HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — Flint City AFC put plenty of scare into Detroit City FC and the 5,000-strong Keyworth Stadium crowd, but Saturday night’s scoresheet stayed frustratingly blank.

“It was great to be part of an exciting game between two very talented teams,” Flint head coach Michele Krzisnik commented. “It was an exceptional opportunity for fans to see the elite female soccer talent that Michigan has produced, as almost all of these young women are Michiganders.”

“We look forward to the matchup [against Detroit City FC] again this Saturday night at Atwood.”

On the front foot for long stretches, the visitors might have hoped for more after the previous weekend’s 5-1 triumph at AFC Ann Arbor. But a hard-fought road point can offer some solace.

So can a clean sheet, which teenage goalkeeper Peighton Northrup authoritatively earned in her Flint City debut. On two occasions, Northrup applied for USL W League Save of the Week.

In the 28th minute, an unfortunate deflection sent Kenna White clear on goal, forcing Northrup to stand her ground on a shot from inside 12 yards. Then in the 47th minute, a cross through the goal box forced Northrup to dive fully across her goal line and make a desperate fingertip rescue.

Flint’s lineup was stunningly youthful, with Northrup one of six players still in high school. Bella Gaetino (North Carolina ‘24) was dangerous all night. Sophia Piotrowski (Michigan State ‘23 commit) was a standout along the back line. Forward Landis Canada (Missouri ‘24), midfielder Reese Slater (Xavier ‘23), and defender Hailey Baumann (Wisconsin ‘23) also featured prominently.

Two veteran players stood tall on the back line in their first game against their former club. Grace Phillpotts spent three years with Detroit City, while Shannon Browning was named DCFC’s most valuable player for the 2022 campaign, tallying two goals and three assists.

Still undefeated and yet to play a match for home fans, Flint City AFC next travel to face Midwest United FC on Wednesday night in Grand Rapids. Kickoff for the midweek showdown is set for 8 p.m.

Rematch at home: Flint City AFC takes on Detroit City FC at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Kettering University’s iconic Atwood Stadium. There will be a post-game fireworks show and mega kids zone courtesy of Dort Financial Credit Union. Tickets are available at www.gopassage.com. 

Flint City Bucks and Flint City AFC (women) season tickets are also still available, starting at just $50 for kids and $100 for adults! Purchase at flintcitybucks.com/ticket. Join us for elite men’s and women’s semi-professional soccer at Kettering University’s iconic Atwood Stadium.