LANSING, MI — Lansing Common FC (6-3-2) returned to the pitch on Sunday, July 16th for an afternoon matchup against second-place 1927 SC from Fort Wayne (7-3-1), resulting in a 3-3 draw at Eastern Stadium.
In another hard-fought effort, the Robins settled for a second-straight draw against one of the top teams in the Midwest Premier League’s Great Lakes West Division.
1927 SC has one match remaining on their schedule and must win to clinch a spot in the conference championship game, which will be played in Lansing. The club’s first season in the league has been a successful one so far, as they have the Great Lakes West Division title within reach.
“We put in a good performance. Six goals for the fans – they loved that, but we obviously want to win,” said head coach Brent Sorg.
After an early goal by 1927 SC in the third minute, the Robins responded minutes later when midfielder Munir Sherali scored from a direct free kick in the eighth minute.
The teams would trade goals again near the end of the first half. 1927 SC scored in the 45th minute, but the Robins struck back in stoppage time. Jack Voight received a beautifully-lobbed pass from forward Seth Russ and fired it into the top-right corner from ten yards out, tying the match at two.
Russ added to the scoresheet again in the 50th minute. The Midwest Premier League’s leading goalscorer caught the visiting goalkeeper outside his box, played the ball forward, and scored a go-ahead goal to make it 3-2 in favor of the Robins. It was Russ’ eighth goal of the season.
1927 SC responded five minutes later after a well-timed lob to forward Max Amaoko put him one-on-one with Lansing goalkeeper Holden Clark. Amaoko took advantage and scored his second goal of the day to level the contest at 3-3.
For the second-consecutive match, the Robins found themselves down to ten men. In the 72nd minute, defender Thierno Doucoure was issued his second yellow card, disqualifying him for the remainder of the match.
“We actually played well with ten men today, so I wasn’t disappointed on how we went about it. It obviously makes it more difficult as the game goes on,” Sorg said.
Center back Kevin Payne earned a career milestone in the 20th minute when he reached 2,000 minutes played in a Lansing Common FC jersey. Payne’s accomplishment was acknowledged by the crowd of nearly 500 fans during a hydration break in the first half.
“Every minute I’ve enjoyed and loved. I tell people that this is the best club in the world. In games like this, you have to earn every minute, and it has been an honor and privilege,” said defender Kevin Payne. “Every time I come out of that locker room, I come to see the fans. It’s just love. I love coming out here to play. It’s awesome playing here.”
Lansing Common FC will close out their 2023 campaign at Eastern Stadium against Livonia City FC on Saturday, July 22nd at 6:00pm. Tickets are just $5 online through the Fanbase Clubs app or $7 at the gate.