Detroit City FC vs. Louisville City FC: Can Darren Smith score against one of USL's most consistent sides?

Successful head coach Danny Cruz may be gone from the Players' Shield winners Louisville, joining Minnesota United as an assistant, but the team hasn't missed a beat under the leadership of interim head coach Simon Bird. When Cruz departed in March, Bird was promoted from an assistant role, and with the club only losing one of their last five league matches, he's making a case for maintaining the role for at least the remainder of the season.

It's tough to move on from a coach like Cruz, but with a strong roster led by a midfield including Taylor Davila and Jansen Wilson, they've been a side that is hard to break down while also being dangerous going forward. With only one loss in seven matches played, Detroit will be up against it, but they'll also be boosted by their home form and knowing where their goals are coming from.

The Chicago Fire are the only team to topple Detroit at home in U.S. Open Cup play, but in league competitions, they've been undefeated. Loisbille will have to keep an eye out for striker Darren Smith. In seven appearances in all competitions, he has six goals and one assist for Detroit.

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In any league, knowing where your goals will come from is critical, and it's a question that Detroit doesn't have to answer. Taylor Calheria was that guy last season, pushing FC Tulsa to the USL Championship final, and Detroit will want to do one better this season. A victory over a team like Louisville at home will go a long way in stating their intentions, which is why, despite this being an early-season clash, it's an important one.