Keyworth’s Wizard: The Fall & Rise of Detroit City’s Maxi Rodriguez
It was no smooth ride to USL Championship icon-status for Detroit City FC’s Maxi Rodriguez -- usopencup.com digs deep on his long and bumpy road to Keyworth.
Maxi Rodriguez (back) nabbed a late winner in the 2024 Third Round at Keyworth
“I remember having a really good preseason, but then we brought in guys with MLS experience who were really competitive,” he said. “It elevated my game, but it put me in that situation where it was tough to be a younger guy who thought he should be starting.”
It was bittersweet for Rodriguez when he decided to leave home, after learning he wasn’t in the plans as a key piece in San Antonio FC’s future.
When another offer finally came, just days before the start of preseason, it was from a team in the next tier down. The Richmond Kickers, who were set to be one of the clubs competing in the new USL League One beginning in 2019, were interested in his midfield services and creativity.
The move wasn’t ideal. He was stepping down the U.S. Soccer pyramid. But his goal in leaving his former club was to earn more minutes and be “the guy” somewhere – and this was his chance.
By the start of the 2019 season, Rodriguez had earned the captain’s armband. He made 23 appearances for the Kickers while scoring one goal (in his debut). Collectively, however, the team struggled, finishing ninth place in a 10-team league.
Keyworth Stadium and Maxi Rodriguez are a matched pair
DCFC fans enjoy the 2024 Open Cup win over Michigan Stars
Maxi celebrates the 2022 Open Cup win over Columbus Crew Jon DeBoer / DCFC