and Nolan McGrath earned his team leading 5th assist on the season.

 Joliet (June 11) It's been 103 years since a team in our area won the Illinois State Cup, which has been played every year since 1909. Czarni is a formidable opponent, having eliminated Steel City last season. Czarni won the UPSL (rival league) Midwest South division by going undefeated and posting a +35 goal difference over 9 matches.

New Lenox (June 11, 2022) - Steel City played - and won- their first ever match at Lincoln Way Central High School against the defending champion Milwaukee Bavarians. Shea Bechtel bagged a brace and Nolan McGrath continued his hot scoring streak. Lysik and Garcia each contributed their fourth assists of the season.

New Lenox (June 11, 2022) - Wonder Twin Powers - ACTIVATE!. Jake Lysik and Nolan McGrath have assisted on each other's goals five times in the last fourth matches.

Joliet (June 12) While both Steel City Reserves and Steel City U23#2 dropped their matches this week, there were standout performances by Ricky Cruz, Hans Haenicke, Kevin Quinones and Ismael Gomez.

Joliet (June 9) For the first time every Steel City FC U23#2 took the field. It's a team - coached by Hugo Hernandez - with an average age of 18 and comprised of many of the area's top high school students competing in an U23 league and holding their own. Steel Strong!

Joliet (June 1, 2022) - A local soccer tournament is always a little more exciting when Steel City players and staff host prize giveaways, autograph sessions and clinics. We are in the community cuz we are from the community.

   Joliet (May 31) The Illinois State Cup has been played for 113 straight years and no team from our area has won it in 102 years. Steel City took the first step in the 20-team single elimination tournament by downing AFC Roscoe Village 2-1 at Whitney Young High School in Chicago.

   Joliet (May 21) An amazing night at Duly for our home opener. 6 goals, 3 lead changes, a red card and a stadium fire marked an unforgettable night in downtown Joliet. Steel City and the Iowa Raptors played to a thrilling 3-3 draw with Raptors, reduced to 10 men in the second half, finding the equalizer in stoppage time.

   Joliet (May 21, 2022) – Jake Lysik earned the Midwest Orthopaedics Play of the Game for his go ahead goal in the second half. It was his fourth tally of the season.

   Joliet (May 13, 2022) – Jake Lysik earned the Pursuit Wealth Group Man of the Match for his solo-effort game-winning goal. Connor Erickson made a diving chest-clearance off the goal line in the 20th minute to preserve the shutout; the heroic save was the Midwest Orthopaedics Play of the Game.

   Joliet (May 13, 2022) – Steel City defeated a club one-year removed from the professional game, beating Chicago House AC on the road in the red-and-black's first Midwest Premier League Match of the season.  Jake Lysik scored the games sole tally in the 59th minute with an incredible solo effort after Matthew Ribbens and Nico Williams broke down the House defense.

Overland Park, Kansas (April 30, 2022) – Sal Garcia is the Man of the Match from Steel City's 3-1 win in Overland Park, Kansas. The Aurora University midfielder set up two goals and placed a free kick upper-90 (from a bad angle) 3 minutes from time.

Overland Park, Kansas (April 30, 2022) – Steel City FC traveled over 900 miles in a 30 hour period and defeated Porto Kansas City 3-1 in the National Amatuer tournament. The Steelmen struck first, but Porto equalized shortly after. Despite nearly 70% possession Steel City wouldn't find the net again until the overtime period, netting in both the first (Bruno Ortiz) and second (Sal Garcia) overtime period.

Kankakee (April 23, 2022) – Steel City made it two wins in two matches Saturday night in Kankakee. After Steel City's U23s beat Edgewater's U23 team 4-1, the Steel City first team destroyed Edgewater Castle 5-1. Michael Marchionna wasted no time in his debut, netting within 10 minutes of the opening whistle. Jake Lysik scored his fourth goal in two games and Joliet West's high-school wonderkid Tony Kochev contributed an amazing performance.

Frankfort (April 16, 2022) – Jake Lysik, Steel City's all-time assist leader, turned finisher by netting two, while Nolan McGrath - a typical lethal finisher - pitched in three second half assist. While only playing their first 45 together this season, the two attacking players looked like they has been playing together for years!

Frankfort (April 16, 2022) – Steel City started 2022 in style by blitzing United Kansas City FC 4-0 in the country's top  single-elimination amatuer tournament. Nolan McGrath -typically a lethal finisher - came on at halftime and assisted on all three second-half goals.

Joliet (March 13, 2022) – Steel City FC announced that it will compete in four different competitions throughout the Spring and Summer of 2022. Click the picture for more information.

Joliet (March 7, 2022) – Steel City FC announced that its renewed its partnership with D'Arcy. The partnership includes collaboration on the club’s alternate jersey, which is unique, bold and honors a local Joliet institution.

Joliet (February 28, 2022) – Steel City FC announced that Ozinga will be the presenting sponsor of Steel City FC and will prominently feature on the front of Steel City FC’s primary match jersey. Click picture for more info. 

 Seymour was named First Team All-ASC. The Lincoln Way West grad scored 6 goals and helped with 6 shutouts in 14 games. He was 6th in the conference in scoring AS A DEFENDER! The marauding ourside back had 1G/3A for Steel City in '21.  

The Daily Journal highlighted Steel City Technical Director Vincent Mkhwanazi's aspiration to create a soccer community.

Joliet's native son, Damon Almazan, is the first Steel City player to sign a pro contract. Damon signed with Chicago House AC.

Zoe Swift, from  Ladies Steel City FC signed a pro contract with Puerto Rico Sol FC.  That's our club's second pro signing!

Steel City FC became the first club in U.S. Soccer history to receive apayment from a pro club in connection with Almazan signing.

Steel City will became the first team to ever host a professional soccer team in the south suburbs when they take on Chicago House AC.

Steel City FC is approved to join the Midwest Premier League's West Division for the 2021 season.