Detroit City FC built a two-goal first-half lead and held off AFC Ann Arbor for a 2-1 road victory Saturday night at Hollway Field at Pioneer High School. Kaiya Stewart and Drew Martin each scored for Le Rouge.
The result gave Detroit a strong start on the road after capitalizing on its first-half chances and withstanding second-half pressure from the hosts. Detroit and AFC Ann Arbor finished even at 11 shots apiece, but Le Rouge made its early opportunities count and saw out the final 45 minutes to secure the win.
Detroit struck first in the 11th minute. Abigail Smothers played provider and Stewart finished the move to put Le Rouge in front, 1-0.
Le Rouge doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute when Stewart created the chance, finding Martin for Detroit’s second goal of the night. The visitors carried a 2-0 lead before AFC Ann Arbor pulled one back four minutes later, when Ainara Aldeano scored in the 36th minute off an assist from Sarah Scaling.
Detroit took its 2-1 lead into halftime and managed the match through a scoreless second half. AFC Ann Arbor earned six corner kicks and forced Allison Lapoint into four saves, but Detroit matched the hosts shot for shot and limited the damage the rest of the way.
Natalie Grimaldo entered the game at the start of the second half for Conamors Ndana. Detroit then made a trio of changes in the 76th minute, with Karina Medina entering for Natalie Grimaldo, Mackenzie Reuber replacing Stewart and Megan Verant coming on for captain Hannah Crum. Zoe Greenhalge later entered for Amanda Britain in the 85th minute as Le Rouge closed out the result.
Detroit City FC Starting XI
Allison Lapoint, Conamora Ndana (45′), Cali Schwartzenberger, Mary Grimes, Kaiya Stewart (76’); Drew Martin, Danielle Stephan, Amanda Britain (85’); Hannah Crum (76’), Abigail Smothers, Acadia Murphy.
Substitutes
Natalie Grimaldo (45′), Karina Medina (76′), Mackenzie Reuber (76′), Megan Verant (76′), Zoe Greenhalge (85′).
Up next
Detroit City FC returns to action Saturday May 23, hosting Kalamazoo United in their first home match of the season. Kickoff is set for 7:00p.m., with tickets still available.
For more information about Detroit City FC, visit detcityfc.com and follow @DetroitCityFC on X, Facebook, and @detroitcityfootballclub on Instagram.
Please send all media inquiries to media@detcityfc.com.
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