HARTFORD, Conn. – Stephen Carroll scored deep in second-half stoppage time to send Detroit City FC to a 2-1 comeback victory against Hartford Athletic on Saturday night at Trinity Health Stadium, extending DCFC’s undefeated run to eight games in all competitions.

The visitors made a positive start which was almost rewarded in the 12th minute when Antoine Hoppenot was played into the left side of the penalty area and cut back a cross to Connor Rutz, whose sliding finish was well denied by Hartford’s Jimmy Slayton with his legs. Pato Botello Faz also had a chance charged down by Modou Jadama for the visitors in the 20th minute, and the Hartford defender almost immediately set up a chance at the other end as Joel Johnson broke onto his ball over the top of the DCFC back line before trying to round the goalkeeper, only for Detroit’s Matt Lewis to recover and clear behind before the Liberian international could shoot.

The Athletic took the lead two minutes before halftime, though, as Rashawn Dally was the beneficiary after Prince Saydee eluded his marker on the right just outside the penalty area to deliver a low cross to the top of the six-yard area that Dally tucked home easily. Detroit’s Abdoulaye Diop tried to level before the halftime break as he fired a long-range effort toward the left corner that was saved by Slayton, but midway through the second half the visitors pulled level as Deklan Wynne’s shot from the left side of the penalty area took a deflection and looped into the top-right corner of the net.

Hartford almost had a chance to regain the lead with 14 minutes to go when newcomer Ariel Martinez intercepted a pass in the attacking third and quickly drove toward goal, only for Carroll to come across and block his effort. The hosts then manufactured a beautiful set piece routine on a free kick that came to Luka Prpa in the center of the penalty area only for the finish to ring the crossbar five minutes later.

Both teams continued to push for a winner, and after Detroit was denied by a near-post save from Slayton that kept out a chance from the left side by Francis Atuahene, it arrived for the visitors. Off the ensuing corner kick, Hoppenot’s initial delivery was headed onto the left post by Rutz, but rebounded to Carroll, who shot home into the roof of the net to send the visitors to victory.

USLChampionship.com Player of the Match

Maxi Rodriguez, Detroit City FC – Rodriguez had one assist, two shots and four chances created while linking play consistently in midfield, completing 55 of 67 passes while making four interceptions and nine recoveries.

Scoring Summary
HFD – Rashawn Dally (Prince Saydee) 43’
DET – Deklan Wynne (Maxi Rodriguez) 68’
DET – Stephen Carroll 90+3’

Full Box Score