Apartment 202 was in need of some program bonding. It was the end of our first week in Detroit, and despite a little get-together the night before, we were still fairly unfamiliar with each other. A few of us knew about a minor league soccer team in Detroit that plays their home games just a few blocks away at Cass Tech. We checked their schedule to see when we could possibly go to a game. It was already around 5 p.m. when we learned they were playing that night at 7 at home!
With little time to mull it over, we made the rash decision to go. But we had heard about their crazy fanbase and super loyal crowds, so we didn’t even know if they would sell out before we got there. Seasons tickets were sold out weeks earlier, which made us very nervous. Still, we decided to follow through and try to cheer on Detroit City Football Club.
Besides, at the very worst, we just got off our lazy butts and walked to Cass Tech and back.
(Detroit City Football Club; The Northern Guard)
Luckily, though, they had plenty of tickets still available. For the relatively meager price of $10, we had the chance to see if the raucous fans of “Le Rouge” could really cause a ruckus. So, we walked in, found some seats right in front, and settled down to watch the beautiful game.
Before the game even started, we knew the die-hard DCFC fans, or the Northern Guard as they are called, would not disappoint. (I’m not sure if there was adequate room to breathe in their section. It was definitely a fire hazard. But I’m pretty sure I saw a child. That didn’t seem safe to me, but it sure as heck seemed like fun).
“WE’RE RUINING FOOTBALL AND WE DON’T CARE”
“NO ONE LIKES US. NO ONE LIKES US. NO ONE LIKES US WE DON’T CARE. WE ARE CITY. SUPER CITY. DETROIT CITY FOOTBALL CLUB”
“THEY CHEAT. THEY DIVE. THEY HATE THE JACKSON 5.”
Just a few of the more appropriate songs, chants, and taunts the Northern Guard would hurl at the opponent and the soccer gods in general. To be fair though, anyone who hates the Jackson 5 deserves some flack, and they seemed to imply that the opponents were not fans of the fearsome fivesome.
After a few minutes we got used to the chants, learned a few of them, and finally joined in the fun. Just when we thought it couldn’t get more insane, DCFC scored. Then they scored again. Two more time after that. Then, finally, even in the 90th minute with the other team putting up a goose egg on the scoreboard, DCFC scored their fifth goal. While DCFC’s players handled their dismantling of the other team with class, the Northern Guard had other ideas.
I don’t think the Northern Guard keeps score because they acted even more gleefully deranged than after the first goal. More smoke, noise, and celebration than I have ever seen in my entire life. All that, after a meaningless goal extending the lead to 5-0. Their competitiveness overshadowed any ounce of mercy for the opponent. They’re loyal followers of DCFC and they won’t let you forget it. They’re all lovely people who are always kind, polite, and caring – I have no doubt – until the opening whistle. Then, all hell breaks loose, they their football demons barrel out, and they cheer DCFC on to victory.
They may be taking the beauty out of the game, but their passion is a worthy replacement.
