James Vakilpour, Staff Writer
Photo//Detroit City FC
Detroit City FC beat Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-0 on Saturday night in the United Soccer League Championship game to the delight of Detroit fans. The match was played at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Michigan. Both teams came out of the gate looking for an early goal, but there was no scoring in the first half. In the 81st minute, Maximiliano Rodriguez sent the ball to Antoine Hoppenot in the lead after slicing through two defenders to surge into Tampa's goal area. Hoppenot's shot flew past C.J. Cochran, the goalkeeper for Tampa.
It was the first time since July 23rd that DCFC had a lead at home and the first win in four games for Le Rouge since May 21.
It was one of the lowest possessions of the season for the USL side, with only 8 shots and one shot on target. The top seed receives a first-round bye while seeds 2-4 earn home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Tampa dominated possession and played 196 more passes than DCFC, while Detroit managed just one shot on target.
Nate Steinwascher made his comeback after missing one game due to a personal problem.
Deklan Waynee has been called up for the All Whites, the national team of New Zealand, for its international matches in September against Australia and it is his first call-up for the New Zealand national team since 2018 and his first appearance for the side since November 2014. It is the second win in a row for Detroit City, which is unbeaten in its last four matches. Le Rouge (13-6-10) are one point ahead of The Miami FC (12-8-9) in sixth place.
Detroit City FC, secured their first playoff berth in the USL Championship after winning this game, in their first season in the USL championship. Both of these teams are top Eastern Conference teams and are no strangers to big games. Both of these teams are in the middle of a battle for playoff positioning.
The Rowdies (16-7-6) are in third position in the East after suffering their second consecutive loss.
On Wednesday, Detroit City will travel to take on the New York Red Bulls II, and on Saturday, FC Tulsa will visit Keyworth.