NPSL Veteran Danny Deakin Excited for Members Cup Opportunity

By Daniel Cermak/NPSL.com

Danny Deakin has already become a familiar name for Detroit City FC, and he’s excited to show
what he can help bring to the Members Cup.

“It’s hard to talk about expectations because all the other teams will be strong and every game
will be tough,” Deakin said. “But we are still returning a strong core of players from the summer
and we still want to win every game. We want to win the whole thing.”

Deakin is a crucial part of the core that has returned to the squad from the summer. He is
actually entering his fourth competition with the club. Deakin first joined DCFC in 2016 before
being drafted by Orlando City SC, then rejoined Le Rouge in 2018 and remained on for the 2019
season after a stint in his native England. Deakin was a major factor in Detroit winning the
Great Lakes Conference in the regular season and reaching the regional final in the playoffs. His
2019 stats were truly impressive as he contributed two goals and 11 assists over 13 starts and
1,172 minutes played. And he is just getting started.

Deakin has spent five regular seasons in the NPSL, including three with DCFC and two with
Erie Commodores FC, and has cherished the opportunity to improve during college and as a pro.
“The NPSL allowed me to add an extra three months into my season throughout college and it
has been there for me during my time out of the pros,” Deakin said. “It’s allowed me to play an
extra 10-15 games a year and helped me to develop as a player. You learn the most by playing
games.”

Now Deakin and his teammates are getting ready for their date with Chattanooga FC in their first
match of the Members Cup.

“I know one or two of the guys on (Chattanooga) and they are quality players so I’m expecting
them to give us a good game,” Deakin said. “They had a great summer also and I’m sure they
will be looking to turn us over at Keyworth. It’s a big game because it’s very important to get
off to a winning start.”

Playing at Keyworth Stadium will bring a huge advantage to the hosts, and Deakin is looking
forward to playing in one of his favorite grounds in the states.

“It is a really old stadium that’s in the middle of a very diverse area,” Deakin said. “It attracts all
kinds of people and I think it embodies what Detroit is all about. It is definitely one of the better
grounds I’ve played at during my time in the U.S.”

Keyworth is made all the better when it’s packed with thousands of Detroit City FC supporters,
who passionately cheer and chant throughout each home match.

“The supporters are a huge part of the club and they make Detroit an enjoyable place to play
football,” Deakin said. “I’m pretty sure we have the best atmosphere out of any team at this
level. When we are pushing for a goal they get behind us and give us a lift.”

With experienced players like Deakin leading the way and the constant support from the DCFC
faithful, Le Rouge are looking to make their mark in the Members Cup, starting with Saturday’s
match against Chattanooga FC.

Photo Credit: Jon DeBoer/DCFC