The 2015 season is already a historic one for Le Rouge, and there is much more to come.
A season ticket sell-out, an additional home game on the schedule, larger corporate sponsorships, more impactful community partnerships, free streaming of all NPSL games, a new website, dynamic additions to an already talented roster; for a club known for exceeding expectations, Detroit City FC has charted itself an ambitious course for 2015. Here are a few highlights of the season to come:
SEASON TICKETS SELL OUT
Entering its fourth season, Detroit City FC has firmly established itself as Detroit’s soccer team, drawing an average of nearly 3,000 supporters per game and topping out at nearly 3,400 in the summer of 2014. The groundswell of support continues, as the team sold out of 2015 season ticket packages in 89 days. Single-game and group tickets are still available. Sell-outs are anticipated for every home game, and it is strongly recommended that tickets are purchased in advance. Information is available at: https://www.detcityfc.com/tickets.
A NEW LOOK
Beyond ticket sales, Detroit City FC is forging strong partnerships in the corporate and non-profit sphere. After going three seasons without a title sponsor, 2015 will mark the first time Le Rouge takes to the pitch with a sponsor logo front and center on their jerseys. The team will reveal this important new partner, as well as their 2015 home and away kits, in an special event planned for mid-April.
PASSION FOR OUR CITY
In the summer of 2015, DCFC will be working to support Detroit PAL’s soccer programs through their co-ed, neighborhood league, the DCFL (Detroit City Futbol League). Every team that joins the DCFL Neighborhood League will also be adopting a Detroit PAL soccer team, pledging to provide their PAL team with coaching, equipment, or both, for the soccer season.
STREAMING ROUGE & GOLD
The new year also marks the redesign of the Detroit City FC website, https://www.detcityfc.com. The site will offer more information on the team and roster, will serve as a clearinghouse for images and stories about Le Rouge, link to the team store, and thanks in part to a partnership with Detroit Public Television, will host streaming video of all six NPSL home games.
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE 2015 SEASON
• Once again, the makeup of the NPSL’s Midwest Region has shuffled. This season sees 13 teams in a single table, with the top four teams advancing to a tournament that will determine the regional representative at the NPSL National Final Four, held in late July and early August. Detroit City will host AFC Cleveland, Minnesota TwinStars, Madison 56ers, Michigan Stars, Lansing United and Erie. Le Rouge will travel to FC Buffalo, Minnesota United Reserves, Ft. Pitt Regiment (PA.), Cincinnati Saints, Lansing and Michigan Stars (Pontiac, MI).
• The Rust Belt Derby, a supporter-created competition between Detroit, Cleveland and Buffalo returns for its fourth season. DCFC has carried home the trophy the previous two seasons.
• Le Rouge will play three exhibition matches this summer, hosting Muskegon Risers, Windsor Stars, and the Columbus Crew College Program.
• The team’s pre-season begins with an exhibition game against Saginaw Valley St. University at Hurley Field in Berkley, MI., on April 18th.
PASSION FOR THE GAME
In the DCFC front office, General Manager Donovan Powell returns for his second season and is joined by Lindsey Pehrson as Director of Media and Public Relations.
On the pitch, Detroit welcomes back a coaching staff led by head coach Ben Pirmann. Pirmann is joined once again by Adil Salmoni and Colby Cunningham. They will be joined by team trainer Mickey Tullett for all matches at Cass Tech High School.
In a league known for turnover, Le Rouge can boast one of the most experienced rosters in the NPSL. Captain Josh Rogers returns for his fourth summer season, and will be joined by veteran standouts like Zach Myers (2013 Black Arrow MVP) and Cyrus Saydee (2014 Black Arrow MVP). There are a total of 28 returning players on Detroit’s roster this season. Along with the team’s veteran leaders and depth, Pirmann continues to roster some of the finest players in the Midwest, with former Michigan State University standout Ryan Keener and current University of Michigan junior midfielder James Murphy.
“Our team is seeing our alumni playing pro and we always have a number of veteran players return to DCFC. Plus, every season we have more talented players interested in suiting up for Le Rouge – it’s a testament to our supporters and most of all to our coaching staff,” Detroit City FC co-owner Alex Wright said.
Pirmann also has added a slew of new additions to the 2015 roster so far, including Tyler Channell (Saginaw Valley State), Ross Hendry (St. Ambrose), Charlie MacInnes (St. Ambrose), Andre Morris (Michigan), Troy Watson (Saginaw Valley State) and Brendan Woodfull (Oakland).
