Massimo Cipriano
The first trophy of the 2023 season was lifted by Inter Detroit on Tuesday night, clinching the Great Lakes East title after a 3-2 victory over Michigan Jaguars FC on the red turf at St. Mary’s.
Inter Detroit got the scoring started early, with an eight minute rebound off the post into the back of the net by Shady Omar.
Clinching the division wasn’t going to come that easy however, as Michigan Jaguars FC equalized in the 31st through a blistering Andrew Darakdjian run behind Inter Detroit’s back line that created a one-on-one with the keeper that was slotted into the back of the net.
It was all even at halftime, but Inter Detroit set the tone again early in the 50th. Jaguars FC was dispossessed in the defensive third and was quickly punished by a long-distance strike by Gavin Brose to the far corner.
But again, Darakdjian brought the Jaguars even, this time crashing the net on a low service across the face of the net.
With the match on level terms in its waning phases, it seemed like Inter Detroit’s party would have to wait until next week. However, DaVion Page had other plans.
A frantic 86th minute Inter Detroit corner bobbled around the box until it fell to the feet of Page, who took a touch and knocked the ball into the back of the net. Page ran to the touchline, where he was embraced by the onrushing bench.
This was soon followed by the final whistle, giving Inter Detroit the win and the Great Lakes East title.
This result punches the first ticket to the Great Lakes final on July 29, where Inter Detroit will face the winner of the Great Lakes West.
However, Inter Detroit has one more regular season match against Detroit Union on July 22. This presents Inter Detroit the opportunity to end the 2023 regular season undefeated, before its biggest match of the year.