Detroit City FC draws with Pittsburgh, gets last playoff spot
Hamtramck — Detroit City FC kept its playoff hopes alive with a 0-0 draw against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday afternoon, in what was a cold and wet game in Hamtramck.
Le Rouge then grabbed the final postseason spot in the United Soccer League Championship's Eastern conference when Sacramento Republic FC defeated Miami FC, 1-0, late Saturday night.
It was an emotional game on and off the pitch for Detroit City FC. The club went into — the match knowing a result was required to keep its playoff hopes intact, knowing this was potentially the final game of Trevor James’ career as manager, and in general realizing this is the final game of the regular season. Those emotions translated to a chippy and extremely physical match against first place (67 points) Pittsburgh.
“Ourselves and Pittsburgh are probably two of the more physical teams in the league and they’ve been unstoppable all year to be honest,” DCFC Defender and Man of the Match Devon Amoo-Mensah said. “We knew it was going to be a physical game. … Keyworth kind of brings that out of teams anyways. … I think we weathered it well and matched it, if not, they had to match us.”
As the first half progressed, the scoring opportunities increased greatly for both sides. DCFC failed to convert on a free kick in the 36th minute and minutes later Matt Lewis just missed a goal off of a free kick in the 40th minute.
“I think we got it reasonably right tonight,” DCFC head coach Trevor James said. “We had some close efforts, but not quite our night for the goals.”
The match almost looked a lot different after the 73rd minute. Abdoulaye Diop got booked with a yellow card for DCFC which led to a free kick right outside the box for Pittsburgh. The Riverhounds unleashed a laser that beat goalie Nate Steinwascher but hit the woodwork and Detroit was able to clear unharmed.
The defense was critical throughout the game for Detroit City FC. With three yellow cards between the teams and countless fouls leading to free kicks, the defensive performance against a first place club was vital to get a result.
“Clean sheets are something we take pride in all year,” Amoo-Mensah said. “Having the security of me, Mike (Bryant), Steve (Carroll), Matt (Lewis) ... so when we do attack we have the cover and we know we have guys back there.”
Detroit City FC was trying to walk a fine line all match. The club knew a win would give them a two point cushion over Miami but also realized if the team was too aggressive, a loss would eliminate them completely. The offense had multiple possessions towards the end of the first half, and very apparently in the final 13 minutes of the match, when the club could’ve been more aggressive. On the opposite end the defense was uber aggressive all game.
“I think it was a bit of give and take today. You saw, we were shying away from getting in the box,” Amoo-Mensah said. “On the other end it's just making sure we’re securing the back and having cover and balancing everything out.”
Goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher made several incredibly impressive saves to keep the match tied, but none were bigger than his save off of a bullet from inside the box in the 52nd minute.
“Having Nate (Steinwascher) back there is great security for us.” Amoo-Mensah said.
Le Rouge then had to wait. If Miami FC had won its match at Sacramento Saturday evening Miami would have taken the final playoff spot. Sacramento's victory left the teams tied with 41 points, but DCFC advanced on the strength of its 1-0-1 record against Miami in head-to-head matchups this season.
Detroit City will get a rematch against the top-seeded Riverhounds at 7 p.m. next Saturday in Pittsburgh.
“We got a good draw tonight against the top team,” James said. “Very pleased with the boys for getting a result from it. It still gets us a chance.”
DCFC's playoff spot staved off James’ final game as head coach. He’s been the head coach for five years and is moving to a front office role after the season.
“Mixed emotions obviously. I’ve enjoyed being a coach for a lot of years. … I’m going to miss that,” James said. “But I know that it’s the best interest of the club. … I can reach further in different departments and hopefully improve the status overall. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Miami FC (41 points) plays Sacramento Republic FC (61 points) in Sacramento at Heart Health Park at 10 p.m. on ESPN+.
Scott Bentley is a freelance writer.