Detroit City Wire

Indy Eleven continued their habit of starting the match strong, pouncing on a weak pass from the DCFC backline in the 7th minute. After winning possession deep in DCFC’s territory, Indy found their striker Maisie Whitsett on the top of the 18-yard box, who tidily curled one into the bottom right corner.

Indy Eleven didn’t take their foot off the gas pedal. In the 13th minute, after another turnover high up the pitch, DCFC almost gave Indy their second of the game. A shot from 15 yards out forced a crucial fingertip intervention from Gabby Schriver.

DCFC quickly responded through Emily Pagett in the 18th minute, who, for the second time in as many games, rifled an effort from 20 yards out into the bottom left corner to bring the score level in the 20th minute.

Following the equalizer, both sides started to even out, exchanging runs of possession but with no true end product to these spurts of possession.

In the 40th minute, a dangerous effort from Indy Eleven from around 20 yards out just flashed wide of Schriver’s post.

The final action of the half saw a brilliant individual effort from Sophia Romine as she progressed DCFC upfield before slicing a beautiful ball out wide to Ella Offer. Offer's byline cross found a crashing Romine in the box as she only needed one touch to fire into the back of the net.

At the start of the second half, a reinvigorated Indy side established constant possession in DCFC's half as they searched for an equalizer. The numbers pushed forward by Eleven put DCFC's 18-yard box under consistent fire, but their backline held strong and fended off multiple dangerous possessions.

However, pushing numbers forward also left space for City to exploit behind. Lily Jeakle found herself behind Indy's backline multiple times, creating several dangerous half-chances for Le Rouge.

In response to this pressure, DCFC made four substitutions in the 62nd minute: Hannah Crum, Joyelle Washington, Kayla Addison, and Dani Stephan entered the match. These introductions brought a crucial influx of experience and fresh legs that allowed DCFC to establish more control over proceedings.

It was these substitutes who made a decisive impact. A combination play between Stephan and newly introduced Allie Tefend saw them work out wide before delivering a venomous cross into Indy's box. Amidst ensuing chaos, it was Addison who pounced on a loose ball and fired it into the back of net making it 3-1 for DCFC in the 75th minute.

With a two-goal deficit, Indy became more desperate and pushed players forward to get back on track. This approach saw Eleven look to fire balls into DCFC's box but struggle against Le Rouge's resolute defense which has been remarkable all season.

Indy Eleven searched for another goal throughout final ten minutes but were unable to find one. After four minutes stoppage time referee blew full-time whistle confirming Detroit City's victory claiming USL W League Central Conference crown securing club’s first trophy history advancing them USL W League National Semifinal hosted Keyworth Stadium next Saturday details ticket news will be released shortly

DCFC Starting XI: Gabby Schriver (GK), Ella Offer, Acadia Murphy, Maia Soulis Drew Martin Kate Childers (62’), Lilley Bosley Emily Pagett (62’), Sophia Romine Lily Jeakle (62’), Aubree Ciampa (62’)

DCFC Used Subs: Kayla Addison (62’), Joyelle Washington (62’), Danie Stephans (62’), Hannah Crum (62’)