Detroit City FC defeated Rhode Island FC on Saturday night, clinching at least one home playoff match for the 2026 USL Championship playoffs. The match will take place between October 30 – November 1, with full details to be announced at a later date.
The first half saw a frantic pace to start, with both teams having several scoring chances early on. In the 23rd minute, Detroit City FC goalkeeper Carlos Herrera was issued a red card after a collision with Rhode Island’s Leo Afonso, slowing the pace significantly. Carlos Saldana replaced Herrera in goal, making his sixth appearance of the season.
Between a string of Rhode Island FC yellow cards, Detroit City FC’s Darren Smith found the top right corner of the net in the 56th minute, giving Le Rouge a 1-0 lead. The goal was Smith’s 14th of the USL Championship season (tied for 2nd in the league) and 16th overall in 2026. Rhode Island had several chances to capitalize on the Herrera red card, but Detroit City FC’s back line stood strong, leading Le Rouge to victory. Kobe Hernandez-Foster assisted on Smith’s goal, his fifth of the season, continuing his streak of recent stellar play.
Club legend Stephen Carroll was honored at pregame as the match’s honorary captain. Carroll, Le Rouge’s all-time leader in appearances, also gave a speech at halftime. 2026 marks Carroll’s 10th season with the club, transitioning to the front office after retiring from the pitch following the 2025 season.
Detroit City FC Starting XI: Carlos Herrera; Aedan Stanley; Callum Montgomery; Darren Smith; Michael Bryant; Haruki Yamazaki; Alex Dalou; Maxi Rodriguez; Kobe Hernandez-Foster; Kian Williams; Devon Amoo-Mensah
Detroit City FC Substitutes: Carlos Saldana (26’); Ates Diouf (39’); Laye Diop (78’); Cheikhou Niang (78’)
Up Next: Detroit City FC finishes the season with two matches on the road, then will return to Keyworth Stadium for the USL Playoffs. The match will take place between October 30 and November 1, with full details coming at a later date.
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.
##DCFC##
