Detroit MLS bid comes amid minor league soccer boom in area

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Detroit MLS bid comes amid minor league soccer boom in area

By NOAH TRISTER AP Sports Writer

Updated Aug 17, 2016

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (AP) — Immediately after the opening kickoff, colorful smoke was already floating through the air and fans were in full voice, singing and chanting in a display reminiscent of matches in Europe and South America.

This wasn't Milan or Liverpool, though, or even Portland or Seattle. This was a fourth-tier soccer match at a renovated old stadium in Hamtramck, an enclave of Detroit.

The team is called Detroit City FC. It competes in the National Premier Soccer League and its players aren't paid, but this season the club drew about 5,000 fans a game at its new home field, turning a night at Keyworth Stadium into one of the area's most unique sports experiences. DCFC's growth is a testament to soccer's grassroots appeal in the United States, and it comes as a group led by NBA owners Dan Gilbert and Tom Gores is trying to bring a Major League Soccer franchise to Detroit.

The question now is: What will happen to DCFC if MLS shows up? And would an MLS team be able to capitalize on the soccer culture that's already here?

The answer may not be that simple.