Toledo Villa FC win home opener 2-1 over Steel City FC

Toledo Villa FC hosted Steel City FC Wednesday evening in the home opener for the 2025 season.  Steel City FC is a new team to USL League Two, but have been a solid side in the Great Forest Conference, entering the night top of the division with 2 wins and a draw from their opening 3 matches.  This was Toledo's first match of the 2025 campaign and saw team debuts for 12 of the 17 players used on the night. 

Steel City FC were not intent with sitting back on the evening, and even created the first opportunity in the 6th minute.  Steel City FC winger Anders Bordoy's corner kick found Steel City forward Nathan Prex, whose header rattled the crossbar. 

Prex, however, found himself in a negative moment in the 14th minute.  Bordoy was able to combine down the flank with wingback Alexzander Plizga.  Plizga's cross shot across the six-yard-box, where Toledo goalkeeper Noah Scheidweiler, stretched to block.  Unfortunately, Prex came in wildly and collided with Scheidweiler's head, leading to a straight red card.  Steel City would have to finish the remaining 76 minutes down to 10 men.  

They didn't let that hamper them too much, as they pushed for the opener.  Bordoy was the danger man, and was able to slot a pass into attacking midfielder Nick Graeca's path.  Scheidweiler was able to smother the chance and block it away.

Unfortunately, Scheidweiler, would have to come off in the first half due to his sustained injuries.  Luke Shrivers, a freshman from the University of Wisconsin, was able to step up and make his debut. 

As the game progressed, Toledo Villa were eventually able to wear down the Steel City opposition.  In the 59th minute, Ali Nasser tussled with Steel City defender William Afowobo, which led to a handball just outside the penalty area.  Ali Nasser stepped up to take the ensuing free kick, but his effort was headed clear by the Steel City wall.  The ball bounced out to Toledo central midfielder Gijs Velings, who unleashed a hard, low shot, which Steel City's goalkeeper, Daniel Rodgers was unable to keep out of the net.  This is the second season in a row Velings, a co-captain at IU Indy, has scored the opening goal of the TVFC campaign.

Steel City continued to press, and almost found the equalizer in the 68th minute.  A slick passing sequence put Steel City substitute Eben McIntyre through on goal, but it was called back because McIntyre was in an offside position.

The drama on the evening heightened in the 88th minute.  After clearing an initial free kick from Steel City, defender William Afowobo launched a hopeful ball towards Steel City midfielder Grant McIntosh.  McIntosh, was in an offside position, however, he let the ball roll and his teammate Jaxon Ervin ran onto it.  Ervin then played a cutback ball to McIntosh, who was challenged by Toledo substitute centerback Felix Tom.  Tom was judged to have gone through McIntosh to make a clearance and was called for a penalty.  After what seemed like several minutes of arguing and discussion from the referees, Grant McIntosh, stepped forward and slotted the penalty into the bottom left corner to equalize.

With time dwindling down, Gus Peacock was able to play a long ball into space for Trace Terry.  The Steel City goalkeeper Rodgers though was able to step forward and block the shot from Terry.  It seemed like that would be the last big opportunity of the match.

About a minute later, and with about one minute remaining in stoppage time, Toledo substitute midfielder Breno Quieroz, played the ball wide to Toledo substitute wingback Will Shaffer.  Shaffer cut inside and played another ball into space for Terry to attack.  This time, Terry was able to shrug aside Steel City centerback Luke Fiscus, collect the ball, round the goalkeeper, and slot the ball into the empty net.  The crowd erupted in celebration as it would turn out to be the matchwinning moment on the night.

With the 3 points, Toledo begins to make up ground on the rest of the Great Forest division, most of which have played 2 or 3 games already in the season.  Toledo will have to refocus quickly as they host old foe FC Buffalo Saturday May 31 at 4:30pm at Paul Hotmer Field.  Tickets can be purchased via this link.  Hope to see you Saturday!