Detroit City FC

Detroit City FC was started by a group of five Detroit residents who wanted a club of their own that would promote the city and help build community through soccer.{{Cite web |url=http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2012/01/26/pitch-invasion-podcast-extra-interview-with-sean-mann-of-detroit-city-fc/ |title=Pitch Invasion Podcast Extra – Interview with Sean Mann of Detroit City FC |access-date=March 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402234253/http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2012/01/26/pitch-invasion-podcast-extra-interview-with-sean-mann-of-detroit-city-fc/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=dead }} In their first season in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), Detroit City FC finished second in the five team Great Lakes Conference of the Midwest Region. Le Rouge went on to lose 2–1 to AFC Cleveland in the Great Lakes Conference Semi-finals, ending their season with a 5–2–5 record. In December 2012, it was announced that head coach Kylie Stannard and associate coach Cale Wassermann would not be returning for a second season with the team due to other obligations. The following month, Ben Pirmann took over as head coach and Adil Salmoni was hired as associate head coach.

In 2013, Detroit City finished first in the Great Lakes Conference of the Midwest Region and was ranked No. 1 in the NPSL following an undefeated regular season and a Rust Belt Derby Championship. After beating rival AFC Cleveland for the third time that season in the semi-finals 3–1, DCFC lost to the Erie Admirals, ending the season with a 12–1–1 record.{{Cite web|title = NPSL soccer: Detroit City FC's first loss ends their season, falling 4–1 to Erie Admirals in playoffs|url = http://www.mlive.com/soccer/index.ssf/2013/07/npsl_soccer_detroit_city_fc_falls_4-1_to_erie_admirals_sc_in_npsl_great_lakes_division_championship.html|website = MLive|date = July 15, 2013|access-date = March 16, 2016}}

The club went 8–3–3 in all competitions in 2014 and finished in second place in a newly aligned Great Lakes West Conference of the Midwest Region of the NPSL. Detroit City FC made its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup debut on May 7, losing to RWB Adria in penalty kicks after a 2–2 draw. In the NPSL regular season, the club claimed the Rust Belt Derby trophy for its second-straight year. Additionally, the team extended its home winning streak to 15 games, with its last home loss being in July 2013. In attendance, the club reached its Cass Tech record of 3,884 supporters for its 3–1 win against the Michigan Stars on July 11, 2015.{{Cite web|title=WEEKEND REPORT: DCFC FINISH REGULAR SEASON WITH SHUTOUT WIN |url=http://home.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/535792?referrer_id=1533686-news |website=Detroit City FC homepage |access-date=March 16, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321072212/http://home.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/535792?referrer_id=1533686-news |archive-date=March 21, 2016}}

File:Keyworth renovations 3.jpg

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The 2016 pre-season began with the Keyworth investment drive, which raised $741,250{{Cite web|title = DETROIT CITY FC RAISES $741,250 THROUGH COMMUNITY INVESTMENT CAMPAIGN|url = http://home.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/612553|website = Detroit City FC homepage|access-date = February 16, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160320164246/http://home.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/612553|archive-date = March 20, 2016|url-status = dead}} for restorations and renovations on Keyworth Stadium. On March 10, Detroit City began roster announcements confirming the return of the 2015 Black Arrow MVP Dave Edwardson.{{Cite web|title = Welcome back, Dave Edwardson!|url = https://twitter.com/DetroitCityFC/status/707945519046242304|website = Detroit City FC Twitter|access-date = March 16, 2016}} Detroit City played its first home game in Keyworth on May 20, 2016, drawing 1–1 against AFC Ann Arbor in front of a then-record 7,410 supporters. Detroit City saw success in the US Open Cup beating the Michigan Bucks on penalties{{cite web|title = Detroit City FC beats Bucks in U.S. Open Cup opener|url = http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2016/05/12/detroit-city-fc-beats-bucks-us-open-cup-opener/84268092/|website = The Detroit News|access-date = August 3, 2016}} before falling to Louisville City FC, a professional team and part of the then third division USL, also on penalties.{{cite web|title = Louisville City FC beats Detroit City on PKs|url = http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/soccer/louisville-city-fc/2016/05/18/loucity-beats-detroit-city-pks-2-1/84572924/|website = Courier-Journal|access-date = August 3, 2016}} The 2016 NPSL regular season proved less successful, with the team failing to make it to the play-offs and finishing with a 4–4–4 record. In August 2016, Detroit City confirmed Ben Pirmann would return for a fifth season with the club.{{cite web|title = Q&A: Detroit City FC coach expects to return next season|url = http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2016/08/02/detroit-city-fc-dcfc/87952820/|website = Detroit Free Press|access-date = August 3, 2016}}

After the launch of the 2017 season tickets, the club announced from Belfast that they would face off against Glentoran F.C. in May to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Detroit Cougars.{{cite web|title = Detroit City FC to host Glentoran FC for Detroit Cougars Tribute Match on May 27|url = http://www.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/726660?referrer_id=1533258|website = Detroit City FC homepage|date = November 26, 2016|access-date = November 27, 2016|archive-date = November 27, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161127221624/http://www.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/726660?referrer_id=1533258|url-status = dead}} Glentoran FC played in the United Soccer Association as the Detroit Cougars in the 1967 season when they went 3–6–3.{{cite web|title = 1967–1968 Detroit Cougars|url = http://www.funwhileitlasted.net/tag/detroit-cougars|website = Fun While it Lasted| date=August 21, 2014 |access-date = November 27, 2016}} Detroit City also had an international friendly against Venezia FC that they won 2–0. Despite starting the 2017 NPSL campaign with two points from three games, Detroit City went on a nine-game winning streak to finish second over-all in the Great Lakes Conference. The post-season included three wins, including a 3–2 win over first place Ann Arbor to win the Midwest Championship.{{cite web|last1=Folson|first1=Brandon|title=Weary Tyrone Mondi's late goal sends Detroit City FC to NPSL semifinals|url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2017/07/30/detroit-city-fc-afc-ann-arbor-npsl-national-semifinal/523326001/|website=Detroit Free Press|access-date=November 22, 2017}} Detroit ended its season in the NPSL national semi-finals with a loss on penalties against Midland-Odessa FC, from Texas, in front of a record crowd of 7,533.{{cite web|last1=Folsom|first1=Brandon|title=Detroit City FC's season ends on PK's in semifinal loss to Midland-Odessa F|url=http://www.freep.com/story/sports/2017/08/06/detroit-city-fcs-season-ends-pks-loss-midland-odessa-fc/543247001/|website=Detroit Free Press|access-date=November 22, 2017}}

File:Detroit City FC Historic League Performance.png

Early in 2018, original founder Ben Steffans left the ownership group and was replaced by Mike Lasinski as a full partner,{{cite web|last1=Nagl|first1=Kurt|title=Detroit City FC co-founder leaves ownership group, new partner added|url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20180130/news/651526/detroit-city-fc-co-founder-leaves-ownership-group-new-partner-added|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=January 30, 2018|publisher=Crain Communication|access-date=January 31, 2018}} and Joe Richert, a minor partner who was not outwardly announced or involved with running the club.{{cite web |last1=Shea |first1=Bill |title=Iggy Pop is leading a small Detroit pro soccer club's ownership sale campaign |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1963172/2020/07/30/iggy-pop-is-leading-a-small-detroit-pro-soccer-clubs-ownership-sale-campaign/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=August 8, 2020}} Following the conclusion of the 2018 season, the club opened the Detroit City Fieldhouse in Detroit, Michigan.{{cite web |last1=Runyan |first1=Robin |title=Detroit City Fieldhouse opens after renovations |url=https://detroit.curbed.com/2018/10/22/18009592/detroit-city-fieldhouse-opens-renovations-soccer |website=Curbed Detroit |date=October 22, 2018 |access-date=January 28, 2020}} The Fieldhouse includes a "clubhouse" bar, two indoor soccer fields, and the club's front office and training facilities. It was also announced that head coach Ben Pirmann was stepping down to join Memphis 901 FC as an assistant coach.{{cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=Larry |title=Former DCFC coach Ben Pirmann lands assistant job with USL Memphis team |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2018/12/13/ben-pirmann-takes-assistant-coach-job-united-soccer-league-memphis/2303086002/ |website=The Detroit News |access-date=January 28, 2020}} His successor, Trevor James, a former Ipswich Town F.C. player who later was an assistant coach and scout under Bobby Robson, was announced January 4, 2019.{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Max |title=Detroit City FC names Trevor James as new head coach |url=https://www.wxyz.com/sports/detroit-city-fc-names-trevor-james-as-new-head-coach |website=WXYZ Detroit |date=January 4, 2019 |access-date=January 28, 2020}}

Detroit City finished first in the Midwest-Great Lakes conference for the 2019 season, but was knocked out in the region finals by Cleveland SC on penalties.{{cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=Larry |title='Disappointing way to lose': DCFC falls to Cleveland SC on penalty kicks |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/07/21/detroit-city-fc-cleveland-sc-extra-time-npsl-midwest-region-title/1789947001/ |website=The Detroit News |access-date=January 28, 2020}} In the NPSL Members Cup, Detroit City came in first with an overall record of 8–1–1.{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Max |title=Detroit City FC wins inaugural NPSL Members Cup |url=https://www.wxyz.com/sports/detroit-city-fc-wins-inaugural-npsl-members-cup |website=WXYZ Detroit |date=October 17, 2019 |access-date=January 28, 2020}}

On August 15, 2019, the National Independent Soccer Association announced that Detroit City FC would join the NISA for the 2020 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nisasoccer.com/news/2019/08/15/nisa-announces-chattanooga-fc-detroit-city-fc--oakland-roots-sc|title=NISA Announces Chattanooga FC, Detroit City FC & Oakland Roots SC|website=NISA|access-date=August 15, 2019}} On September 28, 2019, Detroit City FC announced that they would be adding a women's side in 2020, participating in United Women's Soccer (UWS).{{cite web |last1=Alter |first1=Marlowe |title=Detroit City FC adds women's soccer team for 2020 season |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/2019/09/28/detroit-city-fc-soccer-womens-team/3779895002/ |website=Detroit Free Press |access-date=September 29, 2019}}

The 2020 seasons were complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The NISA 2019–20 Spring season was canceled after Detroit City had only played a single match and the 2020 UWS season was canceled in the months before kickoff. On June 19, 2020, Detroit City announced that they would host a UWS Stadium Showcase at the end of July.{{cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=Larry |title=Detroit City FC women to host four-team Stadium Showcase July 24–26 |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2020/06/19/detroit-city-fc-women-host-four-team-stadium-showcase-july-24-26/3222571001/ |website=The Detroit News |access-date=July 1, 2020}} In the showcase, the Detroit City women would compete against Lansing United, Midwest United, and Livonia FC. Detroit won their first-ever home match 2–1 against Lansing,{{cite web |last1=Crawford |first1=Kirkland |title=Detroit City FC women earn first-ever win, 2–1, over Lansing United |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/2020/07/24/detroit-city-fc-women-first-ever-win-lansing-united/5508268002/ |website=Detroit Free Press |access-date=July 28, 2020}} but lost to Midwest United 1–3 in the final.{{cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=Larry |title=Midwest United sweeps past Detroit City FC women to win UWS Keyworth Showcase |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2020/07/26/midwest-united-sweeps-past-dcfc-women-win-uws-keyworth-showcase/5516204002/ |website=The Detroit News |access-date=July 28, 2020}} NISA announced on July 1, 2020, of an Independent Cup involving 15 teams in 4 regions.{{cite web |title=Detroit City FC to host two matches in NISA Independent Cup |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2020/07/01/detroit-city-fc-host-two-matches-in-nisa-independent-cup/5356700002/ |website=The Detroit News |access-date=July 1, 2020}} Detroit City FC would compete in the Great Lakes Division with former NPSL rivals FC Buffalo and Cleveland SC.

On July 30, 2020, the front office announced the sale of non-share "units" to fans and the public at large,{{cite web |last1=Niyo |first1=John |title=Detroit City FC offers piece of ownership to its supporters |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2020/07/30/niyo-detroit-city-fc-offers-piece-ownership-its-supporters/5545513002/ |website=The Detroit News |access-date=July 30, 2020}} allowing fan investment in the club, while the newly created Board of Managers would remain in control of decisions through Class A Membership. Originally announced to run through November 20, more than 2,000 supporters pledged over $1,000,000 in five days, putting the club at the limit for investment.{{cite web |last1=Clarke |first1=Kayla |title=Detroit City FC supporters can become partial owners, have invested more than $1 million so far |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/local/2020/08/05/detroit-city-fc-supporters-can-become-partial-owners-have-invested-more-than-1-million-so-far/ |website=ClickOnDetroit |date=August 5, 2020 |access-date=August 8, 2020}}

File:Detroit City FC v. San Antonio FC 2023 01 (kick-off).jpg at Keyworth Stadium in 2023]]

On November 13, 2021, it was announced that Detroit City would join the USL Championship for the 2022 season, becoming the third NISA team to join the league after Miami FC and Oakland Roots SC.[https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1193403 Detroit City to join USL Championship for 2022 season] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121020528/https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1193403 |date=January 21, 2022 }} | USL Championship

On May 16, 2024, the club announced plans to build a new soccer-specific stadium at the location of the abandoned Southwest Detroit Hospital near Corktown and Mexicantown. Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2025, and the club is hopeful that the stadium will be completed in time for the opening of the 2027 season.{{cite web|last1=Kelly|first1=Dane|last2=Williams|first2=Victor|title=Detroit City FC acquires abandoned Southwest Detroit Hospital for new stadium project|url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2024/05/16/detroit-city-fc-acquires-abandoned-southwest-detroit-hospital-for-new-stadium-project/|website=Click on Detroit|date=May 16, 2024|access-date=May 16, 2024}}{{cite news | title=Detroit City FC plans to break ground on new Corktown stadium in the spring | date=September 20, 2024 | url=https://www.wxyz.com/sports/detroit-city-fc-plans-to-break-ground-on-new-corktown-stadium-in-the-spring | work=wxyz.com }}

Since its beginning in 2012, Detroit City FC has been dedicated to supporting the city of Detroit and building community through its own partnerships and philanthropic missions, as noted in the club's motto, "Passion for our city. Passion for the game."{{Cite web|url=http://www.detcityfc.com/page/show/1533258-home|title=Home|website=Detroit City FC|language=en-us|access-date=December 3, 2019|archive-date=January 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117022640/https://www.detcityfc.com/page/show/1533258-home|url-status=dead}}

The club operates the Detroit City Futbol League, a recreational, community-driven adult soccer league in the summer.{{Cite web|url=http://www.detcityfc.com/page/show/1570968-detroit-city-futbol-league|title=DCFL|website=Detroit City FC|language=en-us|access-date=December 3, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In 2014, the team announced its first fall recreational adult league, Soktoberfest.{{Cite web |url=http://www.detcityfc.com/news/detroit-city-fc-introduces-first-adult-recreational-soccer-league-soktoberfest/ |title=GET YOUR KICKS WITH DETROIT CITY FC AT SOKTOBERFEST | Detroit City Football Club |access-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113213248/http://www.detcityfc.com/news/detroit-city-fc-introduces-first-adult-recreational-soccer-league-soktoberfest/ |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |url-status=dead }} Detroit City FC also works with Think Detroit PAL to operate free youth soccer clinics and provide free admission to Detroit PAL participants.

File:Detroit City FC supporters stands.JPG

Each season, one regular-season home game is dedicated as a fundraiser for a Detroit-area charity. On May 26, 2013, the club's match against Zanesville Athletic benefited the Wounded Warrior Project and Hooligans for Heroes, a nonprofit started by members of the Northern Guard Supporters. On June 6, 2014, the club became the first American sports team to wear a uniform in support of LGBTQ inclusion in a regulation match. Le Rouge dedicated the June 6 match versus Erie Admirals S.C. to inclusivity in sports, auctioning off the commemorative jerseys to benefit the Ruth Ellis Center, a Highland Park, MI., shelter for at-risk, runaway and homeless LGBTQ youth.{{Cite web |url=http://www.detcityfc.com/news/detroit-city-fc-to-dedicate-a-match-to-supporting-the-cause-of-lgbtq-inclusion-in-sports/ |title=DETROIT CITY FC TO DEDICATE a MATCH TO SUPPORTING THE CAUSE OF LGBTQ INCLUSION IN SPORTS | Detroit City Football Club |access-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113213155/http://www.detcityfc.com/news/detroit-city-fc-to-dedicate-a-match-to-supporting-the-cause-of-lgbtq-inclusion-in-sports/ |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |url-status=dead }} For the 2015 season, City donned their alternate kits to support Think Detroit PAL, auctioning the game-worn kits to support youth league soccer in the city.{{Cite web|title=DCFC TAKES DOWN MADISON 56ERS |url=http://home.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/523029 |website=Detroit City FC homepage |access-date=February 16, 2016 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} On June 9, 2016, it was announced that the June 25 game against Dayton Dynamo would be their annual charity match, supporting Freedom House Detroit, a non-profit supporting refugees seeking asylum in the United States and Canada.{{Cite web|title = Detroit City FC announces Freedom House as 2016 charity partner|url = http://www.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/657903|website = Detroit City FC homepage|date = June 9, 2016|access-date = June 9, 2016|archive-date = June 12, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160612220425/http://www.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/657903|url-status = dead}}

In 2014, the club announced its partnership with United Way of Southeastern Michigan to support its "Michigan No Kid Hungry" initiative and promote healthy lifestyles for youth in Detroit.{{Cite web |url=http://www.detcityfc.com/news/tag/united-way/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113213113/http://www.detcityfc.com/news/tag/united-way/ |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |url-status=dead }} On September 7, 2014, City hosted its inaugural Detroit Public Schools Showcase, which featured a friendly match for City followed by a regulation match between Cass Tech High School and Detroit Renaissance High School, with proceeds from the night going toward the boys soccer programs.{{Cite web |url=http://www.detcityfc.com/news/soccer-shines-in-dps-showcase/ |title=Soccer Shines in DPS Showcase | Detroit City Football Club |access-date=January 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113214858/http://www.detcityfc.com/news/soccer-shines-in-dps-showcase/ |archive-date=January 13, 2015 |url-status=dead }} The club has strong ties with Cass Tech High School, investing thousands of dollars into improving the Cass Tech field, a benefit to both the soccer and football programs. City also presented the Cass Tech girls soccer program with new uniforms early in the 2014 season.

File:Detroit City FC Supporters at Cass Tech.jpg celebrate a goal during a home game at Cass Tech]]

Detroit City has several supporter groups, with the largest and most notable being the Northern Guard Supporters. The supporter culture among all groups is very politically left-leaning. Banners and flags supporting various traditionally left-wing causes/issues can be seen throughout the stadium.{{cite web |last1=Bianchi |first1=Nolan |title=Detroit City FC, supporter group at odds over profanity ahead of U.S. Open Cup match |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2022/05/09/detroit-city-fc-northern-guard-supporters-profanity-soccer/9703083002/ |website=The Detroit News |access-date=1 August 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Henson |first1=Mike |title=Detroit City FC: The football team rising from America's biggest ruin |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52308463 |access-date=1 August 2022}} Supporters support various social causes in the community such as LGBTQ+ issues, access to water resources, as well as other causes.{{cite web |last1=Ainsworth |first1=Amber |title=Prideraiser: How to help LGBTQ+ youth while cheering on Detroit City FC |url=https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/prideraiser-how-to-help-lgbtq-youth-while-cheering-on-detroit-city-fc |website=Fox 2 |date=May 28, 2022 |access-date=1 August 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Ainsworth |first1=Amber |title=Lyft partners with Detroit City FC to support local LGBTQ organization during Pride Month |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2019/05/31/lyft-partners-with-detroit-city-fc-to-support-local-lgbtq-organization-during-pride-month/ |website=Click on Detroit |date=May 31, 2019 |access-date=1 August 2022}}

{{see also|Rust Belt Derby}}

Prior to the break-up of the NPSL Midwest-Great Lakes conference, supporters of Detroit City FC, FC Buffalo, and AFC Cleveland formed the 'Rust Belt Derby'. The winner of the Derby was based on the head-to-head record of the clubs during regular season NPSL matches.{{Cite web |url=http://www.soccernewsday.com/usa/a/134/the-rust-belt-derby |title=The Rust Belt Derby by Daniel Casey - SoccerNewsday.com |access-date=May 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508203519/http://www.soccernewsday.com/USA/A/134/The-Rust-Belt-Derby |archive-date=May 8, 2012 |url-status=dead }} These were typically high pressure games and particular fan favorites, especially by Detroit City FC supporter groups who have been known to greatly antagonize DCFC's opponents.{{cite web|title=Detroit City FC brings soccer culture and excitement back to downtown|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2012/07/detroit_city_fc_brings_soccer.html|work=MLive.com|date=July 11, 2012|publisher=MLive Media Group|access-date=March 17, 2013}} Cleveland won the inaugural Rust Belt Derby on June 23, 2012, following a 1–1 draw with Detroit.{{cite web|title=The Rust Belt Derby|url=http://www.soccernewsday.com/usa/a/134/the-rust-belt-derby|work=Soccer News Day|access-date=June 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508203519/http://www.soccernewsday.com/USA/A/134/The-Rust-Belt-Derby|archive-date=May 8, 2012|url-status=dead}} Detroit City FC would come back and win the 2013 Rust Belt Derby trophy after beating FC Buffalo 2–1. The 2014 trophy went to Detroit on goal differential after all three teams finished with a win and a loss in Derby play, and Detroit would win again in 2015 after a 1–1 draw in the FC Buffalo-AFC Cleveland Derby match that Buffalo needed to win by more than a goal to take the trophy. The last Derby was in 2016 after the Great Lakes conference was split into East and West. FC Buffalo and Detroit City FC contested the derby without AFC Cleveland through home and away friendlies.{{cite web |title=Detroit City FC wins Rust Belt Derby again |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/2016/06/06/metro-state/85472698/ |website=The Detroit Free Press |access-date=January 28, 2020}}

AFC Ann Arbor was another rival of Detroit City prior to the two clubs leaving the NPSL and joining the USL League Two and NISA respectively. The history and proximity of the two cities cause their clashes to be important to supporters. In 2017, Ann Arbor won the Midwest Conference Regular Season title over City, who finished in second.{{cite web|title=Metro & state: Detroit City FC rallies for 3–3 tie vs. Lansing United|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/2017/07/14/detroit-city-fc-lansing-united/103709124/|website=Detroit Free Press|access-date=April 23, 2018}} Both teams qualified for the NPSL playoffs. The two teams faced each other again in the playoffs, with the Midwest Region title on the line. City defeated 10-man Ann Arbor 3–2 to ensure their passage into the NPSL Semifinals.{{cite web|last1=Crawford|first1=Kirkland|title=Detroit City FC beats AFC Ann Arbor, 3–2, in NPSL regional final|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/2017/07/29/how-watch-tonights-detroit-city-fc-afc-ann-arbor-playoff-match/522320001/|website=Detroit Free Press|access-date=April 23, 2018}}

A cross-league rivalry has developed with the Flint City Bucks (formerly the Michigan Bucks), the other major 4th Division team in Metro-Detroit. The two faced off in the Opening Round of the U.S. Open Cup in 2015, 2016, and 2018, with the Bucks winning the first meeting 3–0 and City taking the second two meetings in penalties (0–0, 4–3 PK) in 2016 and (1–1, 5–4 PK) in 2018. The two sides met for a friendly on May 4, 2019. Flint City won the match 1–0.{{cite web |last1=May |first1=Jake |title=Flint City Bucks win 1–0 in Atwood Stadium debut over Detroit City FC |url=https://www.mlive.com/galleries/WC3FNJPIXJBW7BJ7FVE7S4ZRWA/ |website=mLive |access-date=January 28, 2020}}

In addition, Detroit City supporters have demonstrated a proud and passionate antipathy for the U.S. professional soccer system, particularly Major League Soccer, who has long targeted Detroit for expansion. City have generally played well against MLS opposition, including a 2–1 victory over Columbus Crew in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup.

With the announcement of a women's team joining the United Women's Soccer in 2020, Detroit City would be rejoining previous rivals AFC Ann Arbor and Lansing United. They would later continue that rivalry with AFC Ann Arbor in 2021 after both teams moved to the newly returning USL W-League.

Detroit City FC home kits are predominantly a dark shade of red or maroon, referred to as "rouge" as a reference to the club's nickname. Away kits are most often white, though champagne kits have also been worn, most recently in 2021. In 2019 Detroit issued its first set of third kits, which were black. Starting in 2013 and each season afterwards, the club releases an extra kit design as a "charity kit". These kits are then auctioned off at the end of a specified match to raise funds for a local Detroit charity. In 2020 there was no charity kit given the much shorter schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

{{notelist}}

File:2013 Detroit City FC team.jpg

{{updated|July 12, 2025|{{Cite web|title=Roster Archive|url=https://www.detcityfc.com/roster/|website=detcityfc.com|access-date=June 7, 2023}}}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=490000|color=FFFFFF|border=FFD700}}

{{Fs player|no=2|nat=USA|name=Rhys Williams|pos=DF}}

{{fs player|no=3|nat=USA|name=Alex Villanueva|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=4|nat=USA|name=Shane Wiedt|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=5|nat=IRL|name=Stephen Carroll|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=6|nat=CAN|name=Jay Chapman|pos=MF}}

{{fs player|no=7|nat=RSA|name=Darren Smith|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=8|nat=SEN|name=Abdoulaye Diop|pos=MF}}

{{fs player|no=9|nat=ENG|name=Ben Morris|pos=FW}}

{{fs player|no=10|nat=ECU|name=Jeciel Cedeño|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=11|nat=USA|name=Connor Rutz|pos=FW}}

{{fs player|no=12|nat=USA|name=Michael Bryant|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=13|nat=USA|name=Matt Sheldon|pos=DF}}

{{fs player|no=14|nat=JPN|name=Haruki Yamazaki|pos=MF}}

{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=490000|color=FFFFFF|border=FFD700}}

{{fs player|no=16|nat=ZWE|name= Tatenda Mkuruva|pos=GK}}

{{fs player|no=21|nat=MEX|name=Carlos Herrera|pos=GK}}

{{fs player|no=23|nat=URU|name=Sebastián Guenzatti|pos=MF}}

{{fs player|no=24|nat=USA|name=Dominic Gasso|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=27|nat=USA|name=Zain Elder|pos=MF|other={{Cref2|A|name=1|1}}}}

{{fs player|no=30|nat=USA|name=Devon Amoo-Mensah|pos=DF}}

{{fs player|no=32|nat=SEN|name=Ates Diouf|pos=FW |other=on loan from Lexington SC}}

{{fs player|no=39|nat=ENG|name=Ryan Williams|pos=MF}}

{{fs player|no=45|nat=CAN|name=Marcello Polisi|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=66|nat=USA|name=Bilal Obeid|pos=MF|other={{Cref2|A|name=1|1}}}}

{{fs player|no=91|nat=MEX|name=Carlos Saldaña|pos=GK}}

{{fs player|no=99|nat=USA|name=Jordan Adebayo-Smith|pos=FW|other=on loan from Minnesota United}}

{{Fs end|nonumber=|bg=490000|color=FFFFFF|border=FFD700}}

{{Cnote2 Begin}}

{{Cnote2|A|group=1|n=1|USL Academy Contract}}

{{Cnote2 End}}

• Men's: {{flagicon|ENG}} Danny Dichio
• Women's (USL W League): {{flagicon|USA}} David Dwaihy
• Women's (Major Arena Soccer League): {{Flag icon|United States}} Dani Evans

• {{flagicon|ENG}} Trevor James{{cite web |title=TREVOR JAMES TO BE PROMOTED TO SPORTING DIRECTOR AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE 2023 SEASON |url=https://www.detcityfc.com/news/2023/08/23/trevor-james-promoted-to-sporting-director/ |website=detcityfc.com |access-date=1 November 2023}}{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Max |title=Trevor James to be promoted to DCFC sporting director at end of 2023 season |url=https://www.wxyz.com/sports/trevor-james-to-be-promoted-to-dcfc-sporting-director-at-end-of-2023-season#:~:text=The%20club%20agreed%20to%20an,the%20role%20of%20Sporting%20Director. |website=wxyz.com |date=August 24, 2023 |access-date=1 November 2023}}

• {{flagicon|USA}} Sean Mann – CEO
• {{flagicon|USA}} Todd Kropp – COO
• {{flagicon|USA}} Alex Wright
• {{flagicon|USA}} David Dwaihy
• {{flagicon|USA}} Mike Lasinski

At the conclusion of each season fans get to vote for the team's most valuable players, the Black Arrow Award. The title of the trophy is taken from the nickname of Gil Heron, a Jamaican born player who lived in Detroit and who later became the first-ever black player for Celtic F.C.

• 2012: {{flagicon|SCO}} Keith Lough and {{flagicon|USA}} Josh Rogers
• 2013: {{flagicon|USA}} Zach Myers
• 2014: {{flagicon|USA}} Cyrus Saydee
• 2015: {{flagicon|ENG}} David Edwardson
• 2016: {{flagicon|USA}} Tommy Catalano
• 2017: {{flagicon|RSA}} Tyrone Mondi
• 2018: {{flagicon|IRE}} Stephen Carroll
• 2019: {{flagicon|JAM}} Shawn Lawson
• 2020: {{flagicon|ZIM}} Tendai Jirira
• 2021: {{flagicon|USA}} Connor Rutz
• 2022: {{flagicon|USA}} Nate Steinwascher
• 2023: {{flagicon|USA}} Devon Amoo-Mensah
• 2024: {{flagicon|USA}} Maxi Rodriguez

• 2020: {{flagicon|USA}} Sydney Blomquist
• 2021: {{flagicon|USA}} Madison Duncan
• 2022: {{flagicon|USA}} Shannon McCarthy
• 2023: {{flagicon|USA}} Avery Peters
• 2024: {{flagicon|USA}} Gabby Schriver

• {{legend|gold|record}}
• {{smallsup|s}} shared record

{{Main|List of Detroit City FC seasons}}

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by Detroit City. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Detroit City FC seasons.

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Source{{cite web |last1=Goode |first1=Andrew |title=Number Crunchin': 2019 Attendance |url=https://boysinrouge.com/number-crunchin-2019-attendance/ |website=Boys In Rouge |access-date=May 2, 2020 |date=November 11, 2019}}{{cite web |title=2022 USL Championship Attendance |url=https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2022-usl-championship-attendance/ |website=Soccer Stadium Digest |access-date=March 12, 2023 |date=October 17, 2022}}{{cite web |title=2023 USL Championship Attendance |url=https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2023-usl-championship-attendance/|website=Soccer Stadium Digest |access-date=November 13, 2023 |date=October 16, 2023}}

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• Cass Technical High School Stadium: 3,884 (July 11, 2015, vs. Michigan Stars)
• Keyworth Stadium: 7,887 (July 31, 2018, vs. Frosinone Calcio)

Starting in 2016, after the move to Keyworth, Detroit City began a yearly tradition to invite at least one international club for a friendly per year. This excludes Windsor TFC, which is based just miles away in neighboring Windsor and was played yearly since the club's first season up until 2020. These invitations are often extended to a club that has a similar ethos to Detroit City,{{cite web|title=DETROIT CITY FC TO HOST FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER FOR HISTORIC MATCH|url=http://www.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/567188-detroit-city-fc-to-host-fc-united-of-manchester-for-historic-match-|website=Detroit City FC Home Page|date=October 22, 2015|access-date=March 2, 2018|archive-date=March 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303105633/http://www.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/567188-detroit-city-fc-to-host-fc-united-of-manchester-for-historic-match-|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last1=O'Connor|first1=Larry|title=Detroit City FC, St. Pauli fans find common ground|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/other/2018/05/17/detroit-city-fc-st-pauli-fans-find-common-ground/35044759/|website=The Detroit News|access-date=May 20, 2018}} or holds historical significance to the city of Detroit.{{cite web|last1=Thomson|first1=Ian|title=Glentoran Fan Set For Another Detroit Pilgrimage|url=http://www.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/775691-glentoran-fan-set-for-another-detroit-pilgrimage|website=Detroit City FC Home Page|date=March 30, 2017|access-date=March 2, 2018|archive-date=March 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302225356/http://www.detcityfc.com/news_article/show/775691-glentoran-fan-set-for-another-detroit-pilgrimage|url-status=dead}} The 2018 match against Serie A side Frosinone Calcio set a new club attendance record of 7,887.{{Cite web|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2018/07/31/frosinone-calcio-defeats-detroit-city-fc-before-7-887-friendly-match/877012002/|title=Detroit City FC ends season in lopsided loss to Serie A Frosinone Calcio before 7,887 crowd|website=Detroit News|language=en|access-date=February 13, 2020}} In 2019, after announcing that the club was to play Lobos BUAP{{cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=Larry |title=Detroit City FC to host Liga MX side Lobos BUAP July 10 |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/soccer/2019/05/03/detroit-city-fc-host-liga-mx-side-lobos-buap-july-10/1090607001/ |website=The Detroit News |access-date=May 3, 2019}} of Mexico, Lobos faced financial trouble and was replaced both in the Liga MX and the friendly with FC Juárez.

{{Reflist}}

• {{official website|https://www.detcityfc.com/}}

{{Detroit City Football Club}}

{{Detroit City FC squad}}

{{USL Championship}}

{{Hamtramck, Michigan}}

{{Detroit sports}}

{{Michigan Sports}}

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