Summer soccer in Western Pennsylvania is officially in full swing, and this week the spotlight shines directly on the women’s pre-professional landscape.
Ahead of their anticipated USL W League season opener this Friday night, Pittsburgh Soccer Now sat down with two foundational pillars of the Steel City FC Women squad: defensive anchor Emily Graeca and veteran goalkeeper Payton O'Malley.
The duo represents a massive chunk of the veteran leadership driving Head Coach Tom Ovenden's roster this summer. Graeca, a standout defender at James Madison University and a DuBois area native, alongside O'Malley, the Chartiers Valley product now commanding the box at Bowling Green, bring elite NCAA Division I pedigree back to the Steel City locker room.
In a wide-ranging interview segment, the pair broke down everything from the club's unique family culture to high-stakes regional travel, upcoming tournament cameos, and a summer schedule loaded with local fireworks.