Lansing Common FC will look to earn the double and a crucial three points when they host Inter Detroit in the first of four straight MWPL matches this month.
“We have got an opponent coming in here that will be hungry to right wrongs,” said head coach Josh Oakley. “But, we have got guys back in the team that we did not have then, so we expect a good performance on Sunday.”
Inter Detroit (1-3-1, 6 points in 5 GP) currently sits fourth in the East Division table, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Robins at Evolution Sportsplex two weeks ago. Without any registered center backs, Lansing managed to get two quick goals in the first half from Julian Birge and Shady Omar and rode away 2-1 victors.
“I thought we started so well against that team just winning corner kicks, getting into their half, and making the game on their backs,” said Oakley. “I still believe that they are a strong team in attack, and I think there are weaknesses we can find, hopefully again, at their back.”
The Robins should have a healthy backline and multiple defensive substitutes to choose from this Sunday, a luxury they did not have in the first match against Inter. Defenders Dante Morrisette and Kyle Scott have been staples on the wings, and with the addition of Josh Adam, Oakley will be able to play a pair of center backs he believes can stymie a potent Inter offense. Aidan O’Connor and Adam are a possible duo that would make the Robins backline a combination of Western Michigan and Michigan State products.
“We are starting to get players slowly, but surely, so things are where they need to be,” said Oakley.
Lansing Common is coming off a 1-1 friendly draw against the Grand Haven Admirals. The Robins looked the better team in spurts, but Grand Haven midfielder John Stout’s goal in the 82nd minute brought Grand Haven level after Lansing Common had jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first 10 minutes of play. Lansing Common has given up two set-piece goals in their last two games and conceded a penalty to Inter Detroit two weeks ago.
“The set pieces are really a result of us not taking care of the ball,” said Oakley. “We spent some time in scenarios and what we need to do just to lock up three points, not one point, it has got to be three points.”
After conceding the opening goal in their first two matches, Lansing has opened the scoring in their last three games. In two of those contests, they were able to open up two-goal leads before halftime. Despite their early efforts, the Robins only managed a 1-1-1 record in those three matches, but Oakley is hoping for a better outcome this weekend.
“We have put ourselves in those positions [to win], many times, and now we have to turn the leaf and it’s got to happen for us,” said Oakley. “We are getting smarter by the day, but those are the challenging questions, to make sure when we get out to a lead, we play on a lead more comfortably, and I think it will happen for us.”
Kickoff for this weekend’s home match at Eastern Stadium in Lansing is scheduled for 4:00 p.m on Sunday, June 13. Tickets are available at https://app.gopassage.com/events/lansing-common-jun13 and the game will be livestreamed on the club’s YouTube page.
