A second meeting in less than two weeks and Flint City AFC, presented by Premier Security Solutions and Detroit City FC did not disappoint on Saturday night.  The divisional rivals went toe-to-toe before settling for a 2-2 USL W League draw at Kettering’s iconic Atwood Stadium near downtown Flint.

The two teams posted a 0-0 draw May 13 in Hamtramck. The atmosphere was much more like a postseason match than like an early-season league game and featured an amazing kids zone and post game fireworks show courtesy of Dort Financial Credit Union.

The contest had several twists and turns before it ended in a tie – a goal called back, a goal scored off a deflection, a 1-0 FAFC halftime lead, a two-goal outburst by DCFC in the second half and a late game-tying tally by the Flint side to round out the highlights.

Detroit City FC thought it took a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute when Kayla Addison (graduate of Grand Valley State University) deposited a breakaway goal. But the play was called back as Addison was ruled offsides by a hair-length.

Flint AFC, a second-year program that won just two games last year in its inaugural season, finally scored in the 15th minute.  Receiving a pass from Justina Gaynor (Michigan State), Delaney Caldwell (Ball State University) was able to get off a pair of shots from around the 18, both stopped by DCFC goalkeeper Gabby Schriver (Michigan State). The second shot deflected towards the goal and a DCFC defender tried to clear the spinning ball but it spun into the net. It was ruled an own goal.

The 1-0 lead for Flint AFC (2-0-2) stood well into the second half.

First-year Flint City AFC coach Michelle Krzisnik has made multiple roster changes since last season’s two-win campaign and more players are coming in over the next few weeks. The improvements have shown over the  first couple of weeks.

“I think the last matchup with them last weekend was pretty good and both teams were even better today – which made it more interesting,” said Krzisnik, who is also the director of coaching for the Michigan Hawks, one of the state’s leading club soccer programs. “The soccer was excellent and the energy was fantastic. At the end of the day, I think when we gave up the goals we pressed and tied it up late. It doesn’t take much in soccer. We played well in the first half and the beginning of the second half. We gave up a goal and (DCFC) really started playing well. They scored twice and then we tied it. It was just a battle, really. Both teams made a commitment to defending and we were really springing forward at times and they were trying to run in behind as well. It was exciting soccer both ways.”

Detroit City FC (0-0-3, 0-0-3) finally tied the game at 1-1 in the 60th minute. Forward Ellie Pool (Bowling Green State University) volleyed home a cross from midfielder Avery Peters (University of Michigan), chipping the ball over Flint netminder Kadance Radwanski (Brighton/Michigan Hawks). It was Detroit’s first shot attempt of the second half.

The momentum switch eventually led to additional pressure by DCFC and to its second goal. In the 79th minute, Adelle Francis (Michigan State commit) took a centering feed from eighth-grade phenom Lily Jaekle (Lake Orion/Nationals GA) and while barely onside Francis unleashed a left-footed shot from just outside of the 18 that sailed past Radwanski and inside the left goal post.

Detroit City could not protect the lead.

Flint stormed back in the 85th minute to net the equalizer. Micayla Johnson (Michigan Hawks) broke free with a breakaway goal off a through ball from Justina Gaynor and cashed in the paycheck for the final goal.

“When you’re down a goal and you're close to the end of the game you kind of throw people forward,” said Krzisnik. “One thing we did change is Abby Werthman typically plays up higher for us and is a left-sided player for us. We had to play her back today because we were missing Grace Philpotts. We put her back up top late and you could see the impact with that (change). Justina Gaynor, we put her up a little higher to try to get a little more energy and she was fantastic today. She’s just a workhorse. And she creates so much for us and works defensively as well.”

Flint AFC picked up a 16-10 total shots advantage on the night with 10 of those Flint shots coming in the first half. Both teams collected seven shots on frame with Flint AFC holding a 3-1 edge on corner kicks.

Both Schriver and Radwanski finished with five saves apiece.

All teams in the USL W will continue to impress as the season heats up by bolstering their respective rosters.

“People are still getting home from school (college),” noted Krzisnik, who should see additions from college players finishing up their spring semester requirements.  For us the roster changes slightly every week and we’ll adjust to that. What we’re all trying to do is build on that with more players and build on from the game before. That’s what we’re looking to do. We’ve had a good start to the season and we’ll just continue to get better.”

Next Up

Flint City AFC will host AFC Ann Arbor this Friday, May 26th at 7 pm - Atwood Stadium.  Tickets at www.flintcityafc.com

The Flint City Bucks host Midwest United this Saturday, May 27th at 7:30 pm - Atwood Stadium.  Tickets at www.flintcitybucks.com