In many ways, 2016 was a record-setting season of firsts for Detroit City FC, beginning well before Le Rouge even took to the pitch.
From DCFC’s historic investment campaign to the supporter-driven renovations at the team’s new home, Keyworth Stadium, the 2016 season showcased the powerful and positive impact when a soccer club and its supporters unite.
Investment Campaign
In search of a new home after continually selling out its matches at Cass Tech High School stadium, the club presented to the Hamtramck School Board in September 2015 its proposal to fund renovation work at 80-year-old Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck.
Less than a month later, the plans were approved, and on October 29, 2015, City kicked off the largest community investment campaign in Michigan history. The campaign, whose slogan was “Save history, make history,” spanned a total of 109 days. The club aimed to raise between $400,000 and $750,000 in order to fund the stadium improvements, which included work to the grandstands, locker rooms, bathrooms and more.
On February 15, 2016 it was announced the club and nearly 500 verified Michigan investors raised more than $700,000.
After several volunteer opportunities during which supporters helped to paint bleachers and clean up the stadium, the team hosted its inaugural match on May 20, 2016. The home opener against AFC Ann Arbor drew 7,410 supporters – a figure that set National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and team regular season attendance records.
A total of 52,550 supporters attended City’s 10 home matches in 2016, representing a 48-percent increase in total attendance from 2015.
In August 2016, City distributed $107,000 in revenue sharing checks to its investors. Le Rouge’s revenues were up by more than 17 percent from what was projected for the first six months of the year, meaning investors were paid greater than the estimated 10.4 percent internal rate of return for the first payback period.
Open Cup
Detroit City FC made its own U.S. Open Cup history after defeating PDL side Michigan Bucks, 4-3, in penalty kicks in the first round on May 11, 2016. Evan Louro (Michigan) made two saves in the shootout, and Brett Nason (Michigan) calmly put away the shot to seal City’s first advancement in three tournament appearances.
Le Rouge almost made it through the second round in Louisville against Louisville City FC, where it forced the professional side to a 0-0 score through 90 minutes. It took another penalty shootout to decide the outcome, but this time City fell, 3-1.
The incredible performances in the nation’s oldest running tournament will be remembered for quite some time by players and supporters alike.
Community
City furthered its commitment to its community in 2016, with its move to Keyworth Stadium spurring new bonds with the diverse and culturally vibrant Hamtramck community.
Le Rouge continued its youth clinic series throughout Metro Detroit in partnership with its title sponsor, Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers.
In partnership with Henry Ford Health System, City held a special Community Champion Program youth clinic for Detroit PAL athletes at Keyworth Stadium. In addition, PAL athletes were granted free admission to every DCFC home match.
Alongside Flagstar Bank, City welcomed another year of its Neighborhood Champion Program, which brought residents of different Detroit and Hamtramck neighborhoods to every DCFC home match. Along with free tickets, residents received free transportation to and from each match and free giveaways.
On June 25, DCFC hosted Dayton Dynamo for its annual charity match. The match was dedicated to Freedom House Detroit, a Detroit-based haven for survivors of persecution, conflict and turmoil in their home countries. Through a silent auction of commemorative jerseys during the match, City was able to donate $2,000 to Freedom House.
Le Rouge also hosted its first Soktoberfest at Keyworth Stadium. Hundreds of soccer players of all ages took part in the inaugural Soktoberfest 3v3 tournament. The event featured beer, food and other activities for the community.
In the final match of the year, DCFC’s Old Boys hosted Mundo Latino on October 8, and City and MDCD hosted a used soccer gear drive for Special Olympics Michigan. Earlier in the year, City welcomed Special Olympics Michigan’s Unified Team to Keyworth Stadium for a match during halftime.
Club shop
The club opened its first brick and mortar club shop in Hamtramck in April of 2016. The mixed-use office, retail and community space serves as DCFC’s headquarters and retail space which features a full array of DCFC merchandise, including team apparel and accessories. The community space and shop is open weekly at 2750 Yemans Street.
Sponsorship
Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers returned as City’s title sponsor. Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers’ sponsor adorned Le Rouge’s home and away jerseys. Thanks to MDCD, the club livestreamed all home league matches during the season, averaging more than 3,000 views per match in 48 different countries.
Flagstar Bank and Henry Ford Health System returned for a second year as the club’s sponsors of its Neighborhood Champion Program and Community Champion Program, respectively.
City welcomed new sponsors in 2016, including Faygo, Fowling Warehouse, Stroh’s, 313 Energy, MetroPCS, Anytime Fitness and more.
Alongside its sponsors Axle Brewing Co. and Blake’s Hard Cider Co., City introduced new DCFC-inspired adult beverages: Axle Brewing Co.’s CITY Pale Ale and Blake’s Hard Cider Co.’s Cider ‘Til I Die.
On the Pitch
In the most anticipated Transatlantic friendly of the summer, DCFC hosted fan-owned FC United of Manchester on May 28, 2016. It was the first meeting between the two clubs, as well as FC United’s first trip to the United States. There were more than 6,200 in attendance for the match at Keyworth Stadium. The celebratory friendly between the supporter-built clubs ended in a 3-3 draw, with Alec Lasinski scoring in the 93rd minute to secure the tie.
For the fourth straight season, City retained the Rust Belt Derby trophy, the annual supporter-created award given to the team with the most points between Detroit and FC Buffalo. A 2-1 win at Keyworth on June 23 followed by a scoreless draw at FC Buffalo two days later gave Le Rouge the 2-1 aggregate win in the home-and-away weekend friendly series.
A realignment within the NPSL Midwest Region introduced four new teams to the Great Lakes West Division: Grand Rapids FC, AFC Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo FC and Dayton Dynamo (formerly Cincinnati Saints).
With their backs against a wall following a defeat at Grand Rapids in June, the Boys in Rouge rattled off five straight matches unbeaten, including a stretch of three consecutive clean sheets at Keyworth.
One of the most impressive performances came late in the season in Ann Arbor, where City rallied to a 3-1 comeback win off goals from Cyrus Saydee (Michigan State) and Tyler Moorman (Detroit Mercy).
Le Rouge finished the season with 16 points and a 4-4-4 record in conference play.
Individual Performances
Individually speaking, DCFC boasted one of the strongest benches in its conference. Here’s a look at some of the players who made standout contributions in 2016:
Tommy Catalano (Oakland) earned the Black Arrow Award as City’s 2016 MVP scoring four goals to tie for the team lead. Having played only 412 minutes, Catalano put the ball in the back of the net more frequently than any of his teammates, once every 103 minutes.
Seb Harris (Oakland) was the anchor at the back all season long. Whether it was winning seemingly every ball lofted into the area, or making crucial tackles as the last defender, Harris was there to do the job. He also had the assist of the year on this ball to Catalano against Dayton. Harris’ efforts did not go unnoticed as he was voted to the NPSL Supporters’ XI Second Team.
Dave Edwardson (Heddon FC) led the team by example. Every time out, it was clear that no one was going to outwork the captain. Fourth on the team in minutes with 728, Edwardson scored once and racked up a team-high five yellow cards. The scrappy Englishman was awarded Honorable Mention in the Supporters’ XI voting.
Cyrus Saydee (Michigan State) showed a knack for making the big play when his team needed it most. His four goals tied him with Catalano for the team-lead. In 10 starts, he gobbled up 851 minutes. Intangibles are what make Saydee such a great player, though. With his ability to possess the ball for long spells, jumpstart an attack with his brilliant buildup play, and consistently convert on chances, it’s hard to imagine what Le Rouge would have looked like without Saydee in the lineup.
Jeff Adkins (Butler) was the most dangerous man on the pitch during the month of June, scoring all three of his goals during a four-game stretch. His ball skills were on constant display while he made driving runs inside from his position on the wing.
Omar Sinclair (Saginaw Valley State) was the other essential part of the central defensive pairing. In 12 appearances and 10 starts, Sinclair played 903 minutes, 52 more minutes than anyone else on the team. His calm demeanor and reliability at the back freed up his teammates, allowing them to take more risks in attack.
Alec Lasinski (Loyola Chicago) surprised with sheer finishing ability. In 10 appearances and only four starts, Lasinski netted three goals in his 355 minutes played. Lasinski will go down in history as the first-ever player to score at Keyworth Stadium.
