News
Matt Lewis on loan to El Paso of the USL Championship until August 1
After completing paperwork today, Detroit City FC defender Matt Lewis has been loaned to El Paso Locomotive FC of the USL Championship. The loan extends through the remainder of the 2021 season, but by mutual agreement between both clubs, Lewis is slated to return to DCFC on Sunday. August 1, ahead of the NISA Fall Season.
So far in 2021, Lewis has played in 13 matches for Le Rouge while scoring three goals. He was an important part of City’s back line and helped lead the NISA Championship winning defense to the 20’ – 21’ league title in July.
This move marks the first loan in club history for DCFC.
Detroit City FC Men Enjoy a Small Break /Mens U23 Side Wins Eastern Division Title / Womens Second Team Wins in Home Finale
WOMEN’S FIRST TEAM (UWS)
The season for the Detroit City FC Women’s First Team wrapped up on July 10 when they defeated Lansing United 3-0 at Keyworth Stadium. Le Rouge controlled all 90’ minutes to end the season on a high note. In their first season in the UWS, Detroit City FC finished third place, earning 18 points from 10 games.
The winner of the MVP award for the Detroit City FC Women’s Team was Madison Duncan, she started 8 matches for Le Rouge in their UWS campaign.
You can find the final table for the UWS at the link here.
MEN’S FIRST TEAM (NISA)
DETROIT CITY FC MEN ENJOY A SMALL BREAK: Detroit City FC’s Men’s First Team have a little while off while they tune up for the fall season. After defeating FC Buffalo in their first match of the NISA Independent Cup, they next take the field on Wednesday, July 28 at Keyworth Stadium where they host Livonia City FC in the NISA Independent Cup.
Tickets for the match on July 28 can be found here.
MEN’S U23 TEAM
U23 SIDE WINS EASTERN DIVISION TITLE: For a match that was being touted as a ‘league decider’ the action on the field when Lansing Common came to Keyworth Stadium to take on the Detroit City FC U23 side certainly did not disappoint. It was a hot and humid day in Hamtramck, MI when these sides kicked off on Sunday and both teams knew that a result for Detroit City FC would make them champions of the Eastern Division of the Midwest Premier League.
Detroit City FC’s only dropped points in the MWPL this season came against Lansing Common when they lost 3-0 on July 4 in Lansing so they knew the challenge they had at hand. Le Rouge would open the scoring in the 36th minute when #8 Brady Walker played a beautiful ball into the path of #9 Zion Beaton who was unmarked in the Lansing Common box and headed home. This lead would not last long, though, as Lansing would equalize minutes later from a corner. Lansing would actually go on to take the lead early in the second half but Detroit City FC wasn’t done scoring yet. Two quickfire goals from #9 Zion Beaton and #13 Keith Larson would put Le Rouge up 3-2 and they would see out that lead until the final whistle, winning the Eastern Division of the Midwest Premier League.
It’s the first trophy in the first year for the Detroit City FC U23 side and they clinched it with one more game to play, away to BIH Grand Rapids on Wednesday, July 21.
You can find the Midwest Premier League standings here.
WOMEN’S SECOND TEAM
WOMENS RESERVE TEAM WINS IN HOME FINALE: After a strong showing at home all season for the Detroit City FC UWS 2 side, they were looking to end their home campaign on a high note when Livonia City FC came to town.
Livonia City FC came into Keyworth Stadium sitting in 10th place in the UWS 2 table and Detroit City FC was looking to take advantage of that. The scoring for Detroit City FC would start in the 19th minute when #6 Bri Rogers got on the end of a scramble in the box and took a shot from distance which found its way into the back of the net. Then, two Le Rouge goals in 4 minutes from Katie Coleman and Tori Singstock made it 3-0. Then, to finish off the scoring, a beautiful turn inside of the box from Caroline Fleming fooled every Livonia City FC defender in the area and she slotted home a shot to make it 4-0.
Detroit City FC’s UWS 2 side has one more match to finish out the season where they will travel to Wixom, MI to take on North Oakland FC.
You can find the UWS League 2 table headed into the last match here.
OTHER NEWS OF NOTE
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DETROIT CITY FC, HAMTRAMCK CITY FC TO HOST BENEFIT MATCH FOR YEMEN: On July 31, the championship DCFC men’s pro team will face recent Yemeni American Community Soccer Cup champions, Hamtramck City FC, at Keyworth! Admission includes a donation to the United Humanitarian Foundation to support efforts in Yemen to create opportunities for youth sports.
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MADISON DUNCAN NAMED 2021 WOMEN’S MVP: Madison Duncan was chosen by fans and coaching staff to receive the 2021 Women’s MVP award. She started in 8 of 9 matches for the women’s first team this season. Before joining Detroit City FC, she played professionally for 1. FC SLOVÁCKO of the Czech First League.
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DCFC COLLECTING NEW AND USED SOCCER EQUIPMENT FOR DETROIT PAL: At the July 28 match against Livonia City FC, Detroit City FC will be collecting new and gently used soccer equipment to donate to Detroit PAL.
Detroit City FC Men Victorious in 2021 NISA Independent Cup Debut
Detroit City FC Men Enjoy a Small Break / Detroit City FC Women Win Season Finale / Both Reserve Sides Win at the Weekend
MEN’S FIRST TEAM (NISA)
DETROIT CITY FC MEN ENJOY A SMALL BREAK: On Saturday, July 3 the Detroit City FC Men’s first team made history by winning the 2021 NISA Championship in front of a packed Keyworth Stadium. The Men’s First team has some time off now after their victory before getting ready for the NISA Fall Season by way of the NISA Independent Cup where they will be looking to win their division for the second straight year.
Their first match in the 2021 NISA Independent cup is on Wednesday, July 14 at 7PM where they host FC Buffalo at Keyworth Stadium, tickets for that match can be found here.
WOMEN’S FIRST TEAM (UWS)
DETROIT CITY FC WOMEN WIN SEASON FINALE: The Detroit City FC Women’s First Team wrapped up their inaugural season in the UWS on Saturday night at Keyworth Stadium when they defeated the visitors Lansing United 3-0.
Before the match it was announced that the first ever captain of the Detroit City FC Women’s side, Sarah Huge would be playing her last match and was presented with her own kit in a small ceremony in the midfield before kickoff. It wasn’t long before she would make an impact, scoring the opening goal of the evening in the 26th minute when she got on the end of a beautiful ball into the box by #24 Kenna White to break the deadlock and put Le Rouge up 1-0.
Detroit City FC would continue to pile on the pressure, finding a second goal right before the half as Melanie Forbes was found through the middle by Mami Yamaguchi and tucked home a shot to double the Detroit City FC lead before the half. The scoring would spill over into the final 45’ with Kenna White scoring herself this time with a beautiful finish after cutting inside from the wing.
It was a truly historic year for Women’s soccer in the city of Detroit and a great start that can be built on as the years go by.
See the final UWS standings here: https://uwssoccer.com/standings/
MEN’S U23 TEAM
U23 LOSES THEIR FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON: After a very difficult match last Sunday, July 4 on the road to Lansing Common, the Detroit City FC U23 side was eager to bounce back at home yesterday when they welcomed BIH Grand Rapids into town for a big encounter in the Midwest Premier League. The loss to Lansing was the first time they had dropped points all season and Head Coach Javi Bautista was looking for a response from his side.
Detroit City FC controlled the first half, not carving out too many chances but definitely had control over the flow of the match which was played in a constant misty-type rain which had an impact on the playing surface and how the ball moved across the pitch. This control would pay off in the 25th minute when #13 Keith Larson did an incredible job receiving the ball just past midfield and running past two Grand Rapids players before having a shot from distance which found its way into the back of the net.
That was the only goal of the game from either side as Detroit City FC’s backline did well to keep Grand Rapids at bay and see the game out to secure the three points.
The Detroit City FC U23 side is next in action on Wednesday, July 14 when they travel to Mt. Clements to take on Lake St. Clair FC. Their next home match is on Sunday, July 18 where they will look to get revenge on Lansing Common FC, tickets for that match can be found here.
WOMEN’S SECOND TEAM
WOMENS RESERVE TEAM FINALLY BACK ON THE PITCH: It was a very hot and humid afternoon match for the Detroit City FC Women’s Reserve side as they welcomed the Grand Haven Admirals to Keyworth Stadium on Saturday, July 10. George Easter and his side were certainly delighted to see clear skies over the pitch after their last match, away to Thundercats Soccer was postponed due to a storm in the first minute.
The match was relatively even in the first half but it wouldn’t stay 0-0 for long after the break as only 40 seconds into the second half, Lillian Lucas played a brilliant ball through to the feet of Isabella Sabo who calmly slotted home a strike under the Admirals goalkeeper. Le Rouge would hold onto this lead and grow into this one even more and that came to a point in the 72nd minute when Lillian Lucas got on the end of a freekick from Kimberly Siebert and after some confusion in the box, threw her foot at a loose ball which was enough to give Detroit City FC their 2-0 lead which would be the final score at the end of 90’.
The Women’s Reserve side is back in action on Thursday, July 15 when they welcome Livonia City FC to Keyworth Stadium, tickets for that match can be found here.
OTHER NEWS OF NOTE
In light of the latest guidance from the CDC and state and local health officials, Keyworth Stadium has returned to full capacity.
Please review the CDC’s full guidelines here as of May 13, 2021: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html#anchor_1619526673330
Detroit City FC to Host Benefit Match for Yemen Against Hamtramck City FC
HAMTRAMCK, MI – Detroit City Football Club will face local soccer stars from the metro Detroit Yemeni community when it faces off against Hamtramck City FC in a Benefit Match for Yemen on July 31 at 7:30 p.m. at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Michigan.
Tickets to the match will be $10 and available at tickets.https://www.detcityfc.com. Admission includes a donation to the United Humanitarian Foundation to support efforts in Yemen, in particular opportunities for youth sports. This match is part of Detroit City FC’s continued commitment to supporting communities in and around Detroit.
“The Yemeni community is a growing and influential part of our diverse region, as well as having a strong soccer loving heritage,” said Sean Mann, Detroit City FC CEO. “The beautiful game, at its best, brings together people from across the world and this game is an opportunity to aid an international community with strong ties here in Detroit, which is being ravaged by civil war.”
Hamtramck City FC play in the UPSL and recently won the Yemeni American Community Soccer Cup.
“This game is a great bridge between DCFC and Hamtramck City FC and the community in Hamtramck,” said Rasheed Alnozili, Publisher of Yemeni American News and one of the founders of Hamtramck City FC. “It means a lot to the community and it is important to support back home to fund the Yemeni youth sports. We hope we will bring happiness through soccer.”
The match will feature Yemeni music as well as a special half-time dance.
DCFC is partnering with Wayne County Healthy Communities, and anyone that receives a COVID vaccine prior to the match on Saturday, July 31st, will receive a ticket to the match. The Wayne County Healthy Communities facility is located blocks from Keyworth Stadium at 9021 Jos. Campau, Hamtramck, MI, and will have special hours from 4-6pm on matchday to administer vaccines.
The match will be a chance for DCFC, the 2021-2022 NISA Champions, to prepare for their NISA fall professional season, with the home opener being played against the newly-formed Chicago House on Saturday, August 7.
ABOUT DETROIT CITY FC
Founded in 2012, Detroit City FC has established itself as one of the most talked about soccer teams in North America. The club’s motto, “Passion for Our City, Passion for the Game,” evokes the three ideas the grassroots organization was built upon: to satisfy the demand for soccer in downtown Detroit, represent the city in a positive light, and build community through the beautiful game. Learn more at https://www.detcityfc.com.
Women's First Team Closes Season with a Win
Women's Second Team Downs Grand Haven 2-0
HAMTRAMCK, MI (July 10, 2021) – The Detroit City FC UWSL 2 team resumed their season after an 18-day break with a 2-0 win against the Grand Haven Admirals.
After an 18-day pause in play due to a weather postponement, the DCFC 2 team opened the game with their usual high press and fast play. However, after such a long break, the team looked rusty with their passes lacking accuracy and precision.
As the first half continued, Detroit City began to get more and more comfortable. Their passes began to find open teammates and this would ultimately lead to #47 Leah Courtney to find two great opportunities at goal; however, both attempts would be saved.
The first half for both the Le Rouge and Admirals was played in the midfield. The ball was battled for and won in the midfield with both teams only coming up with three opportunities each in an evenly played half.
As the second half began, City found themselves in a great position off from the kick-off as an Admiral failed clearance found #17 Lilian Lucas. Lucas would take a touch a find a cutting #50 Isabella Sabo who would bury the shot under the goalkeeper’s legs and put the Le Rouge up.
Sabo’s goal changed the whole feel of the game for Detroit City. The Le Rouge played more with a chip on their shoulder as the high press was played with more aggression and intensity.
This newfound intensity allowed #3, Brooke Honeycutt, to make a run down the left side of the pitch and let a cross fly where #26 Madison Salzenstein where she would just tap the ball to the bottom left corner, but the Admiral goalkeeper would make an incredible diving save to keep the ball out of the net.
After a foul committed by the Admirals in a dangerous position, DCFC would capitalize on the opportunity as #17 Lilian Lucas would come up with the ball from a scramble and put the ball in the back of the net.
DCFC would play almost the entirety of the second half in the Admirals half as their pressure would keep Grand Haven on the back foot. With strong play in the midfield and in the back, City stepped up their play from the first half with a dominant second half filled with a high possession rate and two goals.
With the opening goal and strong play in the midfield by controlling the tempo of the game, #50 Isabella Sabo was awarded the Google Fi Woman of the Match for her effort.
The Detroit City UWSL 2 team continues their campaign on July 15 at Keyworth Stadium at 6:30 p.m. as they host North Oakland FC.
Detroit City FC Men Make History at Keyworth Stadium / Detroit City FC Women Lose an Important Match / Mens U23 Suffer First Loss of the Season
MEN’S FIRST TEAM (NISA)
DETROIT CITY FC MEN MAKE HISTORY AT KEYWORTH STADIUM: In front of an electric crowd of over 7,000 at Keyworth Stadium, Detroit City FC were crowned champions of the National Independent Soccer Association, the clubs first professional championship and earning the clubs first star over the crest.
It was a fairly tense match on Saturday, July 3 at Keyworth Stadium and both sides struggled to carve out any proper chances and this is proven by the fact that the only goal in this match, the winning goal for Le Rouge, was an own goal by the LA Force in the 62nd minute. Detroit City FC’s backline held strong throughout the entire match, coming up big every time questions were asked of them.
It truly was a night to remember for the players, coaching staff, front office and every single person in attendance that will not be forgotten anytime soon. The Detroit City FC Men’s first team now turns its focus to the NISA Independent cup as they gear up for the NISA Fall Season which begins on Saturday, August 7 when they host NISA newcomers, Chicago House AC at Keyworth Stadium, tickets can be found here.
See the NISA schedule here.
WOMEN’S FIRST TEAM (UWS)
Detroit City FC WOMEN LOSE IMPORTANT MATCH: The Detroit City FC Women’s First Team travelled out to the west side of the state to take on league leaders Midwest United on Friday, July 2. It was always going to be a tough match and very similar to the reverse fixture at Keyworth Stadium where Le Rouge lost 3-2 to Midwest United, failing to complete the late comeback.
A comeback would be needed once again for Detroit City FC, finding themselves down 2-0 early in the second half and in the 77th minute, a comeback was sparked as Grace Philpotts slotted home a strike past the Midwest United goalkeeper but that would be the end of the scoring for Detroit City FC, losing this one 2-1.
This loss has dire consequences for Le Rouge’s playoff hopes as they no longer control their own destiny and only have one match left in their inaugural season in the UWS.
The next home match is on Saturday, July 10 against Lansing United, tickets can be found here.
See the UWS standings here: https://uwssoccer.com/standings/
MEN’S U23 TEAM
U23 LOSES THEIR FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON: On an incredibly hot day in Lansing, MI the Detroit City FC Men’s U23 side lost their first match of the season, dropping this one 3-0 on the road against Lansing Common FC. The first half was relatively even and the Detroit City FC U23 backline was looking strong but two quick, impressive goals from Lansing Common FC saw the hosts 2-0 up at halftime. Lansing Common would then add a third in the second half, handing the first ever loss to the Detroit City FC U23 side.
The U23 side are back in action on Sunday, July 11 where they host BIH Grand Rapids at Keyworth Stadium, tickets for that match can be purchased here.
WOMEN’S SECOND TEAM
WOMENS RESERVE TEAM BACK IN ACTION AFTER SOME TIME OFF: This evening, July 6, the Detroit City FC UWS 2 side takes the field after having two weeks off as they travel out to Anchor Bay, MI to take on the Thundercats Soccer in what’s sure to be a thrilling encounter.
The Detroit City FC UWS 2 match is next at home on Saturday, July 10 in the first match of a doubleheader at Keyworth Stadium, tickets can be purchased here.
See the UWS 2 standings here: https://uwssoccer.com/league-2-standings/
OTHER NEWS OF NOTE
In light of the latest guidance from the CDC and state and local health officials, Keyworth Stadium has returned to full capacity.
Please review the CDC’s full guidelines here as of May 13, 2021: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html#anchor_1619526673330
Detroit City FC Men's Pro Team are your NISA League Champions
HAMTRAMCK, MI (July 3, 2021) – Historic Keyworth Stadium was the venue for NISA’s 2021 Championship match between Detroit City FC and LA Force. The Force earned a spot in the Championship game after defeating Chattanooga FC in the semi-finals earlier in the week 3-2. Detroit City FC finished their Spring season with an undefeated record of 6(W)-2(D)-0(L) while the LA Force finished runners up with their record of 6-0-2.
Under the lights the referee blew his whistle for kickoff and the fight for a trophy was on. Things started quickly for both sides in this match with some end to end action. LA took the first chance of the game, but #1 Nate Steinwascher was able to send it away for a corner kick, which he was also able to successfully punch out of the box. After that #21 Maxi Rodriguez showed off his skill with a shot off the outside of his foot that fizzed just over the goalpost.
Throughout the rest of the first half, City would see a few more chances come through the work of their attacking playmakers. #10 Cyrus Saydee played a ball for #11 Connor Rutz whose shot was grabbed before it could roll over the line. And later on #19 Pato Botello Faz would earn a few shots, however none of them converted, sending the match into halftime scoreless.
Both goalkeepers would be called into action early in the second half. First, LA Force unleashed a shot from distance that Steinwascher kept from entering the top corner of the goal with an outstretched dive. On the other end, Saydee struck the ball on a volley but the diving Force keeper was able to keep it from finding the bottom corner.
Before long, Le Rouge grew into the match and their passing was quick and crisp enough to cause relentless problems for the Force. Eventually, some confusion led to a ball bouncing high and over the LA defender as well as the keeper who half-heartedly came out to attack it. No bodies were left for LA to stop the ball from bouncing into the goal for the first goal of the match.
With the momentum on their side, and substitutes with fresh legs Le Rouge put their foot on the gas. In the second half, City sent on #14 Javi Steinwascher, #3 Javan Torre, #23 Darwin Espinal, and #20 Yazeed Matthews all caused fits for LA who couldn’t keep up with the speed of the game.
And after 90 hard fought minutes, City’s pressure and impressive defense were enough to keep the LA Force off the scoreboard, and the match finished 1-0 as Detroit City FC as the NISA Champions.
Match: Detroit City FC vs. LA Force
Date: July 3, 2021
Competition: NISA
Venue: Keyworth Stadium – Hamtramck, MI
Kickoff: 7:30 pm ET
Weather: 82 degrees, partly cloudy
Attendance: 7,241
Lineup: 1-Nate Steinwascher, 2-Jimmy Filerman (‘65), 4-Anthony Manning, 5-Stephen Carroll (Capt.), 10-Cyrus Saydee, 11-Connor Rutz (‘77), 15-Matt Lewis, 21-Maxi Rodriguez, 22-Kevin Venegas, 19-Pato Botello (‘84), Faz, 99-George Chomakov (‘77)
Subs: 3-Javan Torre (‘77), 6-Max Todd, 7-Roddy Green, 13-Armando Quezada, 14-Javi Steinwascher (‘65), 20-Yazeed Matthews (‘84), 23-Darwin Espinal (‘77)
