Detroit City Wire

Detroit City FC secured their first win in eight matches with a 1-0 victory over Birmingham Legion FC on Friday night in Birmingham, Alabama. Brett Levis scored the decisive goal, while a strong defensive performance in the second half ensured the win for Detroit.

Head Coach Danny Dichio made two changes to the lineup from their previous 1-1 draw against Las Vegas Lights FC. Maxi Rodriguez and Matt Sheldon returned to the starting XI, while Jeciel Cedeño was benched, and Abdoulaye Diop missed the match.

The opening fifteen minutes saw Birmingham controlling possession. However, Detroit had an early chance when Ben Morris led a three-on-two attack off a turnover in the third minute. Morris passed to Connor Rutz in the box, but Rutz's shot narrowly missed the far post.

Rutz had another opportunity in the 19th minute, but his shot was deflected out for a corner kick by a Birmingham player. In the 32nd minute, Rhys Williams delivered a cross into the box that Birmingham's keeper deflected. The ball landed at Brett Levis's feet, who tapped it into an open net to give Detroit a 1-0 lead.

The first half ended with Detroit leading 1-0. Detroit continued to control play as they aimed to secure three points from this match.

In the second half, Detroit adopted a more defensive strategy. Carlos Saldaña made a crucial save off a free kick in the 53rd minute to maintain their lead. Daniel Espeleta nearly doubled Detroit’s lead with a backheel shot in the 65th minute, but Birmingham's keeper made an impressive save.

Detroit made substitutions in the 71st minute with Michael Bryant and Elvis Amoh replacing Connor Rutz and Daniel Espeleta. Stephen Carroll made significant clearances during back-to-back Birmingham attacks later in the match.

Victor Bezerra and Alex Villanueva were substituted in for Ben Morris and Rhys Williams in the 83rd minute. Bezerra almost scored immediately after coming on but was thwarted by Birmingham’s diving keeper.

After five minutes of stoppage time, Detroit secured three crucial points, moving them up to sixth place in the Eastern Conference, one point behind fifth-place Birmingham and fourth-place Indy Eleven.

Detroit City concludes its three-match road trip next Wednesday against Tampa Bay Rowdies in St. Petersburg before returning home to Keyworth Stadium on August 24th against FC Tulsa. Tickets are available at www.detcityfc.com/tickets.

Detroit City FC Starters: Carlos Saldaña, Brett Levis, Devon Amoo-Mensah, Stephen Carroll, Matt Sheldon, Daniel Espeleta (71’), James Murphy, Maxi Rodriguez, Rhys Williams (83’), Ben Morris (83’), Connor Rutz (71’)

Detroit City FC Substitutes: Nate Steinwascher, Alex Villanueva (83’), Ryan Williams, Victor Bezerra (83’), Michael Bryant (71’), Elvis Amoh (71’), Jeciel Cedeño