BY DAN STICKRADT
Communications Specialist | Web And Content Editor | Director of News |
Social Media Director | Interns and Freelance Coordinator
PH: (248) 884-1051
TW: @LocalSportsFans @MiSoccerNetwork
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Six starts and six wins.
That’s been the storyline for Detroit City FC, which is off to one of its best starts in program history.
The Le Rouge picked up win No. 6 Saturday afternoon at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, posting a 3-1 victory over visiting Oakland Roots FC.
Detroit City FC is now 5-0-0 against USL Championship teams and 3-0-0 against USL Championship Eastern Conference foes. The Le Rouge are 6-0-0 overall on the campaign including a win in the 108th Annual Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup over in-state rival Michigan Stars last week.
Ben Morris, Maxi Rodriguez and Victor Bezerra scored for Detroit City FC. Nate Steinwascher made two stops on three attempts to help preserve his fifth win as a starting goalkeeper. The Utica, Michigan, native did not play in the U.S. Open Cup match last week.
Morris opened the scoring in the eighth minute, intercepting a pass near midfield and cruising down the center of the park beating defenders along the way before finishing off his solo project with a goal and a 1-0 Detroit City FC lead.
Detroit City FC took a 2-0 advantage after a 3-on-2 attack where Alex Villanueva was tripped up inside the box in the 25th minute. Rodriguez slotted home the ensuing penalty kick – DCFC’s first PK on the season – to extend the lead. It was Rodriguez’s team-leading third goal of the season which ranks in the top 10 for USL Championship players.
Victor Bezerra, subbed into the game at the half, made an impact in the second stanza. Bezerra corralled a long pass from Morris, slipped past a defender and uncorked a shot past Oakland Roots FC goalkeeper Paul Blanchette for the 3-0 lead in the 52nd minute.
Oakland Roots was able to spoil the shutout in the 57th minute when Gagi Margvelashvili’s long pass to Justin Rasmussen created a scoring chance and Rasmussen buried it. Oakland Roots (2-4-1) could not ignite much offense down the stretch to claw back into the game, as the Oakland, California-based side has now been outscored 12-7 this season.
Detroit City FC held a 51-49 advantage on possession and posted an 18-9 overall shots edge, including 6-3 with shots on goal. The Le Rouge have now outscored its opposition 11-4 on the campaign. The Le Rouge now own wins over Colorado Springs (2-1), Indy 11 (2-1), Loudoun United (2-1), North Carolina FC (1-0), Michigan Stars (1-0) and now the Oakland Roots FC (3-1).
DCFC has a 10-4 scoring edge against USL Championship teams.
Detroit City FC hits the road next Saturday for a road game against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the Michigan Soccer Network regarding club soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer of teams or players with Michigan ties, contact Communications Specialist/Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at stickradt@michigansoccernetwork.com, or call 248-884-1051. Dan Stickradt is a 31-year veteran of the Michigan Media circles and recently joined the staff full time in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/MSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@michigansoccernetwork.com.)Â
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