This Saturday, Lansing Common FC opens the 2022 season with a road game against BiH Grand Rapids at 7 p.m. The match is a part of the inaugural Grand River Ope!n Cup. Tickets are only $5 and available online or at the gate.
With just a few practices under their belt, no in-game experience and a tough road environment ahead, the club faces a difficult test in Grand Rapids. Further complicating the situation is the absence of roughly ten players due to injury and prior commitments (these players are expected to join the team in the next several weeks).
However, the Robins are approaching Saturday’s match without apprehension.
“There’s no nervousness from us. We’re treating this as a tune up game,” said Head Coach Josh Oakley. “It’s a time to look at some fresh faces and move some things around early in the season.”
While Lansing Common’s players have not had much time together yet, BiH Grand Rapids has been training since early Spring. The club also played two games in April, participating in Region II of the USASA National Amatuer Cup.
BiH finished fourth in the MWPL East Division last season and appears primed for another run at the top of the table.
“I see quality players with a flair to them,” said Oakley. “They have a way they play, they have a style – it’s hard, it’s in your face. They’re a good side, and we know that from last year.”
The Grand River Ope!n Cup
The Grand River Ope!n Cup, named for the river that connects each club’s community, features five teams from the Midwest Premier League and Midwest United FC from USL2.
The six teams were drawn into two groups of three. Each club will play a single game against the other teams in their group. The winner of each group will advance to the final, which will be held in July.
Lansing Common’s next match in the competition will be a home game against Tulip City United SC on Friday, July 1.
Club News and Upcoming Community Engagement Opportunities
- Last weekend, Lansing Common’s originally-scheduled home opener against Ann Arbor FC was canceled due to player availability issues with the visiting team. In its place, the club held a Community Soccer Kickoff event that helped introduce this year’s players to the fans and raised nearly $1,500 for the Mikey23 Foundation.
- On Wednesday, May 11 the club released its 2022 Charity jersey benefiting Care Free Medical and the Lansing Refugee Development Center. The jersey is available for purchase through the online store in both youth and adult sizes, with all proceeds going to the aforementioned groups. Game-worn jerseys will also be auctioned off later in the season to benefit these same charities. Lansing Common also pledged a separate $3,000 contribution to the Refugee Development Center as part of this partnership.
- Lansing Common’s long-awaited home opener is right around the corner! The club will host Midwest Premier League newcomers Tulip City United SC on Saturday, May 21 at 6 p.m.Tickets are $5 and are available online or at the gate.
- On Saturday, May 14 at 8:15 a.m., Lansing Common is participating in the Lansing Board of Water and Light’s Adopt a River event. Those interested in volunteering should meet at the Impression 5 parking lot to receive their free t-shirt before going on the Lansing River Trail. Fans are encouraged to participate and represent the club and its community.
- Lansing Common will be making an appearance at 517 Day on Tuesday, May 17 at Sharp Park. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. when the club leads kids in some soccer-related activities and hands out prizes. A live concert featuring School of Rock with Rebecca Brunner from “The Voice” and Global Village will begin at 7 p.m.