Detroit City FC was founded in 2012 by five friends that wanted to have soccer in the Motor City. In just nine seasons DCFC have reached legendary status in the US soccer landscape with a rich history and a supporter base that is loyal and hardcore.
Detroit City FC are defending NISA Champions and are locked into the Final with one match to go in the regular season. It has been a magical season as Detroit has already won the Legends Cup and are currently undefeated in the NISA regular season.
Sons of San Antonio, Maxi Rodriguez and Patricio “Pato” Botello have found success and been an integral part with the third division club residing in NISA. The road here has not been easy for them, but the have found a home on a club that has clinched the NISA final for the second consecutive season.
Pato played his college career at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, he scored 39 goals in 65 appearances as a Rattler. His semi=pro career began with Texas United in 2017, in 2018 he joined Corpus Christi FC and scored 8 goals in 9 appearances. Pato’s first professional club was Lansing Ignite of USL 1 in 2019 and scored 7 goals and spending time at North Georgia Tormenta, Pato signed with Detroit City for the 2021 season.
In 10 appearances with DCFC, Pato with 4 goals and has 2 assists to add to his stat sheet.
- Pato Botello
On keys to the team’s success:
“I think the team’ success comes from a lot of things. There’s obviously Trevor James (Detroit head coach) that put an excellent group of guys with the same mindset and same work ethic and that’s very hard to do. From the way we practice every day to how well we get along with each other outside the field. Also the fans, the fans here in Detroit are on a different level. We have fans on every away game and I couldn’t even describe the home games, the atmosphere is unbelievable.”
On his personal experience and growth this season:
“My personal experience has been great, from the day I got here everyone at the club made me feel at home and really took care of me so that made everything easier! And I’ve definitely grown as a player because of how much I’ve learned from Trevor and my teammates! I’m always looking to learn and add new things to my game and I’ve definitely been able to do that here.”
Maxi played his collegiate career at University of Charlotte, as a 49er he made to the NCAA Division I tournament all four years. He signed with San Antonio FC and played two seasons with the Alamo City Boys making 32 appearances. Maxi joined Richmond Kickers for 2019 and signed with DCFC for the 2021 season, recording one goal and assist with Detroit, starting every match this season.
- Maxi Rodriguez
On his experience after being out of professional soccer for a year
“Detroit was a blessing that came out of no where. A little over a year ago I honestly thought I was done playing soccer. I was back at home with no club and the season about to begin. With all the Covid complication, that made things even more difficult to find a team once the season resumed But I worked effortlessly on my own everyday hoping that I would get an opportunity to play again. Now I find myself with my first professional trophy and hopefully on the verge to win 2 more with DCFC. And along the way, get plenty of minutes to remind myself why I belong in the game. As for the club, this place is special. From the amazing staff to unbelievable supporters that are actually unreal. The atmosphere in these games are nothing I’ve ever experienced.”
On his personal growth and success
“My teammates are great and there is real chemistry with us both on and off the field. We all have the same goals. At the root of the teams constant success is Trevor James. He’s been big for my personal growth and success on the field. So much I’ve learned from this season and he’s trusted me so much. As a player that is all you can really ask for. This year has been a big year for me as a player and still have more to come. Hopefully with more team success comes the individual success”
Soy San Antonio Fútbol 