Leesburg, Virginia – Detroit City FC traveled to Virginia on Saturday evening to face off against Loudoun United, knowing that three points would keep their playoff hopes alive. Detroit would be happy with their result, as they would walk away with the three points, defeating Loudoun by a scoreline of 3-0.
Detroit City would start this game quickly, as in the 6th minute, Ben Morris kicked a through ball into the box, after some clever hold-up play, straight to Maxi Rodriguez, who put it right through the legs of the Loudoun keeper to give Detroit an early 1-0 lead.
Detroit would continue attacking the Loudoun backline as an 18th-minute Ben Morris shot in the box went straight into the goalkeeper’s glove. Morris would be back for more just 11 minutes later as another shot in the box went just wide of the far post this time around.
Although Detroit had most of the attacking opportunities in the first half, Loudoun still tested the Detroit back line a few times. Nate Steinwascher made a huge leaping save in the 33rd minute to keep the scoreline at 1-0.
Le Rouge had a frenzied attack in the box in the 39th minute that ended up with the ball hitting a Loudoun defender in the arm, and the referee correctly called a penalty, allowing Detroit the chance to double their advantage just minutes before the half.
Maxi Rodriguez would be the player that would step up to take the penalty, and his shot went right down the middle and past the goalkeeper, giving Detroit a 2-0 lead.
Detroit would go into the half with their 2-0 lead even though they only had 41% possession in the first 45’ of play.
Going into the second half, Detroit knew that if they could keep Loudoun out of the attacking zone, they would be walking away with three points and helping their playoff chances.
Steinwascher would make another crucial save in the 63rd minute, saving a Loudoun breakaway attempt to keep the game at a 2-0 scoreline.
Just two minutes later, Michael Bryant crossed the ball into the box right to the feet of Ben Morris in the six-yard box, who tapped it in to give Le Rouge a 3-0 advantage. The goal would increase Morris’ advantage as Detroit’s top scorer this season, now sitting on six goals.
Loudoun would continue trying to find a breakthrough, but nothing seemed to be getting past the Detroit back line on this night.
Detroit would walk away with a 3-0 victory in this game, giving them three points, and Steinwascher got his second clean sheet in the past four games.
With the win, Detroit would stay in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, as Miami FC returned from a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 at Charleston Battery on Saturday evening. The 8th and final playoff spot for the Eastern Conference will be decided next weekend in the last matchweek of the season.
Detroit will fight for their playoff lives at home next Saturday, facing off against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Keyworth Stadium. The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 p.m.
For more information about Detroit City FC, visit detcityfc.com and follow @DetroitCityFC on Twitter and Facebook and @detroitcityfootballclub on Instagram.
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Primary Media Contact: Jarrett Maki
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