How to fake it: Your guide to Detroit City FC's Open Cup run
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Detroit City FC's historic run toward U.S. Soccer's national championship continues May 10 with a home game against rival Louisville City FC.
Why it matters: DCFC has never advanced this far in the championship tournament, further legitimizing it as a professional soccer club and creating more team buzz.
- Pro soccer can be tough to follow because it has different divisions, leagues and cups — so here's a quick guide to know what's going on with DCFC:
The big picture: The championship tournament is called the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. It involves teams from all levels of U.S. Soccer — from amateur teams to Major League Soccer teams — that compete each year in a single-elimination tournament to crown a national champion.
- DCFC shook up the soccer world with a 2-1 "cupset" over the Columbus Crew on April 19 to advance to the next round of the Open Cup. It was DCFC's first win against an MLS team.
- "It's probably the biggest win in terms of clout and stature that the club has ever had," die-hard DCFC fan Dean Simmer tells Axios.
Sound smart: Le Rouge is the team's nickname, a nod to the city's French roots and the team's rouge and gold colors.
If you go: Get ready for smoke bombs when DCFC scores and lots of chanting. The club's die-hard fans — some part of a group called the Northern Guard Supporters — occupy the east end of Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, and stand, sing and yell throughout matches. The west side of the stadium is more reserved, Simmer said.
- Bars and restaurants near the stadium include Bumbo’s, Motor City Sports Bar, The Painted Lady and the Fowling Warehouse.
- Download the Guardbook app to learn the team chants. Printed versions of the song book — Hell's Hymnal — are usually handed out at the game, too.
Local stars to watch:
- Goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher played college soccer for University of Detroit Mercy.
- Forward Connor Rutz went to Walled Lake Northern High School and played at Saginaw Valley State University.
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