This summer was full of highs, lows and just about everything in between. It saw new players rise in the ranks and veterans continue to build on their past performances. Records were broken, cheers were sung and some tears were shed. Here’s our recap from Detroit City FC’s 2015 season.
At the start of 2015, it was obvious the new season would be historic for Le Rouge. Before the team even took to the pitch, Detroit City announced its first-ever title sponsor, Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers. In what was another first for the club, Detroit hosted its very own “Soccer Prom,” in which supporters, players and owners gathered at the Majestic Theater for the unveiling of City’s 2015 home and away kits donning the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers logo. Along with a kit sponsorship, Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers and Detroit City FC announced a partnership that included streaming of all home league matches and several youth clinics throughout the Metro Detroit area.
DCFC opened the preseason with games against Saginaw Valley State and Michigan State, but the real fun began when a brand new team in the Muskegon Risers came to Cass Tech for the home opener. Le Rouge were still looking for their first win, and they would get it behind a remarkable two-goal show from Javier Bautista (Ashford) in his debut. DCFC overpowered the Risers, 3-1.
City also returned to the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup this year, traveling to Pontiac, Mich., to play the defending PDL Champions, the Michigan Bucks. Despite great support from the nomadic fans, DCFC was shut-out, 3-0.
After finishing the preseason 1-2-1, Le Rouge needed to prove that they would be contenders in a strong National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) Midwest Region. The first match came against Rust Belt Derby rival AFC Cleveland, a team that Le Rouge would see again later in the 2015 campaign. All of DCFC’s college players were now eligible, and the team was at full strength for the season opener.
A 2-2 score line, with goals thanks to Michigan men Will Mellors-Blair and Colin McAtee, carried late into the game under the lights at Cass Tech. But in the 88th minute, a corner kick from Cyrus Saydee (Michigan State) was barreled into the net by the head of City’s big man, Seb Harris (Oakland), to earn a crucial three points. The atmosphere was electric for the rivalry game, and the teams put on a show in front of 3,012 supporters.
Another highlight of the summer was the team’s partnership with Flagstar Bank, the Official Bank of Detroit City FC, and the Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD). The first-year partnership sparked the inaugural Neighborhood Champs Program, which treated 60 residents from different Detroit neighborhoods to every DCFC home match, including free transportation, free tickets and giveaways.
Henry Ford Health System and Detroit City FC teamed up as Community Champs sponsors to bring the beautiful game to thousands of Detroit PAL participants through youth clinics and free tickets to DCFC home matches.
After starting the season with no losses, DCFC made a quick drive up to Michigan State University’s campus in East Lansing for the first of a two-game series with Lansing United. A 3-1 loss set Le Rouge back a step in the quest for the Midwest title, but this loss proved to be a turning point.
For about seven weeks, DCFC went undefeated in NPSL play, including a 1-0 win in the rematch against Lansing at Cass Tech. During that stretch, DCFC mounted back-to-back away comebacks in Minnesota and Ohio, battling to a 2-2 draw against Minnesota United FC Reserves, and then a thrilling 3-1 second-half win over the Cincinnati Saints.
On June 6, Detroit City FC hosted the Madison 56ers in its yearly charity match. This season, in a continuing effort to support Detroit PAL’s initiatives, Detroit wore custom black jerseys that were auctioned off to benefit PAL youth soccer programs. Proceeds from the silent auction during the match, along with an online auction after, totaled $2,350.
The 5-0 win over Madison marked a record attendance number for Le Rouge, with 3,561 supporters on hand. Attendance numbers grew substantially over the season, as City saw 3,701 supporters on June 28, and then an all-time record of 3,884 supporters on July 11.
New players stepped up to help Detroit City FC early on. First-year players from Saginaw Valley State, including Troy Watson, Tyler Channell and goalkeeper Alex Bouillennec, filled important roles with the squad all season long.
Detroit also grabbed its third consecutive Rust Belt Derby championship. With City recording a win over Cleveland in its home opener and a 1-1 draw with Buffalo the following week, Detroit claimed the best record between the three clubs and brought home the bronze trophy in late June.
As the season winded down, Le Rouge hovered around the top three spots for the final few fixtures, but in a game with significant playoff intentions, Le Rouge fell short against Erie Commodores FC. The loss wouldn’t haunt DCFC for too long, though, as it defeated Michigan Stars FC for the second time this season with a 2-0 win to conclude the season at 8-2-2, which was still good enough for a second place finish in the Midwest Region.
Against Erie, Mellors-Blair added upon what was already a record year for him. Mellors-Blair went into the match having just broken the club’s all-time scoring record, passing forward Zach Myers (Saginaw Valley State), and he continued to shine, adding a pair more for his 14th and 15th goals in Rouge and Gold. Mellors-Blair also became the first Detroit player to score a brace in four different matches in one season and be named the M1 Imaging Center Man of the Match four times.
As the team was welcoming new records in the form of attendance and goals, it was also saying goodbye to its captain of four years, Josh Rogers (Michigan State). The centerback and team leader announced it was his final season, marking the end of a successful career for City’s beloved No. 6. Rogers recorded seven goals in his last two seasons with City, and he holds the club record for minutes played.
Before the team headed off to its first playoff appearance in two years, it hosted Windsor Stars in its annual postseason friendly with its international neighbors. The match saw 3,485 supporters pack Cass Tech and Dave Edwardson (Madonna) was named the 2015 Black Arrow MVP at halftime. The consistent midfielder wasn’t able to play as often in the final stages of the season, but his contributions all across the field earned him the MVP award in his third season with DCFC.
The Midwest Region tournament, hosted by the Madison 56ers, was set on a historic Breese Stevens Field in Wisconsin’s capital. The scorching Friday afternoon pitted DCFC against the team that began, and would eventually finish, Le Rouge’s year — a rematch with third-seed AFC Cleveland in the semifinal.
The Royals got on the board early, but DCFC settled the chaos to contain Cleveland for the next hour of play. However, in the 75th minute, Cleveland doubled their lead, making it very difficult for Le Rouge to get back in the game.
But, as always, there was hope. Right after the second goal, DCFC hustled to restart the game, and a quick long ball over the top bounced well for substitute and forward Charlie MacInnes (St. Ambrose) who slammed it past the goalkeeper, narrowing the lead to one. Le Rouge created a few chances late but couldn’t capitalize after three minutes of stoppage time.
The season came to an end earlier than many hoped, but it was a season to remember nonetheless.
“I told you guys at the beginning of the season that we would be the hardest working team, and if we do that every game, we will win,” said DCFC coach Ben Pirmann after the loss in Madison. “You guys did that, and I’m proud of what you did all season. We played a good game today but we were a little unlucky here and there. I know I demand a lot, but you show up to play. I’m proud.”
As the older players continue with their careers and the younger players prepare for the return to college, Cass Tech closes its gates. The lights turn off, the drums and banners are packed away and Metro Detroit finally gets some rest.
Summer 2016 can’t come any sooner.
– Ted Janes / DCFC Staff Writer
