by Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 – Detroit City FC 1 FC Cincinnati 4 (AET)
Saturday, May 19th, 2018 – Detroit City FC 2 FC St. Pauli 6
Those who strive to reach new heights must inevitably push themselves beyond what they’ve done in the past. The old ways, however successful they’ve been, may not necessarily apply in the harsh terrain of the unfamiliar.
While some new ventures will result in instant success, the likelihood is low. More often, you have to fall flat on your face – again, again, and again. And a few more times after that. It’s all part of finding your way in new, confusing surroundings.
Whether success or failure is the end result, knowledge is always gathered, and growth is attained. If community-building and enrichment is Detroit City FC’s essence, it’s supported by a culture of boundary-pushing, of, “I’m taking this huge bite and I’m not sure if I can chew it all, but I’m gonna go for it and see what happens.”
I have a theory that this attitude permeates the club from the top on down, so that a supporter lighting a flare just to see if he can get away with it is merely a reflection of City’s ownership elbowing their way into the American soccer country club without the permission of Those Who Know Best. Working title: The Czervik Principle.
Not long ago, City was playing punt-and-chase against teams like Binghamton and Zanesville. Now they’re stringing together beautifully-executed counters against professional sides…
…and convincing one of the world’s best-supported clubs to come play at Keyworth, while in the process earning screen time on the same station that broadcasts the Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons.
While the results of this week’s matches were not as we’d hoped, the overall mood surrounding the club should be one of encouragement. City went punch-for-punch with one of the best teams in USL until they were worn down by superior depth and fitness in extra time, and there should be no shame in being beaten handily by a far superior 2. Bundesliga team fresh off of a relegation dogfight.
Taking a wider view, the fact that these matches even took place at all is proof that City is progressing at a furious rate. And as fun as it is to beat up on hapless clubs from Podunk Midwestern towns, true development comes from testing yourself against superior opponents.
By repeatedly probing its own limits, City has redefined what a small American club can be. In trying to carve out a place in the world, setbacks and frustrations are a given, but the best solution is to simply step forward and see what’s out there.
BIR Bullets
(1) Beautifo
(2) The best second division in the world is… not USL. As mentioned, City played FC Cincinnati straight-up for 90 minutes and held their own, and were then sliced apart time and time again by St. Pauli. FCSP’s movement off the ball, attacking runs, and general composure were eye-opening for someone like me who’s gotten used to the frenetic, panicked pace typical of American soccer. Despite the fact that they were performing unkind acts on my favorite club, they were incredibly fun to watch.
(3) Returns Dave Edwardson made his season debut and picked up a yellow card for tripping over a player on the ground or something. His presence will help solidify a thinner-than-expected center midfield – Louis Dargent is apparently injured and may or may not join the team in a month or so. Hopefully may.
Oh, and some other guy is coming back too.
— NGS Tonto (Roger) (@NGS_Tonto) May 19, 2018
Mondi should help address one of the main issues City’s had in this new season: indecisiveness in the final third and lack of shots taken. Although, to be fair, every team they’ve played so far has been a quality outfit with a solid defense. The upcoming matches against Brand New They Have No Idea What They’re Getting Into FC Columbus and dreadful-looking FC Indiana should help City build some offensive confidence.
(4) Talking to Sean Grogan at the St. Pauli match, he said that the on-field play helped to solidify which players are first-choice in his mind, and I concur. As of today it looks like this:
(5) Observing the St. Pauli goalkeeper kits, Sean also came up with an idea that I feel must be put on the record: City’s keeper kits should be the same color as the Spirit of Detroit statue.
We’ve put the thought out into the universe, and we now await the manifestation of our desires.
