PONTIAC, Mich. – Michigan Stars FC moved past the Cosmos into first place in the Eastern Division after playing Detroit City to a scoreless draw in National Independent Soccer Association Association at Ultimate Soccer Arena in Pontiac.
Michigan (1-0-2, 5 points) leads the Cosmos (0-1-1, 4), who defeated New Amsterdam FC Friday night, 3-1.
The first half was played evenly. The Stars had the best opportunity the 42nd minute, but Detroit goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher turned away the chance.
The hosts engineered several threatening runs in the opening five minutes of the second half, but were unable to find the net.
With possession heavily favoring Detroit to start the second, momentum swung after midfielder Michael Kafari was sent off near the 60th minute with a straight red card.
Detroit’s back line was up to the challenge. Other than a handful of corner kicks, the visitors were unable to generate any serious scoring threats with the man advantage, while defender Steve Carroll, named man of the match – continued to push City’s attack.
The team from the Motor City will visit the Cosmos at the Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, N.Y. Saturday at 7 p.m.
In other league news, New Amsterdam played Maryland Bobcats FC in a NISA Independent Cup match Sunday that had been postponed due to severe weather earlier this month.
