AFC Cleveland fell to Detroit City FC by a score of 3-2 in what could be called the most hotly contested match of the NPSL season.
“What’s happened is that we have developed a really great rivalry,” DCFC co-owner Sean Mann commented. “It’s the class of the NPSL in a lot of ways. It’s fun to have two good teams playing in front of packed stadiums.”
The Royals were the first on the board thanks to a header from Tommy Schmitt in the 5th minute. Tom Beck would get the credit for the assist after launching a beautiful cross to set up the goal.
Detroit would even things up at 1-1 as Lachlan Savage scored off a Jeff Adkins cross just 5 minutes later.
The opportunities continued to flow for both sides. Adkins took a shot off the far post in the 36th, while Vinny Bell and Beck had solid chances of their own in the 40th and 41st minutes respectively.
The halftime whistle blew with no change to the 1-1 scoreline.
Detroit held an advantage in shots (7-6) and corner kicks (6-2) in the first half, but possession remained even at 50% for both sides throughout the game.
DCFC’s Fabio Pereira converted a PK in the 64 minute to put the visitors up 2-1, but that lead was short-lived as Bell scored in the 76th off an assist from Keisuke Ohata.
It was the first appearance of the season for Ohata, who recently joined AFC Cleveland from a Japanese club.
“I wasn’t expecting that many supporters,” Ohata said. “I am glad to be here. It’s an honor.”
Grant Chong beat Cleveland keeper Ben Yabrow in the 87th to give the visitors a 3-2 lead, which they held until the final whistle. Yabrow finished the match with 7 saves.
DCFC would finish the match with an advantage in shots (14-10) and corner kicks (8-4).
The win kept DCFC’s unbeaten record in place, while Cleveland continued to be a victim of Lady Luck.
“Sometimes things just don’t go for you,” AFC Cleveland head coach Andy Hoggarth stated. “Maybe last year we used all our luck. We were the one scoring the last minute goals.”
It was a great match with a fantastic atmosphere thanks to the over 850 fans in attendance. It was also a special night as the city’s Terminal Tower turned blue and white in support of AFC Cleveland and the night’s charity, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
Subside Sports Man of the Match: FWD Grant Chong, Detroit City
