On today’s episode, we check in with soccer journalist and The Outer Drive podcast co-host Fletcher Sharpe, who covers Detroit City FC. With five games remaining in the NPSL regular season, Le Rouge are now unbeaten in seven games and have held opponents scoreless in each of those matches.

But City has also notched scoreless draws during that stretch with their top divisional rivals in the NPSL Great Lakes Conference — AFC Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids FC. Le Rouge will have rematches with both teams during their final five games, and as Sharpe says, not all three teams are likely to make the NPSL playoffs.

What else do we cover on the show, you ask?

• Federal officials are reviewing the Motor City Match program, which is meant to encourage small business entrepreneurship in the city, over its record-keeping and spending. [Detroit News]
• Jer talks to us about Ford’s new information and community center as part of Michigan Center, the company’s new name for its big investment in Corktown.
• Buddy’s Pizza is giving out $7.30 discounts in celebration of its 73rd year in business.
• And in more soccer news, soccer superstar Lionel Messi and FC Barcelona will highlight a friendly match Aug. 10 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. They’ll play Italian side Napoli in the inaugural La Liga-Serie A Cup.

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