Lansing Common FC returns to Eastern Stadium on Sunday, June 12, to host Michigan Jaguars FC in its third Midwest Premier League match. After suffering a 4-1 loss last weekend against West Michigan Bearings SC, the Robins look to earn their first win of the season.
“We got caught again in transition (last weekend), and it’s something that hurt us last year,” head coach Josh Oakley said. “I think this team (Lansing) will bounce back just fine.”
Last time out, forward Jack Voight scored Lansing’s only goal after entering the game as a first-half substitute against the Bearings. Voight could be one of many players looking to earn more minutes on Sunday.
“He (Voight) has a nose for the goal and (forward) Guershom Sylvain will be available for this weekend,” Oakley said.
Sylvain, alongside a handful of younger Lansing players, trained this week after competing in the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association’s Club State Cup final. Sylvain scored a late penalty to help his Lansing Rush U19 side triumph over Nationals.
This week, the Robins concentrated most of their training on transitions and defending.
“Having the attacking pieces back for us is important,” Oakley said. “We have to dominate the game with and without the ball.”
The Michigan Jaguars began their MWPL season with losses to Inter Detroit and the Grand Haven Admirals, but they were able to earn a 3-1 win over Tulip City United SC in their last game.
With two wins under their belts over two of the league’s other new members in Tulip City and Detroit Union, the Jaguars will attempt to be a legitimate contender in the league when they take on the Robins for the very first time.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5 pm on Sunday, June 12, at Eastern Stadium. Tickets are just $5 and are available online or at the gate. Tonight’s game is also Juneteenth recognition night. The evening will feature education around the upcoming Juneteenth Holiday and organizations actively doing anti-racist and community organizing work in Lansing, as well as promotion of upcoming Juneteenth events taking place the week of June 12-19 in Lansing, inviting fans to participate in honoring the holiday.
One Love Global and partner organizations will be at the game and will share about work that is ongoing in the Lansing area to advance racial equity. Lansing Common FC players will wear special Juneteenth recognition warmups, and t-shirts with the same design will be available for fans to purchase with proceeds being donated to One Love Global’s Beloved Community Fund.
