Rutz’ Second-Half Tally Turns out the Lights, 1-0

July 3, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Detroit City FC News Release

Las Vegas Lights FC midfielder Daron Iskenderian vs. Detroit City FC
(Detroit City FC)

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – The Detroit City Football Club snapped its four-match winless streak with a 1-0 road win over the Las Vegas Lights at Cashman Field on Saturday night. Forward Connor Rutz netted his first goal in USL Championship play, earning Man of the Match honors.

City (8-5-4) generated most of the opportunities early in the match, but couldn’t put anything on frame. Las Vegas (7-4-7) had the best chance of the half with a strike off the crossbar in the 23rd minute. Nathan Ordaz made a run into the penalty area, but center back Stephen Carroll was there to force the run wide before Ordaz struck it off the bar.

Forward Antoine Hoppenot was a catalyst to Detroit’s attack in the first half, playing several opportunities into dangerous areas, but Las Vegas’s defense was able to find the right tackle in the final moment. City earned 10 corners in the outing to the Lights’ three.

The first half ended with no one getting onto the scoreboard and the play very even. Detroit City controlled 52% of the possession and both teams ended the 45 minutes of play with only four shots each, none on target.

Out of the break, midfielder Maxi Rodriguez – Le Rouge’s leading scorer in all competitions this season – made a trailing run and sent a one-timed effort just wide of frame in the 55th.

In the 63rd minute, DCFC’s constant pressure in the attacking third paid off as the Lights failed to clear the ball with left back Deklan Wynne winning possession at the edge of the 18-yard box. Wynne whipped a left-footed cross toward the far post that found the head of Rutz and went in off the top bar. It was Rutz’ second tally of the season and first in league play.

Once again goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher was there when needed for City, stopping a close-range effort following a free kick from Morten Bjørshol in the 59th and handling forward Roberto Molina’s right-footed effort in stoppage time. This was Steinwascher’s fifth clean sheet of the season and City’s first win since May 21st.

Detroit ended the game with 14 shots, three on target, while Las Vegas recorded 10 shots, with the slight edge on target with four finding frame. City was whistled for the majority of the fouls, committing 13 to the the Lights’ four.

The win for Detroit City snaps Las Vegas’ club-record three-match win streak while also…