Lansing Common FC opened its two-game Midwest Premier League weekend with a resilient victory in the “LCFC” derby, dispatching Livonia City FC on the road 2-0. In a game where the Robins needed all three points to continue chasing Eastern Conference leaders Inter Detroit, it was the stellar play from the backline that aided Lansing’s ability to earn a win over a slumping Livonia side.
Lansing started out the better of the two teams in the first half, quickly amassing multiple set piece opportunities within the first half-hour. The Robins were unable to put any of their high-quality chances past the Livonia keeper and the match went into halftime tied at 0-0.
After head coach Brent Sorg made some adjustments to Lansing’s front six, the Robins were able to break the deadlock. In the 68th minute, Livonia committed a foul inside the penalty area and the referee immediately pointed toward the penalty spot. After numerous Livonia defenders pleaded with the center official about a possible offside call by the linesman, the penalty was confirmed and Lansing midfielder Munir Sherali stepped up and slotted the ball into the back of the net for the game’s first goal.
The substitutes would play a key role in doubling Lansing’s lead just a few minutes later. In the 76th minute, forward Jack Voight, who came on for Ramzi Shaheen, had the ball fall to his feet inside the penalty area that he fired into the side netting of the goal, putting the Robins firmly in control for the remainder of the match.
Lansing would hang on for the final 15 minutes of play with their backline preventing Livonia from having any high-quality chances throughout the match. Goalkeeper Ethan Brandt registered a clean sheet without having to make a save which kept him tied for the single-season saves record with former Lansing goalkeeper Zac Kelly.
Seemingly unaffected by a quick two-day turnaround from Friday’s derby against Livonia, Lansing Common collected another three points with an impressive 4-1 home victory over BiH Grand Rapids Sunday night.
“I thought we were prepared but it wasn’t our best showing,” said Sorg. “But at the end of the day, to come away with three points is three points. It wasn’t our best but we found a way and credit to the boys for that.”
The Robins scored by committee, with four different players notching a goal on the night.
Brandt made his second start of the weekend and was able to break the saves record before halftime. Unsurprisingly, the Western Michigan University product made multiple saves throughout the match with his defenders playing a large role in keeping a physical BiH side from finding many ways through.
“I don’t think we had much to deal with because I think our midfielders and forwards did a great job,” said right back Zayne Arnold about the pressure from BiH. “I think overall we defended very well as a whole, so we didn’t have much issue with that.”
Lansing’s first goal of the night came on a set piece less than eight minutes in. Sherali sent a corner kick towards the far side of the goal, where center back Kevin Payne headed the ball back towards center. Shaheen cleaned up the rebound with a header of his own, giving the Robins an early 1-0 lead.
Lansing Common would increase their lead to two in the 38th minute when Jack Voight crashed towards the net from the right sideline and drew the attention of multiple BiH defenders. Taking advantage of the space that was vacated in front of the net, Voight unselfishly passed the ball to Sherali, who easily knocked it in for his second goal in two matches.
“It feels really good,” said Sherali about his two-match goal-scoring streak. “The team has been performing really well and we’re hoping to continue on and focus on the next game in the league.”
Awarded a free kick seven yards outside the penalty area during first-half stoppage time, Grand Rapids’ Damir Sabanovic launched a missile into the top-left corner of the net, reducing Lansing’s lead to one heading into the half.
“The halftime [conversation] really was ‘just simplify the game,’” said Sorg. “Keep the game simple. I knew coming in, they [BiH] are a team that could score goals, although they leak in a lot of goals. Stay the process, keep moving the ball, … and goals will happen because of that.”
Forward Guershom Sylvain restored the Robins’ two-goal lead in spectacular fashion in the 77th minute. Speeding down the right side of the pitch in the opponents’ half, Sylvain made a sudden cut inside, leaving one defender behind. On his way towards the center, Sylvain faked a right-cut and continued left, leaving another opponent in the dust. Finally, with one last defender to beat, Sylvain faked another right-cut, crossed the ball to his left foot and took a well-aimed strike that found the back of the net.
Substitute midfielder Daniel Silva put the nail in BiH’s coffin in the 88th minute. The Grand Rapids goaltender failed to control a floater sent in by midfielder Mark Wischmeyer, giving Silva an easy tap-in for his first goal as a Robin and the 4-1 victory to Lansing Common.
With just two league games remaining on the schedule, every point will be crucial. Lansing’s six-point weekend put them within one point of first-place Inter Detroit, who have a game in hand.
“We know that the task ahead of us is massive, but there is no other way we’d rather have it than that,” said Sorg. “These games are vitally important. We recognize that. Every guy through to the last guy on the bench, to the coaching staff and everyone [else], is going to have to be at our absolute best.”
Up next for the Robins:
On Friday, July 15, Lansing Common heads west to take on Milwaukee Torrent in its final NISA Independent Cup group stage match. However, with Metro Louisville having locked up the group’s top spot, the game will essentially play out as a friendly.
Just a couple of days later, the Robins will hit the road for the last time this season when they visit Michigan Stars U23’s in Midwest Premier League action. The Sunday, July 17 showdown is set to kick off at 6 p.m.
Lansing’s final home game of the season will be on Saturday, July 23, at 6 p.m., when they host conference leaders Inter Detroit. With the race for first place coming down to the wire, the Robins’ season finale could very well determine the champion of the Eastern Conference. Tickets are just $5, available online and at the gate. For those who can’t make it to game, the match will be streamed live on YouTube.
