LANSING, Mich – Lansing Common FC retained the I-96 Derby Trophy with a dominant performance in a 5-1 victory over former league rival Livonia City FC. The win extended Lansing’s unbeaten streak against Livonia in what was the final friendly match of the season for the Robins.
Lansing got off to a fast start when forward Sekou Doumboya opened the scoring in the 9th minute of play. A corner kick sent into the box bounced off several players before Doumboya was able to capitalize on the final rebound.
Livonia answered a mere two minutes later, scoring an equalizer in the 11th minute in what would be their only goal of the match.
The Robins quickly regained control of the game and tilted the field in their favor. Doumboya netted his second goal of the game in the 31st minute with a diving header off a corner delivered by defender Gavin Rabideau.
Midfielder Andy Ignatovich added another goal for Lansing shortly before halftime. A corner kick in the 41st minute was headed into the path of Ignatovich who took advantage of a defensive lapse by Livonia to give the Robins a 3-1 lead heading into the break.
“We said the next goal is big. If we get a fourth they are probably going to crumble,” said Lansing assistant coach Josh Rosendale after stepping into the head coaching role for today’s match. “We were really emphasizing that goal scheme.”
Lansing Common followed through on that message in the second half. Forward Nady Omar extended the lead to 4-1 in the 69th minute with a 25-yard strike, putting the match firmly in the Robins’ favor.
Midfielder Cullen MacKay added the finishing touch in the 81st minute, scoring Lansing’s fifth goal of the day to seal the 5-1 victory and leave Livonia with no way back into the match.
“It’s awesome winning the trophy,” said Rosendale. “Some of the reserve guys who don’t get first team minutes, now they have something to talk about. That’s what’s great about having the reserve guys. It keeps them fresh. Keeps them getting minutes and helps our first team guys prepare for games and get better.”
Lansing Common returns to action on Wednesday, June 17, with a road match against Holland Rovers before coming back home on Saturday, June 27, to take on Goshen City FC at 5:00 p.m.
