Detroit City FC took an early lead over Oakland Roots SC on Saturday, April 20, at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Michigan, when Ben Morris scored in the 8th minute on a counterattack, making it 1-0 for the home team.
As the game grew more intense, Detroit received two early yellow cards, as Michael Bryant and Aboulaye Diop both were cautioned within the first 20 minutes. Detroit extended their lead to 2-0 after a penalty kick was awarded in the 27th minute, with Maxi Rodriguez converting for the home side.
Oakland also received two yellow cards in the first half, with Memo Diaz and Gagi Margvelashvili both booked, leaving the Roots trailing 2-0 at halftime.
Detroit quickly capitalized on the momentum after halftime, with halftime substitute Victor Bezerra scoring on another counterattack to make it 3-0 in favor of Detroit. The Roots managed to pull one back with a well-crafted build-up play, as Daniel Gomez delivered a perfect cross to Justin Rasmussen at the back post. Rasmussen calmly slotted it home, reducing the deficit to two goals and bringing the score to 3-1.
Almost immediately after the goal, however, Oakland’s Gagi Margvelashvili was called for a foul, earning his second yellow card of the match and subsequently a red card, forcing him off the field. The game continued with the Roots playing a man down, and despite Oakland’s best efforts, Detroit City held on to their lead for a 3-1 victory.
The Roots will return to the East Bay to face the Colorado Springs Switchbacks on Saturday April, 27, at Pioneer Stadium in Hayward. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Summary
Scoring:
- DET: Ben Morris 8’
- DET: Maxi Rodriguez 27’
- DET: Victor Bezerra 51’
- OAK: Justin Rasmussen 57’
Discipline:
- DET: Michael Bryant 19’ (yellow card)
- DET: Aboulaye Diop 20’ (yellow card)
- OAK: Memo Diaz 25’ (yellow card)
- OAK: Gagi Margvelashvili 39’ (yellow card)
- OAK: Gagi Margvelashvili 60’ (yellow card) (red card)
Oakland Roots
Lineup: Paul Blanchette, Niall Logue, Gagi Margvelashvili, Bryan Tamacas, Justin Rasmussen (Ilya Alekseev), Daniel Gomez (Ali Elmasnaouy), Irakoze Donasiyano, Memo Diaz, Jeciel Cedeño, Etsgar Cruz (Trayvone Reid), Johnny Rodriguez (Miche-Naider Chéry)
Unused subs: Javier Bedolla-Vera, Thomas Camier, Tim Syrel
Line: Shots: 9 | Shots On Goal: 4 | Corner Kicks: 6 | Fouls: 14 | Offside: 3
Detroit City
Lineup: Nate Steinwascher, Alex Villanueva (Daniel Espeleta), Stephen Carroll, James Murphy, Aboulaye Diop (Dominic Gasso), Ben Morris, Michael Bryant (Connor Rutz), Brett Levis, Maxi Rodriguez (Matt Sheldon), Yazeed Matthews (Victor Bezerra), Devon Amoo-Mensah
Unused subs: Ali Coote, Carlos Saldaña
Line: Shots: 14 | Shots On Goal: 5 | Corner Kicks: 6 | Fouls: 15 | Offside: 2
