Despite the cancellation of the 2020 NPSL outdoor summer season, eNPSL has taken over the on-pitch focus for clubs and fans alike. The 2020 summer season was set to be Risers’ inaugural season competing in the NPSL. Instead, they are dominating on the virtual pitch to the tune of an 11-4-1 record, good for third in the eNPSL table, and level with first and second on points.
The club as a whole have been able to use this momentum as a way to boost awareness of the club around the country.
“eSports has elevated the club’s platform across the American soccer landscape and we expect this to continue furthering our ideals as we gain a larger player, fan, and partnership base,” noted Muskegon Risers President Matt Schmitt.
Schmitt took pride in noting that the community of Muskegon Risers extends beyond the Muskegon Lakeshore, but into a global community.
“Because we have the clear purpose of creating a positive impact on our community through soccer,” Schmitt said. “People have naturally supported our eSports initiative, similar to the levels of involvement we observed when launching our arena soccer team or women’s team.”
Just like their women’s and arena teams, the eSports branch of the club also takes serious effort. One of the first orders of business was finding a head coach, which they did in Steven “Coach Style” Jones.
A veteran in FIFA (his first game was FIFA 98) Jones has played on the Pro Clubs level since around 2013-14. He has also made appearances for the United States national team for FIFA. Speaking to the team’s strengths, he highlighted three key things: IQ, teachability, drive, and professionalism. As a coach, Jones favors a 4-3-3 for his side.
“With only three mids, everyone has to be on the same page to make that work,” Jones noted. Tying in with the teachability of the group, Jones joked, “I write giant paragraphs and have a lot of DMs; a lot of gamers don’t want that but my team tolerates me.”
One of those players for the side is Danny Robinson, who, like Jones, is a local player residing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Robinson describes himself as more of a basketball guy, but prefers playing FIFA to any of the basketball video games on the market. Having played competitive Pro Clubs for seven years, he is a Manchester City fan, and specifically is a fan of Sergio Aguero.
The eNPSL is an 11v11 game, which is a stark contrast from the 1v1 or 2v2 that a more casual FIFA player may be used to.
“The biggest challenge of 11 v 11 is finding players that fit your system and keeping those players,” Robinson noted. He also added that in a 1v1 match, it is all about relying on yourself. In the 11v11 realm, you need your ten teammates to be working cohesively as a unit.
The clear purpose of serving as an impactful club on and off the pitch has gone hand-in-hand with the club’s own nickname.
“Our ‘Risers’ name was inspired by the ‘Muskegon, Together Rising’ sculpture which stands tall at the heart of downtown Muskegon,” said Schmitt.
Richard Hunt, a Black man from South Chicago, was born in 1935 and crafted the sculpture in 2008. Schmitt noted that the name Risers was chosen to represent all people of all groups, regardless of differences in race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, and beyond.
“Our purpose is rooted in community,” Schmitt emphasized. “As a club we have partnered with local charities since our founding in 2014 – whether it be a raffle donation, information table, gate revenue-sharing, or direct donation – we are always open to supporting initiatives that seek to improve their communities.”
That love of community is reflected by the Port City Supporters, the independent supporters group of the club. They have raised $432 for Minneapolis-based Black Visions Collective and will continue to donate $27 per goal scored in this eNPSL season.
As locals of the greater Muskegon area, both Jones and Robinson appreciate what Risers are doing for their community and the sport.
“Risers are elite,” noted Robinson. “This has been by far my most enjoyable experience with eSports. Risers have gone over and beyond any expectations that I have had.”
Jones added that the experience has been “deeply rewarding.” He would continue, saying, “I hope my team does it’s part to make this league great and attract more viewers and investors.”
Despite being newcomers to the NPSL, Muskegon Risers have already made a massive impact on their community through their work. That will only continue as the season continues through the summer.
