We’re two games away from the conclusion of the 2023 USL Championship regular season with Detroit City FC in the thick of a playoff race for that final eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. However, coming off two incredibly disappointing 3-0 losses to Colorado Springs and Indy Eleven, City is currently on the outside looking in heading into a vital Saturday matchup against Loudoun United before coming back home for the regular season finale against the Eastern Conference-leading Pittsburgh Riverhounds on October 14.
With the pressure certainly on let’s take a look at the race for the team’s MVP award, otherwise known as the “Black Arrow”, as a playoff berth hangs in the balance.
1. Nate Steinwascher – Goalkeeper
Until now, there hasn’t been a better or more consistent player for Detroit City FC than their goalkeeper Nate Steinwascher. The 30-year-old has once again been solid for City ranking fifth in the Championship with a 72.5 save percentage and seventh with nine clean sheets.
Bottom line, City isn’t fighting for a playoff spot at this point of the season without Steinwascher.
2. Abdoulaye Diop – Center Midfielder
Diop’s impact on the central midfield has been noticeable this season despite not standing out in the stats. In fact, City looks like a completely different team (and not for the better) when Diop is out of the starting eleven. His ability to press on the attack has been a much-needed aspect for an offense that has had its fair share of trouble generating pressure.
3. Brett Levis – Left Back
Sure, Levis has only been with Detroit for half a season since his transfer along with Dario Suarez from Tulsa midseason. However, Levis has done a nice job filling a huge void left at that left-back position by Deklan Wynne when he jettisoned the Motor City for Charleston.
4. Dario Suarez – Center Forward
It was weird seeing Dario Suarez in a City kit and it may be even weirder naming him on a top-five list for the Black Arrow. However, the fact of the matter is City is a much more dangerous team when Dario is in the starting eleven. Dario’s ability to create plays is going to be vital in these final two matches, that is if he gets the playing time…
5. Maxi Rodriguez – Center Midfielder
Defense without question has been DCFC’s biggest strength this season. That’s probably not the case though without a steady midfield in part anchored by Maxi Rodriguez who despite the quiet season offensively is still arguably their best player on the roster.
6. Michael Bryant – Center Back
Last year Michael Bryant’s versatility was the story, this year it was his ability to read an attack, be a disruptor, and cement himself into one of the better backlines in all of the USL Championship.
7. Stephen Carroll – Center Back
Despite a tough game for himself last Wednesday against Colorado Springs, there may not be a more dependable defender in all of the USL Championship than captain Stephen Carroll who has continued to show that this season.
8. Matt Lewis – Center Back
Take your pick between Stephen Carroll and Matt Lewis in the seven or eight. Both are dependable, both are anchors on that back line.
9. Devon Amoo-Mensah – Center Back
Amoo-Mensah is arguably Detroit City’s most talented defender, something that was sorely missed last season when he went down with his knee injury. This season, although shakey at times, Amoo-Mensah continues to show how dangerous he can be especially given his ability to move up into the attack.
10. Rhys Williams – Left Midfielder
Rhys has a big-time ability to create chances… if only he would shoot the ball a little more.
Other considerations: Ben Morris, Richard Ballard, Connor Rutz, Oniel Fisher, Skage Simonsen
