News

Match Report: MBFC vs. Detroit City FC – 10.2.2021

Bobcats pick up a valuable point against league leaders Detroit City FC
Published Oct 4, 2021

Written by: Edwin Pintor

 

October 3, 2021 (Hamtramck, MI) – The Maryland Bobcats end their three-game losing streak on Saturday after drawing 0-0 against Detroit City FC at Keyworth Stadium. It was a very entertaining match that could have seen both teams take the three points, but neither team could capitalize on their opportunities.

 

No goals were scored in Saturday's match, but many chances were created in an entertaining 90 minutes of football under the rainy skies of Hamtramck, Michigan. 

 

The Maryland Bobcats came to Keyworth Stadium in a dire situation, with seven first-team players injured. The second team had the chance of a lifetime to make their names heard and the team did not disappoint. Adam Yingling made his fall season debut, Tunde Akinlosotu started for the injured 'Pele' Sesay, and Pilawe Pato came back into the starting eleven and did not disappoint. Dylan Ogletree was also an option on the bench if Coach Sam ever decided to bring him in. The Bobcats defensive line also recieved stability; the match against Detroit was the second time the four in the back started together this season, and the back four did not disappoint.

 

The game started rocky for the Bobcats, a clear dominance for the home side during the first 30 minutes of the first half, making it clear that Detroit wanted a win. Pressure from Detroit's front line to the Bobcat defense seemed to be one of their tactics. Previously, the Bobcats had lost losing because of defensive errors. Still, on Saturday, the defensive line was error-free with great performances from Richard Forka, Jake Dengler, Yaya Fane, Morian Moussi, and the Bobcat man of the match, Joel Isyaq. Shots from 'Pato' Botello-Faz, Stephen Carroll, and Maxi Rodriguez were unable to find the back of the net as they were met with the Bobcat's splendid defensive line. 

 

Both teams had an intense first half, Detroit City wanted to score first and play their game, and the Bobcats were looking to play intelligent, error-free, and take advantage of their opportunities. Unfortunately, no team was able to score by the end of the first half. 

 

The Maryland Bobcats started the second half offensively minded. A first-half from the very cautious and defensively minded team no longer existed for the second half; the switch has flipped. A Detroit City corner kick saw keeper Joel Isyaq take care of the danger and saw an opportunity for a counterattack. This quick kick found Akinlosotu alone in the middle of the pitch, a 1v 3 situation occured, but Akinlosotu found the space to run and cut in, and the play finished with a shot just above the goal in the 50th minute. From the 50th minute to the 75th minute, the Bobcats were far superior. At any minute, a Bobcat goal seemed to be on the way, free kicks in the 55th and 56th minute for the Bobcats found the keepers area, a rebound from Detroit's defensive line found Akinlosotu. Akinlosotu did not hesitate to shoot, the ball went just over the bar again, but the Bobcats were knocking on the goal's door. 

 

The last 15 minutes of the game were fought to the end, both teams brought in subs, for the Bobcat's Kay Banjo and Tunde Akinlosotu came off in the 73rd minute for Molley Karpeh Jr. and Adam Yingling. Both subs impacted the game as the Bobcats started to counterattack when given the opportunity. In the 84th minute, Samuel Kahsai came in for Pilawe Pato, who gave an excellent game in the middle of the field. A final sub for the Bobcats came at the 87th minute when Khalid Balogun was brought onto the pitch for Taylor Gray. 

 

Detroit applied pressure in the game's final minutes, looking to get the winning goal with three corner kicks in five minutes. If we go back in time, the last time the bobcats visited Keyworth Stadium, Detroit City won the game in the 93rd minute with a goal off of a corner kick. The Bobcats did not want the same thing to happen again this time. Luckily, Isyaq was able to take care of business as the final whistle blew. 

 

The Bobcats went into Keyworth Stadium and gave the league leaders a run for their money with seven first-team players out due to injury. A testament for what is to come, a result that the Bobcats hope to build on for the rest of the season. 

 

This week, Maryland will have two matches, a home game against Michigan Stars FC on Wednesday, October 6, and a trip to Long Island this Saturday to take on New Amsterdam FC on national television. Two games that the Bobcats can win and will work until the win comes again. 

 

2-3-5 in the fall season, the Bobcats return to action this Wednesday against Michigan Stars FC. The Bobcats will host Michigan for the first time since joining NISA and will look to get back to its winning ways and continue to climb up the table. 

 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST/4:30 PM PST. The match can be streamed via Eleven Sports or follow the minute-by-minute action live on Twitter via @MDBobcatsFC. Additionally, fans can buy tickets via SoccerStub and by visiting our website at marylandbobcatsfc.com/tickets.