Detroit City Wire

Detroit City FC secured a 2-0 win over North Carolina FC on October 4, 2025, gaining three important points in the USL Championship. Head coach Danny Dichio made several changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous match against Louisville City. Carlos Herrera returned as goalkeeper for his first start since September 10, while defenders Devon Amoo-Mensah, Stephen Carroll, and Shane Wiedt formed the back line. The midfield featured Alex Villanueva, Kobe Hernandez-Foster, Ryan Williams, Isaiah LeFlore, and Jeciel Cedeño. Ates Diouf and Darren Smith started as forwards.

The opening half was physical, with both teams showing urgency as playoff contention loomed. North Carolina appeared to score early but saw their goal disallowed due to a foul during the buildup. The referee issued multiple yellow cards throughout the match, beginning with one for North Carolina’s Rodrigo da Costa in the 12th minute.

Detroit City’s Ates Diouf nearly opened scoring in the 22nd minute with a deflected shot that missed narrowly. Stephen Carroll prevented a North Carolina goal later in the half with a key clearance off the line. In the 43rd minute, Detroit earned a penalty after Jeciel Cedeño was fouled in the box; Cedeño converted from the spot to give Detroit City a 1-0 lead at halftime.

At halftime, Haruki Yamazaki replaced Isaiah LeFlore for Detroit City. Shane Wiedt received a yellow card early in the second half for a late challenge. Jay Chapman and Michael Bryant entered as substitutes in the 66th minute.

In the 74th minute, Ryan Williams delivered a free kick into the box that found Ates Diouf, who scored his fifth goal of the season and doubled Detroit’s lead. Subsequent substitutions included Matt Sheldon for Alex Villanueva and Sebastian Guenzatti for Darren Smith late in the match.

Goalkeeper Carlos Herrera received a yellow card for time wasting near stoppage time. After more than six minutes of added time, Detroit City held onto its two-goal advantage to secure its first victory since September 7 against Orange County SC.

The win brings Detroit City FC to 35 points and maintains their seventh-place standing in the Eastern Conference. The team will conclude its regular season home schedule by hosting Loudoun United at Keyworth Stadium on October 11 at 4 p.m. Tickets are available at www.detcityfc.com/tickets.