HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Darren Smith scored the game-winning goal with six minutes to play as Detroit City FC took a 2-1 victory against Miami FC at Keyworth Stadium as the hosts rose to win despite playing the second half down to 10 players.
After a tentative start from both sides, Detroit was reduced to 10 players in the 28th minute when Abdoulaye Diop was sent off after a hard foul on Miami’s Rodrigo Da Costa. The visitors found the net in the final minute of the first half, only for Alessandro Milesi’s finish to be ruled out for a handball, while Mason Tunbridge had an effort late in the half turned away by Detroit City goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña.
Despite being down a player, Le Rouge took the lead 54 seconds into the second half when Haruki Yamazaki’s pass from the right side of the penalty area allowed Ates Diouf to create space and fire home a low finish to the left corner. Miami hit back with 14 minutes to go as Tommy Musto’s free kick from 25 yards on the left side eluded Saldaña at the near post to bring the visitors level.
Detroit regained the lead with six minutes to go, however, as Smith headed home well off a cross from Aedan Stanley from the left into the left corner of the net, lifting the hosts to victory and into second place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Takeaways
Detroit City FC – Le Rouge remained perfect at Keyworth Stadium this season, earning their fifth consecutive victory to start the season at home thanks to Darren Smith’s late winner. The hosts remained solid defensively overall despite playing almost an hour down to 10 players, allowing Miami only four shots on target, and capitalized well on their two best opportunities.
Miami FC – Miami was unable to take advantage after Abdoulaye Diop was sent off in the 28th minute as the visitors held 58.1 percent of possession but sat equal with their hosts with 17 touches inside the penalty area and had fewer final third entries, leaving the side with one win in its last five league outings.