In this week’s Grand Circus Player Profile, we get to a know centerback Stephen Carroll. In his first season with City, Carroll has played a tremendous role in shaping the identity of the backline.
Carroll’s first interaction with DCFC was when he played against Le Rouge in a friendly while he was a member of the Muskegon Risers. He said the fan experience, high-level coaching staff and having friends in town were all reasons he decided to join the DCFC.
“It was one of the greatest experiences that I’ve ever seen,” Carroll said. “It’s one of the best coaching staffs I’ve had. They gave me an opportunity to play here. So I decided to come over and play in Detroit… My coach wanted me to play during the summer at the highest level I possibly could.”
Originally from Cork, Ireland, the rookie has played in 12 league matches and has one assist for a total of 1,035 minutes on the pitch – the second most on the team.
When asked about his style of play, Carroll said he is more old-fashioned and likes to serve as a leader of the centerbacks from behind play. He has been an asset in suppressing chances and finding open teammates to carry the ball forward all season.
“I wouldn’t be one of the more skillful centerbacks in the world,” Carroll said. “But I know where I’m supposed to be, how to get everyone in their spots and I read the game pretty well. I would say I’m an old-fashioned centerback – no nonsense really.”
After he joined the team, Carroll knew he had to earn his role going up against veterans and other college-level players. His initial goal was to start the first home game. After doing so, he became a regular on the City backline.
“I was competing against seasoned-veterans” Carroll said. “But I knew if I just stuck at it, they’d give me a chance and see what I can do. I worked as hard as I could to give them every reason to start me in the very first home game. That’s where I wanted to be – in front of the crowd with all these big time D-1 players. I know I can perform well at any level.”
The process of familiarizing himself with so many new teammates and coaches was a welcomed challenge. Carroll said it’s about making sure to always give full effort, even if you make mistakes.
“When I come to new teams, I just give 100 percent,” Carroll said. “Mistakes happen in games. Mistakes happen in training. But as long as they know you’re giving a hundred percent and not backing away from the challenges you’ll find a way. It’s all about showing your heart and making sure they know you’re not gonna let them down when it comes down to it.”
When it came down to creating a successful backline, Carroll said it was important to get to know his teammates on and off the pitch.
“I think the biggest thing is finding common ground,” Carroll said. “We didn’t know each other that well. We have people coming and going. But as soon as the first few games passed, people became familiar with people and became more of a friend group rather than just teammates.”
After the season, Carroll will return to school this fall and play soccer in his second year at Davenport University, a program on the rise in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Carroll started 25 games and scored three goals in 1,747 minutes of play as a freshman at Davenport in 2016, helping the team place second in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference and earning them a trip to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) semifinals.
The men’s soccer program’s recent success earned them a promotion from the NAIA to the NCAA’s second division, where they will compete in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Before he returns, though, Carroll said he wants to help City as best he can during the playoffs. Going into this Friday’s playoff match against Duluth FC, Carroll said the team feels confident and that they have the talent to make a run.
“We wanted to win the division, but unfortunately that didn’t happen,” Carroll said. “The playoff spot was the next best thing. We’re feeling pretty confident. We know we’re a very talented side. We know we have a talented squad to win the whole thing. I think they’re all excited for it.”
Carroll said this is one of the most talented teams in City history, and credits it to the recruitment done by head coach Ben Pirmann and his staff.
“I think what stood out to me the most is the talent that coach Ben brought in,” Carroll said. “There are so many huge players that came in for us from D-1. They’re unbelievable. They know the game so well. His recruitment for the team was brilliant this year.”
No matter how the season ends, Carroll said Detroit is a special place to play, especially with the support he has received from fans.
“Everything is so professional,” Carroll said. “What’s stood out most is the passion the fans have for the club and how big the club is getting. Six or seven thousand fans at a home game and all the fans love you to death. It’s a pretty special place.”
