Keyworth Stadium | Detroit City FC
Keyworth Stadium | Detroit City FC
Detroit City Football Club emerged victorious in a penalty shootout against Hartford Athletic, securing an extra point in the USL Jägermeister Cup. The match ended 2-2 in regular time, with Matt Sheldon scoring twice for Detroit. Carlos Herrera's crucial save allowed Michael Bryant to seal the win with a decisive penalty.
Coach Danny Dichio returned to his usual starting lineup after a friendly against Santos Laguna. Carlos Herrera was in goal, supported by defenders Devon Amoo-Mensah, Shane Wiedt, Stephen Carroll, and Michael Bryant. The midfield included Ryan Williams, Abdoulaye Diop, Jeciel Cedeño, and Matt Sheldon. Darren Smith and Ates Diouf led the attack.
Hartford took an early lead when Sebastian Anderson scored within 90 seconds. Detroit responded with increased pressure and equalized through Sheldon's header from a corner in the 15th minute. Despite opportunities to take the lead, Hartford regained it with Michee Ngalina's goal in the 28th minute.
Detroit made tactical changes at halftime and throughout the second half to regain control. In stoppage time of the first half, Diouf missed a chance to level the score. After halftime adjustments, including substitutions of Alex Villanueva, Connor Rutz, Haruki Yamazaki, and Sebastián Guenzatti, Detroit continued pressing.
Ryan Williams provided a key cross that led to Sheldon's second goal in the 90th minute, forcing penalties as Jägermeister Cup matches cannot end in draws.
In penalties, both teams failed to score initially but converted their third and fourth attempts. Herrera's diving save during Hartford's fifth attempt set up Bryant's winning shot down the middle.
Detroit will next face Oakland Roots SC at Oakland Coliseum on Saturday night before returning home on July 12 for another match against Hartford Athletic at Keyworth Stadium.
Tickets are available at www.detcityfc.com/tickets. More information about Detroit City FC can be found on their website or social media platforms @DetroitCityFC on X and Facebook and @detroitcityfootballclub on Instagram.
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