First 500 fans to receive commemorative Stephen Carroll bronze statue; supporters invited to enter lookalike contest ahead of matchday
Detroit City FC (DCFC) will celebrate its supporters and honor one of the most important players in club history when Le Rouge hosts Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, October 10, at Keyworth Stadium.
The evening will pay tribute to legendary centerback and captain Stephen Carroll, who retired from professional soccer following the 2025 season and joined the front office that same year. Carroll will return to the Keyworth spotlight for a special on-field recognition, including another opportunity to address the supporters who stood behind him throughout his near decade in Rouge and Gold.
The first 500 fans through the gates will receive a commemorative Stephen Carroll bronze statue, celebrating a player whose leadership, durability, and commitment helped define Detroit City FC’s ascent through the American soccer pyramid.
Fans are encouraged to arrive at the match in their best Stephen Carroll-inspired look for the club’s “Stephen Carroll Lookalike Contest”. The contest will begin on the club’s social-media channels ahead of the match, with additional competition elements carrying the celebration onto matchday at Keyworth. Supporters of all ages can take part, with the winner announced during the match. More details will be released on the club’s socials.
Carroll will also be recognized on the pitch and will address the Rouge and Gold faithful directly.
“Saturday nights at Keyworth will always be among the best memories of my life,” Carroll said. “The supporters have been the heartbeat of this club, and they made every home game feel like something bigger than all of us. October 10 will be a special chance to celebrate all of that together – and I can’t wait to see how many Steves are out there in the crowd.”
Carroll, a native of Cork, Ireland, retired as Detroit City FC’s all-time leader in competitive appearances with 225. He is the first and only player in club history to make more than 200 appearances for Le Rouge, having featured in 69% of the club’s matches at the time of his retirement.
After making his first appearance for Detroit City FC on May 12, 2017, Carroll helped establish a trophy-filled era for the club. He was named captain in 2019 and led Le Rouge to the Great Lakes Division title and NPSL Members Cup that year, before helping guide the club through the NISA era and its 2021 league championship. He also captained Detroit City FC to the postseason in each of the club’s first four USL Championship seasons.
Known across the Detroit soccer community as a relentless competitor and respected leader, Carroll recorded 15 goals and seven assists across his Detroit City FC career. His six USL Championship goals rank among the most productive totals by a defender in club history, while his impact extended far beyond the scoresheet through years of leadership in the locker room and the captain’s armband.
The October 10 celebration provides the Keyworth faithful with a chance to recognize Carroll’s extraordinary contribution to the club and celebrate the supporters whose passion, noise, and belief fueled the journey every step of the way. As per DCFC tradition, the night will also feature the announcement of the 2026 Black Arrow MVP winner and the induction of the latest City Centurion, Ben Morris.
Additional details regarding Fan Appreciation Night, the Stephen Carroll Lookalike Contest, and match tickets will be shared through Detroit City FC’s official channels.
For more information about Detroit City FC, visit detcityfc.com and follow @DetroitCityFC on X, Facebook, and @detroitcityfootballclub on Instagram.
Please send all media inquiries to media@detcityfc.com.
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