The Detroit City FC players were unable to find their chute boots after falling in the season opener. But when he returned to the West on Saturday night, Le Rouge played his best, earning his 3-1 win against El Paso Locomotive FC to earn a sideoff and run of the season. We took advantage of the opportunities created by our visitors.
A game that could have easily tipped in El Paso’s favor in the first half, Chris Garcia’s error at close range for the hosts allowed Detroit to stay even. A halftime adjustment in midfielder Maxi Rodriguez’s positioning helped stem the tide of visitors defensively – El Paso had the same number of shots in the first half and second half, but they made. The quality of looks has dropped significantly – and Rodriguez’s finish Yazeed Matthews has wrapped up the game in an impressive way.
“[Head Coach Trevor James] “I think we knew we were disappointed with our result,” Rodriguez said. “I think the starting positions were a bit off in the first half and I think it made the team vulnerable in midfield. …Trevor joined us as we deserved. Team, we wanted to show you a better fight, and that’s what we did.
Here’s what else we got from the weekend’s action…
– Tyler Pasher’s return to the championship and soon becoming a cheat code for Birmingham Region FC is a warning sign for opponents. Read more about Friday night’s clash here.
– Orange County looked bright despite the draw with Tampa Bay. The other side of the coin is that we have to find ways to turn leads into wins in ways we couldn’t last season.
– Loudoun United FC were overwhelmed by San Antonio FC at Segura Field in the second half. What was the difference between that game and last season? Loudoun has found a way to keep a credible draw. Another result to build.
– The Charleston Battery are in the second game of the season, along with Orange County. Two solid displays, but only two points to show after scoring the first goal of the game.
– How close were Auckland Roots SC to collecting all three points at Rio Grande Valley FC? I don’t think so.
-“[Zach] Zandy always steps up in the big moments, that’s him,” said Zandy’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC teammate DeShane Beckford after tying the score against Hartford. That was certainly a point worthy of being a host.
– El Paso Locomotive FC’s last season goes back to 3 games, 3 losses, 8 losses in their last 10 games at home. Head coach Brian Krallhout cut the work for him.
