After a weekend away, Lansing Common FC returns home on Saturday, June 26, to conclude Pride Month with a matchup against BiH Grand Rapids in their first of two games against the Kentwood-based club.
“I feel like we have got to put a performance in,” said head coach Josh Oakley. “We are coming off a decent weekend, result-wise, but not playing at our best. We really want to focus on playing better, so that is what this weekend will provide us.”
BiH Grand Rapids (4-1-0, 13 points in 5 GP) currently sit third in the East Division standings, having played the fewest games of any team so far this season other than Lansing Common. BiH has had a great run of form in recent weeks, earning three consecutive clean sheets and scoring a combined 12 goals in their past three matches.
Lansing Common is coming off a weekend that included two good performances:, A 0-0 draw against a strong Michigan Stars U23 side and a 2-1 victory over Livonia City FC. The Robins earned four out of a possible six points in their quest for the East Division title.
“We are a team, I think, that is going to create a lot of chances,” said Oakley. “Even though we did not create a lot against the Stars, most of our games show that we put the right guys out there and we create and get chances.”
After scoring four goals against Inter Detroit last weekend, Oakley’s squad only found the back of the net twice while showing some frustration in the process. Lansing Common has prided itself on defense as of late, but the offensive struggles were the focal point of conversation heading into this week of training.
“We are looking for improvement on the pitch, especially in decision making,” said Oakley. “We are trying to reset and play better. Obviously, not necessarily just focus on results but focus on the way we are playing and what we can do better, and a big piece of that is decision making in the final third.”
BiH has played five games this season, but they have only faced three different teams, including Livonia City and LK St. Clair, who currently sit at the bottom of the East Division table. BiH’s other league match was the inaugural MWPL Grand Rapids Derby, which they won 2-1 over the West Michigan Bearings.
“I think they are going to set up a little different than we have seen in some teams, but we have played a couple teams that play a similar shape, which is good,” said Oakely. “They can play, they are skillful, and they are a bit physical. It is going to give us a little bit of a different look and I think we are ready to go,”
Lansing Common, after utilizing their depth chart last weekend, will once again have to rotate their squad due to absences from a couple of key players. The Robins have a chance to go unbeaten in the month of June if they manage a win or draw on Saturday night.
A win for the Robins would see them draw level in the standings with their opponents, while a win for BiH would bring the Grand Rapids club within striking distance of league-leading Detroit City FC.
Kickoff for this weekend’s home match at Eastern Stadium is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 at https://app.gopassage.com/events/lansing-common-jun26
