Many Detroit City FC players have had their shining moments in this 2015 campaign, but one has stood out among the rest, and it’s easy to see why. DCFC forward Will Mellors-Blair (Michigan) leads the team with eight goals heading into the final weekend, and the blazing striker, originally from Nottingham, England, threatens all opponents that stand between him and the goal. Over the course of this summer, Mellors-Blair solidified his role in the starting center forward in the lineup.
In fact, he has been so consistent that when he makes an appearance, it’s like DCFC already has a one-goal lead. Mellors-Blair averages 1.14 goals per game in the NPSL, and he’s a big reason that Le Rouge has one of the best goal differentials (15) in the Midwest Region. Anyone who has seen him play understands why.
“He’s lightning fast,” a former Michigan and DCFC teammate Tyler Arnone said of him. “I think that’s something that’s going to make Will super successful.”
He cruises past defenders, something he proved all summer long. In the win against Lansing United, Mellors-Blair collected the ball in DCFC’s defensive half, and managed to dribble all the way down the pitch for a goal, beating four different opponents in the process.
His speed goes unmatched, but he’s is not a one-dimensional player.
“You see his pace of course, but it’s really the runs he makes,” said DCFC defender and captain Josh Rogers (Michigan State). “His soccer IQ is good. He’s strong. He’s technical. The guy is a beast all around. If he’s not beating you in one area with his pace, he’s beating you in another with his dribble, or running, maneuvering and playing a quick 1-2 combination. The guy’s a good footballer.”
Mellors-Blair, individually, has become a driving force for DCFC’s offense, but personal success isn’t what motivates him as a player.
“I want to be remembered as a player who works hard and works for the team, and not just a player who has the glory and has the goals,” Mellors-Blair said. “For example, whenever the ball is played over the top, I’m willing to run up, and I’m not going to win the ball every time, but I’ll try and make up ground so we have better field position.
“If you look at the score sheet, you see eight goals in seven games for the season. So people might just see that as I go for goals and for glory, but I want the fans to know I’m a hardworking, team player.”
This weekend, Mellors-Blair is sure to make another exciting appearance at Cass Tech on Friday night in the final regular season home match of the season. He’s earned the M1 Imaging Center Man of the Match awards for both of the last two home games, and he’s planning on bringing out his best for one last showdown.
Emerging into one of the top talents in college soccer, Mellors-Blair could likely climb into the ranks of professional soccer following his senior season at Michigan. His time with Le Rouge may be waning, but he will surely not be forgotten.
After all, he is Detroit City FC’s all time leading goal scorer.
– Ted Janes / DCFC Staff Writer
