Under the picturesque backdrop of the downtown Detroit skyline nestles Comerica Park, traditionally known for housing the Detroit Tigers, a local Major League Baseball club. However, yesterday evening the Copa played host to the Motor City Cup. The MCC was a one-off preseason cup match between European football clubs Crystal Palace and Sevilla! This match marked the second time that Detroit has hosted a preseason soccer friendly, the first being PSG Vs Roma at Comerica Park in 2017, a match that was part of the International Champions Cup. Back then, the game finished 1-1 after full-time, with Les Parisiens winning via a Penalty Shootout. 

Similarly, this go-round saw another 1-1 draw with the match set to be decided on PK’s. Sevilla opened the scoring just moments before halftime thanks to an Ivan Rakitic tight angled screamer that bounced off the inside of the far post and into the back of the net. Then in the second half, Crystal Palace had gained momentum with their positive play that culminated in an equalizer from Eberichi Eze’s dazzling run and nutmegged strike in the 75’. From then on, it was all Crystal Palace. The Eagles produced a bevy of chances, with 10-men Sevilla holding on for dear life. The Rojiblancos produced countless blocks and last-ditch clearances within their own box in an attempt to get to penalties; and get to the shootout they did. 

At that point, Sevilla was able to recollect themselves and finish the match on equal footing. Finally, in the most unusual, but in all reality, quite exciting sudden-death style penalty shootout, Sevilla won the match courtesy of a successful Ivan Rakitic penalty kick coupled with a Joachim Anderson missed shot that clanked off the crossbar! 

It was a result that appeared to be a disappointing one for 313 Presents and its affiliates. I say this, because whilst being in attendance, it certainly seemed that the setup of the stadium had a British bias in favor of Crystal Palace. The Eagles supporters section was given blue and red flags before the match to add to the excitement and ambiance of the moment. Then when Sevilla scored, there was a roar on our end, which included the Rojiblancos supporters section. However, these fans were neither given flags, towels, or scarves nor were they treated to a light show or corresponding pop music song to enjoy the go-ahead goal with, unlike when Eze equalized. Once Crystal Palace scored, a classic from the Beatles was promptly played and a Copa light show ensued inside the venue whilst the Eagles celebrated their goal. It wasn’t until when the match had officially been decided, after Anderson’s missed PK, that Comerica Park played a Spanish tune, Sevilla’s anthem. But, hey, the the seven-time Europa League winning Rojiblancos are used to being the underdogs, the overlooked, and once again they overcame, won the game, and lifted another trophy! What’s Crystal Palace ever won?! Oh yeah, the Full Member’s Cup in 1991. A competition that was created for English teams that were banned from competing in Europe at the time due to the Heysel Stadium Disaster in 1985.

Anyways, it was a fun evening all-around. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see Detroiters  of all ages repping their soccer kits, listening to compelling footballing banter amongst fans, and of course getting to watch some of the global game’s best players in-person. Moving forward, I hope Detroit and/or Ann Arbor can host a match like this on an annual basis, as there’s definitely a thirst for elite soccer in Southeastern Michigan.