HAMTRAMCK, MICHIGAN – A strong offensive showing highlighted by goals from three different City players, led Detroit City Football Club (7-3-2) to a 3-1 win over visiting Atlanta United 2 (2-0-8) at Keyworth Stadium on Saturday night.
The three points from Saturday night’s result ties Detroit City atop the Eastern Conference table with Louisville City at 24 points. Louisville City holds a three goal advantage in goal differential.
Early pressure from Le Rouge in the first half led to a goal at 13’ by forward Pato Botello Faz – his fourth of the season and second against Atlanta United 2. A long ball downfield from center back Stephen Carroll landed just in front of left back Deklan Wynne, who crossed to Botello Faz, who was right in front of the net for an easy tap in to take the 1-0 lead.
Detroit City’s pressure in the attacking third generated another great scoring opportunity when Atlanta’s defense played a ball back to the keeper, who then picked it up in the box. The play led to an indirect freekick from inside the penalty area, but Atlanta United 2’s keeper Vincente Reyes made the stop and sent the ball over the frame.
Clearing the defensive end continued to give the visitors woes, as a misplayed ball by Reyes led to a turnover forced by forward Antoine Hoppenot who then slotted it for his fifth of the campaign.
While DCFC dominated play through the first 45 minutes, Atlanta took advantage of their lone opportunity on a set piece in the 44th minute. Midfielder Robbie Mertz placed the ball perfectly into the box to a waiting defender Nelson Orji, who was able to connect with a header past goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher to cut City’s lead in half.
The second half saw Le Rouge add to its lead on a goal from midfielder Maxi Rodriguez. Rodriguez – who leads Detroit City with six goals across all competitions – began the play with a ball in the air to a running Hoppenot who was able to make the perfect cross back to Rodriguez who was waiting alone and made no mistake to put the ball in the net at 49’.
Through 90 minutes of play, City dominated with 11 shots, including 7 on target, while Atlanta only had 5 shots, with 3 on target. The second half became more chippy between both teams and DCFC ended the game with 14 fouls to Atlanta’s 15. Atlanta midfielder Efrain Morales received his second yellow card in the second half and left the field for the remainder of the game in the 64’.
Le Rouge will have bye coming up and won’t return to action until Saturday, June 4, at 7:00 pm ET against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium.
For more information about Detroit City FC, visit detcityfc.com.com and follow @DetroitCityFC on Twitter and Facebook and @detroitcityfootballclub on Instagram.
Goal Summary:
DET – Pato Botello Faz (Deklan Wynne) 13’
DET – Antoine Hoppenot 32’
ATL – Nelson Orji (Robbie Mertz) 44’
DET – Maxi Rodriguez (Antoine Hoppenot) 49’ ##DCFC##
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