Detroit City Wire

DETROIT — Detroit City FC's defensive performance fell short as they conceded late, allowing Sacramento Republic FC to secure a 1-0 victory.

Sacramento began the game aggressively, forcing Carlos Saldaña into an early save. They maintained control of the tempo throughout the match.

Detroit's strategy was to counterattack and disrupt Sacramento. In the seventh minute, a turnover in midfield led to Rhys Williams delivering a cross aimed at Amoh, but Sacramento cleared it out.

Saldaña made another significant save in the 17th minute, diving to keep the game level. Detroit continued their counterattacks, with Maxi Rodriguez driving into the box in the 21st minute and forcing Sacramento’s keeper to make a save. Alex Villanueva attempted a rebound shot that hit the crossbar.

The game's only yellow card was issued to Matt Sheldon in the 27th minute for a late tackle. Detroit had another major opportunity in the 32nd minute when Elvis Amoh went one-on-one with Sacramento's keeper Danny Vitiello, who forced the shot out of play.

Both teams entered halftime scoreless. Although Sacramento controlled possession and tempo, Detroit City had better scoring opportunities.

Detroit increased their tempo early in the second half. In the 48th minute, Amoh's shot forced another diving save from Sacramento’s keeper. Saldaña continued his strong performance with another crucial save in the 58th minute.

The first substitutions occurred in the 69th minute with Victor Bezerra and Michael Bryant replacing Rhys Williams and Matt Sheldon. Abdoulaye Diop left due to injury three minutes later, replaced by Ryan Williams.

Bezerra had Detroit’s best chance of scoring in the 76th minute but headed just wide of goal. In the 84th minute, Russell Cicerone scored for Sacramento after heading a cross into Detroit’s net.

Yazeed Matthews substituted Maxi Rodriguez in the 86th minute as Detroit sought an equalizer during four minutes of stoppage time. The final whistle confirmed Sacramento Republic's 1-0 win.

Detroit City remains winless against Sacramento Republic with a record of 0-0-3. The team will travel to Connecticut on Wednesday to face Hartford Athletic before returning home next weekend for a nationally televised match against Rhode Island FC on CBS at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at www.detcityfc.com/tickets.

Starting XI: Carlos Saldaña, Alex Villanueva, Devon Amoo-Mensah, Stephen Carroll, Matt Sheldon (69’), James Murphy, Abdoulaye Diop (72’), Maxi Rodriguez (86’), Ben Morris, Rhys Williams (69’), Elvis Amoh

Substitutes: Nate Steinwascher, Ryan Williams (72’), Victor Bezerra (69’), Michael Bryant (69’), Daniel Espeleta, Brett Levis,Yazeed Matthews (86’)