Darren Smith scored two first-half goals and Chisom Egbuchulam added a late insurance goal as Detroit City FC started 2026 in the best possible way. Even though visiting Brooklyn had a significant advantage in possession time, DCFC had double the number of shots and more than double the number of shots on goal in a performance that warmed the bones of a chilly crowd of 5,559 at Keyworth Stadium.
Last Saturday’s home opener started with a stoppage. Both teams stood still for the first minute of the game in a silent protest against the USL’s leadership with whom the players union has been in negotiations over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The players have authorized their union to declare a strike. At this point, they have not decided to stop work, but are keeping that option on the table. The previous agreement expired on December 31, 2025, but negotiations started during the second half of 2024.
DCFC didn’t let the labor troubles bother them on opening day. Less than two minutes after the players started to play the game, new captain Devon Amoo-Mensah sent a long ball forward that found Smith getting into space behind the Brooklyn FC defense. The South African finished coolly and then went to embrace his family behind the goal. That set off the first smoke-filled goal celebration of the season.
Brooklyn, coming off a win over Indy XI in their first ever game, came back into the game and worked the ball around comfortably as DCFC took a breather after the fast start. They failed to take advantage of their ball control, however, creating little of note. DCFC goalkeeper Carlos Herrera made one good save from a free kick after twelve minutes, but rarely had to stretch himself.
Smith added a second from a goalmouth scramble. Kobe Hernandez-Foster floated in a free kick from the left wing that was poorly played by a Brooklyn defender. Smith beat the goalkeeper to the ball for a tap in. Early in the second half, though, DCFC fans had cause to worry when Smith limped off after a non-contact injury. It’s difficult to guess the severity, but Smith went straight to the locker room.
Egbuchulam came on for his club debut and offered something different. While Smith likes to find gaps in the defense and play on the shoulder of defenders, Egbuchulam brings a more physical approach. He looks like he has a strong upper body and won’t shy away from the rough and tumble of lower division football. He got his reward for a strong first appearance five minutes from time when he got on the end of a through ball from Maxi Rodriguez and forced the ball in to the goal. That capped off a near perfect performance.
Rodriguez looked like he never left. He stepped into his usual spot behind the forwards and added experience and composure to the midfield. He received a much warmer reception than his lone appearance at Keyworth for Rhode Island last year. Once he gets a feel for his new teammates, those that weren’t here during his previous stint, the offense should find more rhythm.
DCFC will be sweating on Smith’s injury. There were already without defensive stalwart Michael Bryant, who was injured in the final preseason game. Newcomer Callum Montgomery stepped in and gave a solid display. Other new members of the DCFC squad also came in and did well. Tommy Silva occupied the left back spot. The best part of his game is that he made no glaring errors against Brooklyn.
In addition to Egbuchulam, Alex Dalou, Rio Hope-Gund, and Preston Tabort Etaka all made their first appearance for Le Rouge.
It’s likely that Danny Dichio will rotate the squad for the US Open Cup game against the Michigan Rangers during the week. That game has been moved from Keyworth to an indoor facility in Brighton due to the expected weather conditions. DCFC will be on the road for the first time on Saturday at Indy XI. Indy XI had the weekend off to recover after losing to Brooklyn. While the opening game for DCFC went as well as anyone could have hoped, they have started hot in recent seasons only to fade badly during the warmer months. They have to change that narrative this year. Winning the opening game, creating plenty of chances, and keeping a clean sheet will please fans and the coaching staff. Maintaining that level consistently over the course of a long season is what they have to do now.
