The extended break from NPSL play continues this weekend with two Rust Belt Derby friendlies against FC Buffalo.
Friday night’s first-leg match is set for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff at Keyworth Stadium. Sunday afternoon’s second-leg match in Buffalo will begin at 2 p.m. ET.
The Rust Belt Derby is a supporter-built rivalry and tradition that began in 2012. Le Rouge has won the last three RBD trophies, and will look for its fourth consecutive trophy this weekend.
Last year’s fixture between City and Buffalo was an exciting 1-1 draw in Buffalo. Josh Rogers (Michigan State) scored the equalizing goal on a penalty kick in the 76th minute.
Due to realignment in the NPSL, the rivalry will be stretched thin in 2016. With no scheduled match against Cleveland this summer, this home-and-away series with Buffalo will be the only shot for City to stake its claim at a fourth consecutive Rust Belt Derby championship.
Head coach Ben Pirmann spoke after the 3-3 draw with FC United of Manchester about what he hopes to see from his team against Buffalo.
“Hopefully we can learn to keep the ball out of the back of the net. I think we’ve given up seven goals in our last three (games), six in our last two. We have to play better defensively,” he said.
FC Buffalo has played only three times so far this season. The first two games were losses to Rochester River Dogz FC, 1-0, and AFC Cleveland, 2-0. Last weekend though, Buffalo, playing with 10 men for nearly the entire match, beat Erie Commodores FC, 2-1, to earn its first win.
Friday night is the last chance to catch Le Rouge at Keyworth until Sunday, June 12 when Lansing United visits. Be sure to grab your tickets here before online sales end at 5:30 PM ET.
– Mitch Gatzke / DCFC Staff Writer