HAMTRAMCK, Michigan – What a way to kickoff a tournament, with a Motown Derby.

In a battle of rival sides, Michigan Stars FC recorded a 2-0 Group A win over Detroit City FC in the opening match of the National Independent Soccer Association Fall Tournament at Keyworth Stadium Monday evening.

Gonnie Ben-Tal and Tomas Bernedo scored for Michigan as Detroit City FC suffered its second successive shutout.

The match started off slowly for both sides but saw the Stars control most of the possession. The hosts didn’t register a shot on net in the opening 45 minutes but the City backline held strong defending several set pieces.

Detroit City FC started the second half with promise as Yazeed Matthews sent a rebounded shot sailing just over the top of the crossbar.

In the 52nd minute, the Stars struck as Ben-Tal’s header beat goalkeeper Parker Siegfried.

Eight minutes later, Bernedo doubled the lead with a leaping header just inside of the Detroit City FC box.

Detroit City FC pushed forward but was unable to find the Stars net.

Le Rouge will meet the Oakland Roots for the second match of the group stage Thursday at 5 p.m.

In the second game of the doubleheader, New Amsterdam FC met Oakland.

Group B action begins Tuesday night.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.