Wayne State does not need a soccer team, we already have one. You won't be able to find it on the school website and the Athletic Department won't be able to give you any information. The MLS (Major League Soccer) sure as hell wont give you any information and you won't find its players gracing the side of a building downtown any time soon. Nestled in the heart of Detroit at Cass Tech High School's small football field, Detroit City Football Club has taken the city by storm. DCFC is a phenomenon, much like the city's motto it rose from the ashes to become the hottest sports team in Detroit with the best fans. You may think that's a bold statement for an amateur soccer team that plays in the fourth tier of American soccer. I must be some slappy for soccer you're saying to yourself, someone who probably prefers Manchester United and thinks 'futbol' is the best sport in the world (no, no I don't). I'm not attending a MLS game any time soon but you will find me rushing to buy DCFC season tickets as they go on sale. Why? The experience is better than any other team in Detroit.

I first encountered Detroit City during the first season in 2012, heading over to Historic Fort Wayne to watch a scrimmage of sorts. What I found was the beginning of the Northern Guard Supporters, about 40 people chanting, banging on drums, and cheering on this unknown team. They have since grown into a huge group that has gained attention nationally for their scarfs and huge hearts. The NGS packs out the stands of Cass City and will even outnumber opposing fans on the road, bringing so much smoke they have the fire department called (seriously, it happened). Chants range from expletive and NSFW to fun redux on classic video games. The Northern Guard also loves to take the insults to the social media, owning other supporter groups and teams on the web (Check here, here, and a NSFW here for some samples). This lovable, foul mouthed gang also has a soft side, raising money for charity and soccer equipment for disadvantage youth. Northern Guard Supporters also recently held a moment of silence the Marines killed in Chattanooga tragedy.

(Courtesy of Channel 3 Eyewitness news)

You will also notice Detroit City FC also has some top college talent. Top amateur players from Michigan, MSU, Saginaw Valley, Oakland and other Universities come together to make up a team that WSU could not come close to competing with if they had their own team. Le Rouge players have gone on to play professionally and some even stay on after finishing college. DCFC and other NPSL teams offer college players a way to stay fit and play competitively during the off season. The Boys in Rogue offer great entertainment for a great price, with tickets ranging last season as low as $10.

The Northern Guard may be on their off season (NSFW) training regiment and Cass Tech's field grows quiet for the long NPSL break, don't worry! You too can join the ruckus in nine months and root for the Le Rouge, the best damn sports team Detroit has ever seen.