Ignition Rides the Wave as Soccer’s Rockers Reunite
The Detroit Ignition took first place by trouncing the Milwaukee Wave 24-14 on Sunday. The night also included a reunion of the Detroit Rockers Soccer team that played in the NPSL from 1990 until 2001 when the league folded.
Being part of that organization in the early 90’s, I got to see the championship season of 1991/92. Last night, some eight years after the Rockers played their last game, the players were honored at halftime by the Ignition and their fans.
Soccer in Detroit went way back to the early years of the Express, but the Rockers were the only soccer team I really knew. They are probably most responsible for giving Detroit fans an apetite for soccer.
Among the “Rockers” at the reunion were “Superman” Andy Chapman, Lars Richters, Ian Fairbrother, Doug Landerfeld, Tim Ernst and Bryan “Goose” Finnerty. It has been roughly eight years since these guys last played and I think they still could fire up some of that Rocker Magic.
Goose looked like he could still protect the net with Tim Ernst streaking down that sideline on a breakaway to score. I can still see “Superman” Andy Chapman standing by the goal awaiting a feed from Landerfeld to score one of his many goals and Ian and Lars chipping away to make a play happen. It was a honor to sit down with those guys last night and talk about the “good old days”.
To top it off, the Ignition showed what the next generation of players have to offer. Taking over 1st place on goals from Gibson, Djerisilo, Sampson, Assadpour and a great many saves from that wildman ‘keeper Danny Waltman. The new ambassadors of Detroit’s indoor soccer are in 1st place folks.
I never got to see the rockers play in person but I do remember them. I did happen to catch the Ignition game on comcast. I remember you guys talking about it on the show. It looked like a good game and I need to see one in person.
Comment by ken — January 19, 2009 @ 11:11 pm
Yes Ken, it was a great game. Lots of action and the Ignition did what they needed to do in beating the Wave for sole possession of first place. The Rockers reunion was a nice gesture from the Ignition to honor , to me the pioneers of Indoor Soccer here in the Motor City. Chip and myself were at the game and the Defense was stellar, the goalkeeping top notch and the offense was flying. The Ignition needs the hometown fans to come out in numbers and cheer them on. As I said these guys are the new ambassadors of Indoor soccer here in the Motor City. Lets help fire them up.
Comment by john — January 19, 2009 @ 11:21 pm
My kids play and i think i shoudl take them to a game and check out the ignition. I remember them last year but I didnt know they were still around. I remember the Rockers of old. Keep up the great work on the show.
Comment by jeff — January 20, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
yes they are still here. They are in a new league called the XSL (xtreme soccer league) Currently the Ignition are in first place. A great game on Sunday night. They still play in Plymouth at Compuware arena. A great place to watch a game. After the game bring your kid down for an autograph. Alot of the players stay on the field. You can always see Danny “Wildman” Waltman work the crowd and attempt to sign everything before heading in to the locker room. The teams is people friendly and most of all they are there for the kids.
Disclaimer: Wildman is my nickname for Danny. He gets so pumped up during the game. After every ignition goal the fists are pumped, hands in the air. He sets the tempo with his energy. You could feel that on Sunday. He is like the General out there. Hey I like that name to.
Jeff, Thanks for listening to the show and for posting. take the family and go see a game,.
Comment by john — January 20, 2009 @ 2:52 pm