SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Detroit City Football Club opened its debut season in the USL Championship with a 1-0 loss to San Antonio FC at Toyota Field on Saturday night.
After a scoreless opening half, SAFC found the back of the net in the 68 minute. Justin Dhillon played a chip over the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher, finding the head of Fabien García.
Detroit City held the advantage in possession, keeping the ball for 55% of the time while outshooting SAFC, 10-9. San Antonio recorded more shots on frame though, forcing Steinwascher to make five saves on the night.
San Antonio had the fixture’s first threatening opportunity in the 18th minute when Le Rouge was whistled for a handball in the box. Steinwascher turned the penalty aside with a diving stop to keep the scoreline level.
City manufactured a few attacking moments shortly after, with forward Francis Atuahene sending a shot just wide of the frame and defender Devon Amoo-Mensah forcing SAFC’s keeper to make a stop off a header from just outside the six-yard box in the 40th minute.
The fixture was physical off the opening kick, with the sides combining for 37 fouls – 18 for San Antonio and 19 called on DCFC – to go with a total of seven yellow cards (SAFC with three, DCFC with four).
Saturday’s loss marks the first road defeat for Detroit City as a professional side and first since July of 2018.
Detroit City FC returns to the pitch on Saturday, March 19, for its 2022 home opener against the Charleston Battery. Kickoff at Keyworth Stadium is set for 4 pm on ESPN+ and locally on TV20.
For more information about Detroit City FC, visit detcityfc.com.com and follow @DetroitCityFC on Twitter and Facebook and @detroitcityfootballclub on Instagram.
