Detroit City Wire

Detroit City FC secured a 2-0 victory against Charleston Battery on Saturday afternoon at Keyworth Stadium. A crowd of 7,172 witnessed the match, which was decided by goals from Maxi Rodriguez and Elvis Amoh in the final minutes.

Rodriguez converted a penalty in the 87th minute to break the deadlock. Amoh added a second goal during stoppage time, ensuring Le Rouge's triumph over the defending Eastern Conference champions.

Head Coach Danny Dichio retained the same starting lineup that achieved a 2-0 win against Rhode Island FC. The first half saw both teams struggle to maintain possession, with Detroit creating an early chance through Victor Bezerra in the 4th minute.

The match was marked by numerous fouls; Detroit accumulated eight and Charleston seven in the first half alone. Charleston received three yellow cards within ten minutes: Nick Markanich (32nd), Diego Gutiérrez (40th), and Head Coach Ben Pirmann (42nd). Despite more shots from Charleston, Detroit had the only shot on target before halftime.

In the second half, Detroit made two substitutions, bringing on Michael Bryant and Rhys Williams for Matt Sheldon and Yazeed Matthews. Charleston’s Emilio Ycaza received their fourth yellow card in the 52nd minute, followed by Devon Amoo-Mensah picking up Detroit’s first yellow card three minutes later.

Momentum shifted towards Detroit after Chris Allan's yellow card in the 69th minute awarded them a free kick. Although Bryant’s header was saved by Charleston's keeper, it signaled increased pressure from Le Rouge.

Detroit continued to make tactical changes throughout the second half. After Carlos Saldaña made a crucial save in the 84th minute to keep the score level, a handball incident led to Rodriguez's decisive penalty conversion.

Charleston's fifth yellow card went to Mark Segbers in the 89th minute. Amoh then sealed Detroit’s victory with his goal during stoppage time.

The win marked Detroit City's first victory over Charleston since 2022 and Saldaña’s second consecutive clean sheet. DCFC will next host Pumas UNAM from Liga MX for an international friendly at Keyworth Stadium on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at www.detcityfc.com/tickets.

Detroit City FC Starting XI: Carlos Saldaña, Brett Levis (75’), Devon Amoo-Mensah, Stephen Carroll, Matt Sheldon (46’), Abdoulaye Diop, James Murphy, Maxi Rodriguez, Victor Bezerra (63’), Ben Morris (71’), Yazeed Matthews (46’)

Detroit City FC Subs: Nate Steinwascher, Alex Villanueva (75’), Rhys Williams (46’), Ryan Williams (71’), Michael Bryant (46’), Connor Rutz, Elvis Amoh (63’)