Detroit City Wire

Detroit City FC Settles for Draw at North Carolina FC Despite Man Advantage For 85 Minutes

Jul 19, 2024

Cary, North Carolina — Detroit City FC struggled to build momentum on Friday evening but secured a point in a 1-1 road draw against North Carolina FC with a late goal in second-half stoppage time. North Carolina was reduced to ten men just five minutes into the game, yet they took the lead in the 67th minute before Victor Bezerra equalized in the third minute of stoppage time.

Following a 1-0 loss on Saturday against Memphis 901 FC, Head Coach Danny Dichio made one change to the starting XI, bringing Abdoulaye Diop back into the lineup for James Murphy.

The match shifted early when North Carolina defender Ezra Armstrong fouled Rhys Williams during a breakaway in the fifth minute, resulting in a red card for Armstrong.

Despite having a numerical advantage, Detroit City often appeared as if they were playing with fewer players. North Carolina had an early scoring chance in the 30th minute when a shot went just wide of the far post.

Le Rouge controlled possession throughout the first half but could not capitalize on it. Detroit’s best opportunity came in the 39th minute from Ben Morris outside the box, but his shot missed above the crossbar.

North Carolina set an aggressive tempo after halftime. Nate Steinwascher faced two shots within ten minutes, making crucial saves early in the second half.

Detroit made significant changes in the 63rd minute with Brett Levis, Matt Sheldon, James Murphy, and Victor Bezerra substituting Alex Villanueva, Ryan Williams, Michael Bryant, and Elvis Amoh.

Despite fresh legs increasing Detroit's attacking tempo, a turnover led to Oalex Anderson assisting Evan Conway for an open net goal that gave North Carolina a 1-0 lead.

Detroit increased pressure seeking an equalizer but continued to struggle against North Carolina's defense. The final substitution saw Yazeed Matthews replace Maxi Rodriguez in the 77th minute.

The fourth official signaled seven minutes of stoppage time. In its third minute, Victor Bezerra's shot deflected off a defender and found its way into North Carolina’s net to tie at 1-1.

Before play resumed, Yazeed Matthews received a red card. The teams played out the remaining three minutes without further goals.

Detroit City returns home next weekend to face Sacramento Republic FC at Keyworth Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and tickets are available at www.detcityfc.com/tickets.

For more information about Detroit City FC visit detcityfc.com and follow @DetroitCityFC on X and Facebook and @detroitcityfootballclub on Instagram.

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