Detroit City Wire

Detroit City FC secured three critical points on Sunday afternoon at Keyworth Stadium, defeating Louisville City FC 2-1. Maxi Rodriguez opened the scoring with a goal from a free kick in the 17th minute. Louisville equalized with a penalty right before halftime, but they were reduced to ten men five minutes into the second half. Connor Rutz capitalized on this advantage, scoring the game-winner in the 67th minute.

Following their 1-0 victory over New Mexico United last weekend, head coach Danny Dichio made one change to the starting lineup, bringing Rhys Williams in for Laurent Kissiedou. This match marked Williams' 100th appearance for Detroit City FC.

Detroit struggled initially as Louisville applied constant pressure. However, they gained momentum after Rodriguez's goal from James Murphy's free kick. Despite early struggles, Detroit maintained their lead and continued pressing forward.

The match became tense after Rutz missed a one-on-one opportunity with Louisville’s keeper in the 25th minute. Yellow cards were issued to Louisville’s Phillip Goodrum and Detroit’s Rhys Williams before halftime. A penalty awarded to Louisville resulted in an equalizer just before the break.

Louisville started the second half strongly but was hindered when Goodrum received his second yellow card in the 49th minute, reducing them to ten men. Detroit made tactical substitutions, including Matt Sheldon for Michael Bryant in the 57th minute.

In the 67th minute, Rodriguez assisted Rutz on a counterattack that led to Detroit's second goal. Rutz's first goal since the season opener gave Detroit a crucial lead.

Detroit made further substitutions late in the game to maintain their advantage. The final whistle confirmed their victory, keeping them fourth in the Eastern Conference playoff race—just one point behind third-place Tampa Bay Rowdies and five points ahead of fifth-place Indy Eleven.

Detroit City will next face Monterey Bay FC on Saturday night at 10 pm EDT and return home on October 12th against Indy Eleven. Tickets are available at www.detcityfc.com/tickets.

Starting XI: Carlos Saldaña, Alex Villanueva, Devon Amoo-Mensah, Stephen Carroll, Michael Bryant (57’), James Murphy, Abdoulaye Diop, Rhys Williams (100 appearances), Maxi Rodriguez (81’), Connor Rutz (89’), Ben Morris (81’)

Substitutes: Nate Steinwascher, Ryan Williams (89’), Matt Sheldon (57’), Daniel Espeleta, Elvis Amoh (81’), Jeciel Cedeño, Laurent Kissiedou (81’)