Detroit City FC disposed of Michigan Stars by a score of 2-0 in front of 3,307 City supporters on Tuesday night. The Boys in Rouge remain unbeaten through seven NPSL Members Cup matches (6-0-1)
City peppered the Stars’ net in the first half, putting six shots on goal, but failing to cash in. The chances came in bunches, from seemingly everywhere. Shawn Lawson was his usual dangerous self. Bakie Goodman had the ball on a string, playing passes all around, over, and through the Stars’ defense. Tendai Jirira whipped in a handful of wicked crosses. Despite it all, the halftime whistle sounded with the score still level at 0-0.
The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when a Stars’ defender committed a handball in his own 18-yard box. Ryan Peterson stepped up to the penalty spot and cashed it in. Peterson’s perfectly placed shot evaded a diving keeper and nestled into the back of the net, 1-0.
Man of the Match Richard Bryan sealed the win in the 85th minute. A series of passes on the right wing pulled a couple of Stars defenders out of position. Seeing the space, Bryan worked his way inside and fired off a shot that was tucked into the side netting before the goalkeeper could even react. 2-0.
It was a comprehensive victory for a team that looked squarely focused on the business in front of them, not worrying about what awaits. Everyone in the City starting 11 (except for goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher, who posted yet another clean sheet) registered at least one shot in the game. That fact speaks to just how well this team is executing Trevor James’ system. Everyone is involved and anyone could step up at any moment. It’s not been one or two guys doing the heavy lifting. This Members Cup run has been a total team effort.
The win pulls City within one point of New York Cosmos B with one game in hand at the top of the NPSL Members Cup standings, just in time for this weekend’s showdown in New York.
The Boys in Rouge go again this Saturday, October 12, at 7pm, in New York. For the second time in three weeks, the two sides will clash while holding the top two spots in the standings. This time around though, they stand a good distance ahead of everyone else. It will be either Detroit or New York who’ll bring home the Cup, and this weekend’s result could very well decide it.
Before returning to historic Keyworth Stadium, City will play the reverse fixture at Michigan Stars. That one’s set for next Wednesday, October 16 at 7pm at Ultimate Soccer Arenas in Pontiac.
Le Rouge then return to Keyworth next Saturday, October 19, to close out the 2019 season. Milwaukee Torrent will come to town looking to play spoiler and avenge a 1-0 loss back in mid-September. Kickoff is slated for 7:30pm. Tickets for the final match of 2019 are available online for only $12. Come and get yours now.
Detroit City FC Starting XI: #1 Nate Steinwascher, #2 Richard Bryan, #3 Ryan Peterson (#33 Ayuk Tambe, 86’), #5 Stephen Carroll, #8 Bakie Goodman (#22 Diego Casielles, 90+’), #9 Shawn Lawson (#20 Yazeed Matthews, 67’), #10 Cyrus Saydee, #12 Tendai Jirira, #15 Jalen Crisler, #17 James Vaughan, #30 Danny Deakin
Goals: #3 Peterson – 65’ (penalty); #2 Bryan – 85’
Cards: none
