In its four away matches so far this season, Detroit has been the team to concede the first goal in each match.
But on Friday night, Detroit City FC scored the opening goal in Pittsburgh and hung on to win.
Detroit kicked off its two-match weekend with a goal from Seb Harris (Oakland) in the third minute of play to give City an early 1-0 lead against Fort Pitt Regiment – the score that would stand until the final whistle.
The win was City’s second-consecutive road victory, improving Le Rouge’s away record to 2-2-1 and 5-2-1 overall. Detroit moves into first place atop the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Midwest Region, tied with Lansing United.
City stepped on the gas right from the opening kickoff on Friday night, and it didn’t take long for Detroit to produce.
In the second minute, Danny Dragoi (St. John’s) started an attack on the right touchline and earned a freekick for City from just outside of Fort Pitt’s 18-yard box.
Alex Isaevski (Saginaw Valley State) served the kick to the far post, where Harris was waiting. Harris nodded home the kick, beat the goalkeeper at the near post, and took off running to celebrate with the City faithful in attendance.
The goal was Harris’ second goal of the season.
After the quick start, the play on the pitch slowed down. City controlled possession for the remainder of the first half, but Le Rouge couldn’t convert on the chances created.
Fort Pitt started the second half with more energy and composure, testing City goalkeeper Alex Bouillennec (Saginaw Valley State) early and often. Despite the flurry of chances hurled his way, Bouillennec stood strong, blocking everything that came his way.
As Pitt pushed for a goal late in stoppage time, Charlie MacInnes (St. Ambrose) was issued a straight red card after pushing a Regiment player in front of the Detroit bench.
With City down to 10 men, a dangerous, last-ditch corner kick for Fort Pitt was sent into Detroit’s box, with the shot redirected at City’s goal.
But, as he proved throughout the match, Bouillennec wasn’t going to be beat. The goalie made the save, and the full-time whistle blew.
Bouillennec’s shot-stopping earned him his first-career shutout and M1 Imaging Center Man of the Match honors.
Detroit returns to Cass Tech for its first home league match in three weeks against Lansing United. Tickets are still available for the first-place battle at https://www.detcityfc.com/tickets.
