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. – Four starts and a perfect record to boot.
Detroit City FC recorded another victory Saturday afternoon at Keyworth Stadium, topping North Carolina FC in an USL Championship-Eastern Conference match.
And it took a little bit of luck to capitalize on the game’s only goal.
In the 10th minute, Rhys Williams scooped up a cross near midfield and drove past a host of North Carolina FC defenders before lacing a rope of a shot just inside the box. His shot deflected off the leg of North Carolina defender Nelson Blanco and into the goal for the early 1-0 advantage.
The defensive unit of Michael Bryant, Brett Levis, Stephen Carroll, Devon Amoo-Mensah, Matt Sheldon and Alexander Villaneuva made it stand up in front of goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher.
Steinwasher watched 12 shots fired near the net but only had to record just one official save, as North Carolina FC consistently misfired on the Le Rouge net. It was the first shutout of the season for Detroit City FC, who won a trio of 2-1 games to start the season.
Steinwascher punched a Rodrigo Da Costa header following a cornerkick over the crossbar in the 59th minute to earn the shutout.
Both teams had to endure 12 minutes of stoppage time tacked on to the second half due to multiple injuries and substitutions, but the Le Rouge still held form in preserving the clean sheet.
North Carolina FC held a 12-6 overall shots advantage, but each side only registered one shot on frame. Both teams traded off three cornerkicks apiece during the match.
Detroit City FC (4-0-0, 3-0-0 Eastern Conference) has now outscored its four opponents 7-3 on the season and no team has scored more than one goal on the Le Rouge, who also own a 5-2 edge in goals against Eastern Conference opponents.
Detroit City’s next game will be in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where they will face Michigan Stars FC from NISA (National Independent Soccer Association). The game will take place on Tuesday, April 16, with kickoff scheduled for 7 pm. Tickets for that match can be found at www.detcityfc.com/tickets.

(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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