To start this piece off, I’m going to note that while I watched Detroit City FC and Hartford Athletic this past Saturday, I was also slowly getting over a TMJ Headache (not fun y’all). So while I have a couple of thoughts on that match, I’ll also give my take on a couple of additional topics.
No surprises in Detroit City FC’s draw with Hartford
Detroit City FC 1-1 Hartford Athletic: Honestly, not completely bothered by that result. Especially taking into account falling behind early at home and quickly responding.
Kissiedou providing a much needed spark
Laurent Kissiedou provided a spark and showed how he might have been what DCFC’s been missing in the attack, especially since the departure of Ali Coote. Constantly moving both on and off the ball, and being the catalyst to set up the equalizer for Ben Morris. I’m excited to see where else he can provide an impact on Danny Dichio’s side. Carlos Saldaña was absolutely clutch in making sure DCFC earned at least a point. While some freak out whenever Nate Steinwascher is not in net (I could name a specific youth team parent that has even gotten into it with players and Danny Dichio on the fenceline after the Sacramento match on 7/26/24 about this and other foolish things, I won’t for some strange reason), Saldaña has shown many times this year that he’s more than a reliable backup, he’s the one that I can see becoming the outright No. 1 for Detroit City FC when Nate eventually calls it a career. Carlos has earned it and shone brightly in moments of opportunity.
Is Ben Morris the Black Arrow favorite?
Speaking of Ben Morris, what an August for the lad from Colchester. Five of the seven goals scored in August were scored by Morris, and he’s now tied with Maxi Rodriguez for the team’s highest scorer in USL Championship play. Also, dare I say it, Ben’s the front-runner now for the men’s Black Arrow MVP Award.
Morris’ seventh also meant that I won my bet with my Channel 4:51 hermano Jaime Ventura, earning me another second Del Taco meal.
Morris showed up to Keyworth Saturday wearing a Honey Bee La Colmena t-shirt, that being a staple grocery store in Southwest Detroit, less than a mile away from the future stadium home of DCFC and a hot food counter that’s in my top three to five in the state. I think I have a wager now for if he gets to ten goals…
Maxi slumping
While the midfield talisman and DCFC’s #21 has seven goals and three assists in USL Championship play, Maxi Rodriguez has now gone twelve consecutive matches without a goal or an assist, with the FotMob match ratings not kind to him in at least seven of those twelve matches. While Rodriguez has been playing deeper in central midfield lately, this team’s success and aspirations of hosting a home playoff match in the first round is somewhat dependent on if and how much Maxi can contribute to Detroit City FC on the scoresheet. I’m not panicking, however I am concerned.
Gabby Schriver named the Black Arrow award winner for the Detroit City FC women’s team
Halftime of Saturday’s Detroit City FC/Hartford Athletic match saw Gabby Schriver announced as the Women’s Black Arrow MVP winner for the 2024 season. I was really happy to see this awarded to Schriver for not only her efforts on the pitch goalkeeping the side both in the PASL Indoor Season, and the USL W League campaign which saw DCFC get to the National Semifinal, but also off the pitch as a captain and someone who led this side basically as an on-field coach. While I understand some people may take issue with Schriver winning the award due to things off the pitch not directly said by her, but said by members of her family, I also think the time to solely base mindset on those things has come and gone, and is now doing more harm than good. Perhaps those who still feel strongly about it and are solely thinking from that mindset should broaden their horizons, and think of this not from their perspective, but from the perspective of others in that particular situation. Our congratulations go to Gabby Schriver for winning the Black Arrow MVP and for all involved with the women’s side from PASL Indoor to USL W League Play across 2024. The future is exciting.
Detroit City FC to MASL?
Speaking of the future, the Major Arena Soccer League announced on Tuesday that the PASL has unified with the MASL with PASL sides carrying over to form the MASLW, the first time that there will be a women’s league under the MASL banner. While there have not been any matches announced or scheduled, Detroit City is listed as one of the seven Great Lakes teams in the Standings section of the MASLW.com website. Nothing yet to share from Detroit City FC regarding the MASL statement, but be on the lookout as more information develops.
Detroit City FC gets El Paso next
The Detroit City FC men travel to Texas next to take on El Paso Locomotive FC, who are currently rock bottom in the Western Conference. Kickoff is just after 9 PM Eastern on Saturday. A win here by DCFC is essential, though whatever the result, we shall choo choo onward.