Time to Get Rowdy: Le Rouge Travels South to Take on the Tampa Bay Rowdies

August 5, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Detroit City FC News Release

Detroit City FC huddle
(Detroit City FC)

DETROIT, Michigan – After a bye week, Detroit City FC returns to play for the first time since July 23rd. Le Rouge will be traveling to the Sunshine State to play the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium at 7:30pm on Saturday August 6th. The match will be streamed live on ESPN+.

Last game out, City continued their five-match unbeaten streak with a 2-2 draw against New Mexico United at home, but it was a heart-breaking draw as New Mexico scored to tie the game deep into stoppage time of the second half. It was City who took the lead of the match in the 25′ on a penalty kick from midfielder Maxi Rodriguez. New Mexico then tied the game off of a brilliant free kick from forward Chris Wehen, just 5 minutes later.

Then, in the 62nd minute, Connor Rutz received the ball in space and began to maurade forward, waiting for the play to develop. He then spotted a run from defender Deklan Wynne and played an inch-perfect ball into the path of Wynne. The USL Championship Midseason Defender of the Year made no mistake and found the back of the net to give Detroit City the 2-1 lead. This lead would hold until the visitors equalized at the death through #7 Neco Brett who ensured the points would be shared.

Detroit City now has a record of 9-8-4, and are currently sitting in sixth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference, just 11 points off of first place Louisville City. They are three points behind 5th place Birmingham Legion, with a game in hand.

Midfielder Maxi Rodriquez scored his fifth goal of the USL Championship season, which has him tied for second for goals on the team with forward Antoine Hoppenot. Rodriguez has also tallied two assists in league play. During the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Rodriguez also earned three goals and two assists. He has created 28 chances, good for second on the team. He was also named to the Team of the Week four times this season (Week 3, 7, 10, 20).

He sits in second place for all time goals in the DCFC Professional Era (2020-Present) with 13 goals, right behind forward Pato Botello Faz who has 15 goals. Rodriguez is also tied for second with four assists with Hoppenot, with only Botello Faz behind Deklan Wynne ahead with six assists.

This Saturday, DCFC arrives in Florida to play the Tampa Bay Rowdies, who are on a six-game win streak and a 12-game undefeated streak. Their last loss in the USL…