All spring Detroit City FC matches canceled; fans tell club to keep the money

Detroit City FC finally went pro, and now it has nowhere to go.

The National Independent Soccer Association on Monday announced the cancellation of its men’s spring season because of the coronavirus pandemic. This decision affects all of DCFC's matches that were scheduled through mid-June.

The news also triggered an outpouring of support from DCFC's loyal and growing fan base.

DCFC said the NISA is planning to move forward with the fall season starting in August, and still hopes to work out a summer season of matches.

"Detroit City FC is committed to taking the field in 2020 as soon as it is deemed safe for our teams, staff, fans, and the broader community,” DCFC said in a press release.

Monday’s announcement follows the March 12 decision by the NISA to suspend all matches for 30 days.

Meanwhile, DCFC fans took to social media to, remarkably, tell the soccer club, based out of Hamtramck, to keep their season-ticket money, either for next season or to reinvest.

The club was founded in 2012 and has grown via a passionate grassroots effort, one that continues today, even as DCFC was set to start its first season of professional play.

"No refund needed here," one fan wrote on Twitter.

"Use that money as you see fit for the well-being of our Club," wrote another.

"Please just keep my money," wrote yet another.

In all, there were dozens of messages of support, many financial-related, to DCFC's Monday announcement.

"I think it’s just an example of the heart of both DCFC and NGS (Northern Guard Supporters)," said Shane Proulx, one of those passionate DCFC fans. "We’re not just fans of a team, we’re supporters of a club that supports the community in return. We’re not just buying tickets to a game, we’re building something."

The club said it will issue credit to fans who have purchased individual tickets, and said it will announce a policy for season-ticket holders at a later date.

Fans are asked to email questions regarding tickets to tickets@detcityfc.com.

Proulx said if DCFC decides to issue refunds to season-ticket holders, many fans plan to simply reinvest that money in the team by spending the refund on DCFC maroon-and-gold merchandise.

"It's about supporting the club," Proulx said. "Always."

tpaul@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @tonypaul1984