Detroit City FC defeated Liga MX side Atlas FC, 2-1, in its international friendly presented by DTE Energy at Keyworth Stadium on Saturday night.
7,478 fans were in attendance to witness the victory, with Yazeed Matthews’ game-winning goal in the 58th minute securing the win over the top-flight visiting team.
Tendai Jirira was named Man of the Match for his efforts throughout the 90 minutes.
Ryan Peterson shocked Atlas with his opening goal in the third minute of play off the assist from Rich Bryan. Bryan laid it off to Peterson at the top of the box; Peterson opened his hips up and directed his driven shot toward the near post, slotting it past the outstretched Atlas goalkeeper to give City an early 1-0 lead.
Atlas would respond in the 18th minute as Facundo Barcelo got to the end of the ball that the City defense couldn’t clear away. Barcelo was able to tap it past goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher to level the score at 1-1.
After the break, City showed no sign of stopping, with the attack doing well in the build-up and the defense thwarting any Atlas chance.
Yazeed Matthews’ goal in the 58th minute was the difference-maker. From the right flank, Peterson whipped a cross into the box to an onrushing Diego Casielles. The ball was played through Casielles’ legs at the near post and through to Matthews alone at the far post. Matthews let the ball cross his body and then banged it home to put City up 2-1.
It was a great night for Detroit, who returns home on Saturday, September 21 vs. New York Cosmos in the 2019 Members Cup. Tickets for the 7:30 PM kickoff are available for $12 now at tickets.https://www.detcityfc.com.
