Detroit City FC II capped off their historic UPSL campaign with a record-breaking postseason run that ended in a hard-fought 3-1 quarterfinal loss to NY Renegades FC, but firmly raised the bar for the program and its pathway players.
Under Head Coach Brad Dunwell, Assistant Coach Hasan Daoud, Goalkeeper Coach/Assistant Mathew Walczowski, and Athletic Trainer Josh Eddy, DCFC II blended experienced contributors and emerging talent into a cohesive group that embraced the club’s standards from day one. The team delivered a dominant regular season winning the UPSL Midwest East with a 7-2-1 record, leading the conference in goals scored (35) and conceding just 12 for a +23 goal differential. That balance on both ends of the pitch underscored the team’s identity: a high-tempo, attacking group underpinned by a disciplined defensive unit that grew stronger as the year went on.
That growth was emblematic of a group that not only delivered results, but also reinforced the strength of Detroit City’s developmental model. “It was special to see such a diverse group of high-level players fully embrace our team-first culture and maximize their individual development. At the end of the day, we’re incredibly proud of the way this group competed, represented the club, and worked tirelessly to be ready for their next step in the game,” said Dunwell.
Round of 32: history made on the road
The historic postseason run began with a dramatic 3-2 victory over KS Wisloka Chicago in the Round of 32, a result that officially secured the deepest playoff push in program history. That night, DCFC II showed the resilience that would define their tournament, responding to adversity and finding ways to tilt the match through their energy, pressing, and willingness to take risks in the final third.
In the aftermath, Dunwell highlighted the group’s growth over the course of the season, calling the achievement a reflection of their commitment and the standard they set for each other every day in training. The performance set the tone for what was to come: a fearless side confident in its identity and prepared to carry that momentum back home to Keyworth.
Round of 16: Keyworth under the lights
Back in Hamtramck, DCFC II continued to rewrite the record books with another dramatic 3-2 win in the UPSL National Round of 16 at historic Keyworth Stadium.
USL Academy signing Zain Elder pulled Detroit City level in the 32nd minute, finishing from a Dj Al Badawi assist to send Keyworth into full voice. Coming out of the break, Carson Hodgson put DCFC II ahead in the 52nd minute, rewarding a spell of second-half possession before Mano Karjian delivered the decisive 82nd-minute winner from a Jack Streberger setup, with the back line and goalkeeping unit locking things down to see out the result.
Quarterfinal night vs NY Renegades
The win at Keyworth booked DCFC II’s place in the UPSL Quarterfinals, setting up a clash with NY Renegades FC at Krenzler Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Le Rouge faced an early deficit but responded well, pulling level in the 23rd minute when Max Keenan headed home a Carson Hodgson free kick to bring the match back even.
A quick response from the Renegades restored their advantage, and despite continued attacking pressure from DCFC II, the opposition added a late goal to secure a 3-1 result.
Even in defeat, Le Rouge showed the same resilience and attacking intent that defined their postseason run, competing to the final whistle and proving their ability to match up with top teams on the national stage.
Legacy of the 2026 DCFC II campaign
While the final scoreline in the quarterfinals did not fall in Detroit City’s favor, the 2026 DCFC II campaign will be remembered as a turning point for the program and its pathway players. From a first-place finish in the Midwest East to consecutive knockout wins and a berth in the UPSL National Quarterfinals, this group set a new benchmark for what is possible in Le Rouge’s second-team environment.
For Dunwell, his staff, and the players, the season’s true legacy lies in the growth that took place—on the training ground, under the lights at Keyworth, and in pressure moments across the Midwest and beyond. DCFC II’s historic run has strengthened the bridge between the Youth Academy, the second team, and the first team, ensuring that the next wave of Le Rouge is better prepared than ever to carry Detroit City’s colors into future campaigns.
If you’re interested in joining DCFC II, please email your CV, and highlight tape (if available,) and availability to Brad Dunwell at brad.dunwell@detcityfc.com.
