Detroit City Wire

Detroit City FC secured a point on a hot evening in Las Vegas, drawing 1-1 with Las Vegas Lights FC. Ben Morris scored from 40 yards out to give DCFC a lead before halftime, but Khori Bennett equalized in the 65th minute.

Head Coach Danny Dichio fielded a heavily rotated squad from their previous match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Only Ben Morris, Devon Amoo-Mensah, Stephen Carroll, and Jeciel Cedeño retained their starting positions.

Both teams struggled in the first half, with few chances created. Although Las Vegas dominated possession, they found it difficult to penetrate Detroit's defense.

Detroit's first significant opportunity came in the 13th minute when Rhys Williams saved the ball from going out of play and crossed it into the box for Connor Rutz, who was unable to capitalize under pressure from two defenders.

In the 39th minute, following a turnover, Morris picked up the ball near midfield and chipped it over goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena’s head from about 40 yards out, giving Detroit City a 1-0 lead just before halftime.

At halftime, Detroit made two substitutions: Maxi Rodriguez and Michael Bryant replaced Abdoulaye Diop and Jeciel Cedeño.

Las Vegas continued to control the game at the start of the second half. In the 53rd minute, they nearly equalized with a shot that went just wide of the far post. James Murphy received a yellow card for a late tackle in the 55th minute, followed by Khori Bennett being booked for dissent one minute later.

Rutz had an impressive shot on target in the 65th minute which was saved by Arozarena. On the counterattack from that save, Bennett scored to level the match at 1-1.

Following Bennett’s goal, DCFC adjusted their strategy to maintain more possession and seek another goal. In response to fatigue and tactical needs during hydration breaks and stoppage time due to an injury-induced concussion substitution window used by Las Vegas Lights FC, Detroit made several substitutions: Alex Villanueva and Elvis Amoh entered for Daniel Espeleta and Connor Rutz; Matt Sheldon replaced Rhys Williams; Victor Bezerra came on for Ben Morris.

Despite ten minutes of stoppage time added due to various delays including concussion protocols involving Las Vegas players - neither side managed another goal resulting in this draw being DCFC’s third consecutive draw extending their winless streak to eight matches

Detroit continues its three-match road trip next Friday night against Birmingham Legion FC returning home August 24 against FC Tulsa Tickets available at www.detcityfc.com/tickets