DCFC falls 3-0, sits one point out of playoff spot

Detroit City FC lost its second 3-0 decision of the week Saturday night, this time to the Indy Eleven at Indianapolis.

The loss left Le Rouge a point behind eighth-place Miami for the final playoff spot in the United Soccer League Championship.

Indy clearly controlled the play in the first half, with DCFC keeper Nate Steinwascher making several key saves, but the bubble burst in the 45th minute when Douglas Martinez won a one-on-one challenge for position near the top of the penalty area, then slid a left-footed shot past Steinwascher and into the corner of the net for the 1-0 lead.

DCFC improved its play after halftime, getting more play in Indy's end of the field, but the first goal of the half went to Indy again, as Sebastián Velásquez dribbled into open space at the top of the area and drilled a shot past Steinwascher for a 2-0 lead.

Indy (12-11-9) iced the victory — and clinched a playoff spot — with a goal in the third minute of injury time, Roberto Molina taking a pass from Stéfano Pinho and depositing it in the net for the 3-0 score.

DCFC (10-15-7) faces its next must-win game at Loudoun United FC next Saturday, with kickoff at 6:30 p.m. Its final match will be Oct. 14, at home against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.