In a dramatic and heart-wrenching match, Joliet, IL-based Steel City FC became the first team ever to be relegated from the Heartland Conference to Division 2 after a 2-1 defeat to Czarni Jaslo. This historic game determined the fate of both clubs, as they were tied in points with only two games left in the season. The winner of this match would likely secure their Division 1 survival, given that head-to-head points are the league’s primary tiebreaker.
The match was a true battle for survival, with both teams fighting fiercely to maintain their position in Division 1. Steel City FC appeared to be on the path to victory when Tre Adams scored in the 74th minute, giving his team a crucial lead. The Steel City fans were on the edge of their seats, hoping that their team could hold on for the win.
However, the tide turned in the final minutes of the game. Czarni Jaslo, the Heartland Conference champions of 2023, displayed their resilience and determination by scoring two incredibly late goals. The equalizer came in the 87th minute, and the decisive goal followed shortly after in the 91st minute, breaking the hearts of Steel City FC and their supporters.
The relegation of Steel City FC marks a significant moment in the Heartland Conference history. The club’s journey this season has been filled with challenges, and despite their efforts, they could not avoid the drop to Division 2. The unexpected involvement of Czarni Jaslo in the relegation battle, especially after their championship win last season, added an extra layer of intensity to this critical match. Earlier this year, the league implemented a two division Heartland Conference in 2024, assigning one relegation spot and two promotion spots in this first season, as plan of the league’s 2030 Plan.
Ivaldo Basso, Steel City FC Chairman, reflected on the match and the broader implications for the league, stating, “Semi-professional soccer won tonight. When the final whistle blew, one end of the field erupted in elation while the other slumped to a low somberness. Pro/rel did that. Historically, a late season game between two bottom teams would be a pedestrian exercise. Kudos to the MWPL brass for boldly pushing pro rel.
As Steel City FC prepares for their new chapter in Division 2, they will undoubtedly reflect on this season’s lessons and aim to return stronger and contest for a promotion spot next year.