Detroit City 0-2 Midwest United
Report and EXCLUSIVE photo gallery from Genevieve Henry at Keyworth Stadium (11/6/23).
Above: Detroit City fire in a shot in their home game with Midwest United. Photo: Genevieve Henry.
Midwest United came away from Keyworth Stadium with all the points on Friday night in the USL W League.
The USL W League is a semi-pro competition at tier four of the women’s football standings in America and consists of a series of regional divisions divided into east coast, central belt, and west coast.
Detroit City came into this match in fifth place out of their league’s six teams, with the away side in second place.
Both teams came out with strong starting lineups and a fighting attitude. Both teams were already showing their feistiness, with shirt pulls and crunching tackles. After connecting their first consecutive passes of the game, Detroit had a good chance through on goal in the fourth minute, but it was gathered by Okoroafo in the Midwest goal.
From there, the visitors launched a counterattack. After a through-ball that should’ve been an easy clearance for the Detroit backline, Elle Otto capitalized on the collective defensive brain lapse and put a simple finish in the back of the net.
The home side looked to quickly retaliate with a goal after some good lead-up play and a fantastic cross, but it was ruled offside. Both teams began to settle into the game, connecting passes and showing movement into promising positions.
Right before half, Midwest United goalkeeper, Belle Okoroafo, went down injured and had to be carried off in some pain. She could not carry on and the backup keeper, Heather Leja, replaced her.
After that, there was some more goalie action just before the half with Detroit’s Gabby Schriver making a spectacular save from a great close-range opportunity. This kept the scoreline at 0-1 to the away side at the break.
After re-entering the pitch, Detroit had already looked to improve upon their poor passing, with Avery Peters coming on and making a big impact. The hosts were on top for the next 20 minutes and Midwest United were visibly frustrated and racking up yellow cards.
In the 64th minute, a young talent in Lily Jeakle came on for Detroit. She didn’t get a chance to equalise though as the visitors began to pick up the pace again. They drew a free kick after a poor tackle from Avery Peters. The day only got worse for Peters as she headed the ball into her own net off that very same free kick in the 78th minute.
The match ended 0-2 to Midwest United FC, to the disappointment of the loud home crowd. The atmosphere was wonderful, with constant chanting and singing. Detroit has a different atmosphere than most grounds in the USA, with many people comparing the fan base more similar to European fans. Although they didn’t win, the supporters still had plenty to cheer about, with many skillful moves and close chances from DCFC.
There were a few players who stood out for both teams. Dani Stephan won player of the match for Detroit after a busy shift in midfield where she was crucial to creating chances and tackling every ball that came close. Ella Karolak shone in defence, showing off great control and skills for the hosts. For MUFC, their goalscorer, Elle Otto, was quick and tenacious the whole game, troubling the defence and the goalie with her constant chasing of the ball.
Overall, this was a good game of football, with fire, passion, and skills on display.
Teams: DETROIT CITY (4-3-3): Pagett, Martin, Stephan, Soulis, Gardner, Karolak, Duncan, Blomquist, Baeron, Schriver, Pool. Substitutes: Clark, Gardner, Addison, Peters, Jeakle, Grimaldo, Warmer.
MIDWEST UNITED (4-3-3): Okoroafo, Cotta, Albert, Dault, Metaj, Thomasma, Gilmore, Cox, Currie, Otto, Blitchok. Substitutes: Leja, Vance, Bennet, Wierenga, Wright, Brunink, Gamo.
Scorers: Otto 5′, Peters (OG) 78′.
Referee: Jeren Ghoujeghi.
Attendance: 300.
Genevieve Henry’s exclusive photo gallery for Impetus from Keyworth Stadium:
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