[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t seemed like three point in hand, but ended in what must have felt like a gutting lost for many supporters.
Detroit City FC’s goalkeeper Bret Mollon, advanced off his line, watched a shot from Mike Bamber sail above his head and in net for an 89th minute equalizer, ending the match in a 2-2 draw with the Erie Admirals in an NPSL home contest.
“With the season we had (last season), everyone’s given us their best game,” City coach Ben Pirmann said. “Our guys know and they’ve got to deal with it. For 90 minutes they did, but unfortunately there were several more to play.”
Another record crowd of 3,234 packed in to catch DCFC (4-2-0), with the Northern Guard Supporters and the rest of those attending treated to an uneven first 45 minutes, mostly consisting of City parked in Erie’s (1-1-3) zone, yet unable to accumulate a significant number of quality chances. Harsh challenges from Erie and a lack of support from officials had Pirmann highly animated as both teams entered the lockers.
Le Rouge were caught aback on the first score of the evening, a top-shelf finish from Erie midfielder Andre Landell in the 56th minute, also the first allowed by City and Mollon at home this NPSL season.
City would respond 10 minutes afterward, as City midfielder and Man of the Match Shaun Lawson elated the crowd for putting a ground conversion serviced from Tyler Arnone past Erie keeper Danny Mudd to level the scoreline.
Business appeared to be finished when an Erie player committed a handball and the official pointed to the spot, leading to captain and center back Josh Rogers to converting his second penalty of the season, giving DCFC the lead 2-1 in the 71st minute.
It wasn’t until roughly when the four minutes of additional time were tacked on that Le Rouge appeared to be in any substantial danger. City were able to mount several offenses, but none of the level that inevitably fumbled away a victory for the club.
As part of the festivities, a silent auction also took place pitch side for City’s special game-worn kits, with proceeds headed to the Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park. The event was in support of Pride Week in Detroit, promoting awareness for the LGBTQ community.
With 14 points on the campaign, City look to regain a lead in the Great Lakes West against FC Buffalo (1-1-2) on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET, part of the Rust Belt Derby with AFC Cleveland.
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