By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor

Scratch another game from the soccer schedule this week.

In response to the recent shooting of Jacob Blake and other racial matters, Detroit City FC players Thursday night said they have decided not to play at the Cosmos at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, N.Y. Saturday.

“In lieu of the match at the New York Cosmos, Detroit City FC – led by the players – is developing a call to action for Saturday Evening,” the National Independent Soccer Association club said on Twitter.

The Cosmos agreed with Detroit City, stood in solidarity with their rivals and the game was postponed. It was not immediately known when the game would be made up.

“Sporting Events are secondary to the fight against police brutality and racial injustice in the United States,” the Cosmos tweeted. “We stand in solidarity with the players of Detroit City FC and their decision to use this weekend as a call for community action.

“We live by our ethos that we are Cosmopolitan, and we will continue to use our platform to enact positive social change.”

The Detroit City FC organization also gave their players its support.

“The need to address social injustice and racism supersedes sports at this moment,” it said on the team’s website.

NISA also supported the Detroit FC players decision not to play.

“The appalling events over the last week in Kenosha, Wis. are a brutal underscore to NISA’s continued and united commitment to being an anti-racist organization. Our voice is here to support the Black community and all communities of color who experience racial injustices of all kinds.

“We understand when our players take to the pitch to play. They also have a platform for expression. We fully support all of our athletes, clubs and staff in their efforts to push for systematic change and creating a racially just society.”

The Cosmos (1-0-1, 4 points) are undefeated this season while Detroit City FC (0-1-1, 1) is winless. Detroit City FC captured the NPSL Members Cup last season, edging the Cosmos for top honors. The Michigan-based club defeated the Cosmos and played its rivals to a draw last season.