Detroit Express (1981–1983)

The Detroit Express was a professional soccer team based in Detroit, Michigan, that competed in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1981 to 1983. The team was a continuation of the Washington Diplomats franchise, which relocated to Detroit after the 1980 NASL season. The Express played their home matches at the Pontiac Silverdome.

During their brief existence, the Detroit Express struggled to achieve significant success on the field. They failed to qualify for the NASL playoffs in any of their three seasons. The team's ownership faced financial challenges, and ultimately, the Detroit Express folded after the 1983 season as part of the wider collapse of the NASL. Key players included some returning Diplomats players along with newly acquired talent, but the team never solidified into a consistent contender. The Detroit Express represents a short chapter in the history of professional soccer in Detroit, predating the later formation of teams like the Detroit Neon and Detroit Ignition.