Kentwood, Michigan — Detroit City battled Midwest United to a 1-0 victory as they crowned themselves as champions of the USL W League Great Lakes Division on Thursday night at Midwest Soccer Complex.
It was a tense, back-and-forth affair that saw dangerous chances fall both ways across the 90 minutes.
In the ninth minute, Tatiana Mason was fired home after being slipped in behind by Kayla Addison, and DCFC found the crucial goal they needed early on.
Following the goal, Midwest, who needed a win to maintain their playoff hopes became far more desperate in search of a way back into the game.
DCFC defended Midwest’s attacks valiantly while still posing threats to the Midwest goal.
In the 29th minute, Hannah Crum laced a long-shot effort off the Midwest crossbar from 30 off yards out. Five minutes later, Midwest had two dangerous sights of goal-fashioning chances that called on Gabby Schriver to produce important saves.
The second half saw DCFC fall back on their defensive line which has remained impenetrable all season. As Midwest began to control the match, pushing for an equalizer which they desperately needed to keep their season alive.
In the 64th minute DCFC had their best chance of the half. Maia Soulis broke down the right flank before flashing a ball into the 18-yard box for Faith Webber whose first and rebounded attempts were denied.
In the final 20 minutes of the match, Midwest pushed as many players forward as possible in an attempt to salvage an equalizer.
As a result of Midwest’s desperation, Ella Kane found herself behind on multiple occasions for DCFC. She got shots off in the 67th, 74th, and 89th minutes but was unable to find the back of the net on any of the chances.
Following the victory, DCFC clinched its first-ever USL W League playoff berth. The Conference Semifinals and Finals will take place from July 5 to 7. Hosting information will be released when available.
DCFC will play their final regular season match in Ann Arbor, June, 30th against AFC Ann Arbor, Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m. Specific information on the first round of playoffs, taking place the weekend of July 6, will be announced when it becomes available.
DCFC Staring XI: Gabrielle Schriver (GK), Allie Tefend, Avery Peters, Acadia Murphy, Drew Martin (55’), Dani Stephens (55’), Kate Childers, Hannah Crum (81’), Tatiana Mason (72’), Faith Webber (81’), Kayla Addison (55’)
DCFC Used Subs: Ella Kane (55’), Aubree Ciampa (55’), Maia Soulis (55’), Ava Landstra (72’), Megan Miles (81’), Ally Childers (81’)
DCFC Goalscorers: Mason 9’
For more information about Detroit City FC, visit detcityfc.com and follow @DetroitCityFC on X and Facebook and @detroitcityfootballclub on Instagram.
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Primary Media Contact: Jarrett Maki
(Sports Information Director, Jarrett.Maki@detcityfc.com)