Detroit City FC Hosts New Mexico United in Playoff Push

Detroit City FC is gearing up for a pivotal two-game homestand as they aim for a playoff spot, starting with a match against New Mexico United on Saturday night at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast locally on Detroit50 (WKBD-TV) and can be streamed for free by Michigan supporters at CBSDetroit.com. Detroit City recently played to a 0-0 draw against El Paso Locomotive FC, marking a solid defensive performance with goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña achieving his fourth clean sheet of the season. Currently, Detroit City FC is positioned fourth in the Eastern Conference with 39 points, closely followed by Indy Eleven and Rhode Island FC, both at 37 points. The competition is tight, with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Birmingham Legion FC also in playoff contention at 35 points. With seven matches remaining, Detroit City is still in a favorable position to host a playoff game at Keyworth Stadium. On the other hand, New Mexico United is enjoying its best regular season to date, leading the Western Conference with 51 points, a significant 10 points ahead of the nearest competitor. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Eric Quill, the team has transformed from an eighth-place finisher last season to a strong contender for the Players' Shield this year. They come into this match following a 1-0 victory over Miami FC, with Jacobo Reyes scoring the decisive goal. Historically, the two teams have faced each other twice since Detroit City joined the USL Championship, with New Mexico winning the last encounter 1-0. The upcoming match is crucial for both teams as they strive to solidify their playoff positions, with Detroit City also preparing for a subsequent match against Eastern Conference leaders Louisville City FC next Sunday.