That…could’ve gone better.

The Box Score

Three Things We Learned

Don’t Play With Your Food (Again)!

I said it in my recap of the home opener against NCFC, that Hugo made some good stops and was not afraid to challenge attackers near the edge of the box. However, there were a few heart-stopping moments where the opponent took the ball from him and fired it at the goal. This time, they made him pay, in what turned out to be the game-winning goal for Detroit and possibly the easiest tap-in of Maxi Rodriguez’s career.

Everybody needs a little elbow room

Sadly, I gotta tip my cap to Detroit’s skipper, Daniele Dichio, for his work in preparing for Loudoun this match. Multiple times when Loudoun tried to push the ball up through the wings, there were at least two Detroit players there to smother the run, and then take away the ball. In the second half there were times where they would invert this strategy on offense, using multiple Rouge shirts on the wings to draw Loudoun’s attention there, clearing a path in the middle. Combined with a high pressing line, Dichio’s side made the tactical adjustments needed to win the possession battle (57-43%), keep the ball away from Zach Ryan (0 shots the whole game), and give his team more chances at goal.

Esprit de Corps

Scoreline aside, we did see some further progress on the team meshing together as a unit in this game. Returning and new Loudoun players alike have built up trust, allowing them to make some more daring runs and crosses on the field, leading to more opportunities. It’s a shame that most didn’t turn into goals this match, but there’s still plenty of season left. Other teams are going to take Loudoun more seriously now, and they’ll have to hold together to respond in kind.

Man of the Match

It’s difficult to label a Man of the Match on the side that lost, but still I’m going to try. I could give the nod to Wesley Leggett for his goal and attempts to manufacture another one. Jacob Erlandson also has a case for his defensive plays, winning several duels, plus an amazing shot block after another blunder by Hugo could’ve easily made it a 3-1 win for Detroit.

But I’m giving the nod to Florian Valot, for both his work setting up Wesley Leggett’s goal, and contributions to recovering the ball on the defensive end. Félicitations, Flo, your second honor in three games with the team. Wish it was in happier circumstances.

Up Next: A bye week, but following that, Loudoun travels to Birmingham to fight the Legion on April 7, starting at 5PM EDT.