July 27, 2016: Windsor Stars

July 27, 2016
Friendly
Keyworth Stadium, Hamtramck, MI

Detroit City FC 3, Windsor Stars 1
DCFC Dave Edwardson 2′
DCFC Own Goal (Jamar Kelly) 36′
DCFC Tommy Catalano 43′
STARS Michael Pio 50′

Attendance: 6,025

Unlike the first grandbaby who arrived less than 20 hours prior to the match against the Columbus Crew College Program, grandbaby #2 emerged early in the morning the day before.

Louella Skye Kitchen-Buschel was born on July 26, 2016, at 1:37 AM. The 21-inch “little” girl weighed in at 9 lbs, 13 oz.

Life moves too fast sometimes. In July, 2015, there wasn’t a being on the planet who could call me “Grandpa.” By the end of July, 2016, there were six; babies Leon & Louella, Colin’s boys Chad & Dean, and the two children my daughter and son-in-law became foster parents to.

Tonight was also a first for me. It was the first time I requested a media pass. To be honest, I’ve never considered myself media. Sure, back when I was photographing Detroit Vipers games in the late 1990’s for a hockey publication, I was media. But I came into this as a fan who brought my camera because I enjoy capturing life in the moment – whether they be of humans in action or squirrels in my yard. Then, this team and its support launched into unexpected popularity, and well, here I am, creating an unofficial Detroit City FC digital history of every home game I’ve been to (which is currently all of them), and the several road trips I’ve made.

It was beach party night in the NGS Section.

The atmosphere created by NGS, the new angles from the pitch, the new challenge of staying out of the way of the soccer ball whizzing by at a comet’s pace, and Dave Edwardson starting us off with a goal in the third minute, made the game effervescent with fun. After doubling the lead on an own goal by Windsor defender Jamar Kelly, Tommy Catalano’s goal in the 43rd minute not only put us in control of the match, but also stirred up a little bitterness from Windsor’s keeper.

At halftime, it was time to present the 2016 Black Arrow Award to the team’s Most Valuable Player.

On July 11, 2016, The Detroit News ran an article about Detroit City FC players and their day-jobs. It reported that Tommy Catalano was training to be a journeyman electrician. Adding a DCFC practice or game to working an eleven-hour shift, six days a week at his inside construction wireman apprenticeship, makes for some long days. Yet, the young man was among the team leaders in goals-scored, well deserving of the MVP award.