In less than 24 hours, Lansing Common FC will play its 2022 Midwest Premier League Eastern Conference home opener against the newly-introduced Tulip City United SC. The Holland-based club already has one league win under its belt after defeating Detroit Union FC 5-0 on May 14. 

Meanwhile, the Robins suffered a 2-1 loss against BiH Grand Rapids last weekend in the Grand River Open Cup. Forward Ty Usiak was the lone goalscorer for the Robins in their first game of the 2022 season. 

Goalkeeper Ethan Brandt and midfielder Mark Wischmeyer were among the many club debutants in the game against BiH Grand Rapids. 

With only a little more than two weeks of practice, Lansing head coach Josh Oakley believes his team is prepared for its first home match.

“They just want to play,” Oakley said. “We approached the last game as a tune-up and being in front of the supporters this weekend, I know the guys want to get after it.” 

This week, training sessions were focused on speed of play and playmaking in the final third. 

“We have quick players at different positions and we’ll use that to our advantage,” Oakley said.

The home opener this Saturday will be the first of 10 league matches this summer and, having finished last season as runners-up in the standings, Lansing’s returning players know how much focus will be needed to win games.

“A lot of the guys, new and returning, are willing to learn and come together as a unit,” midfielder Julian Birge said. “As a collective, we have a very good work rate.” 

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Eastern Stadium on Saturday, May 21. Tickets are just $5 and can be purchased online or at the gate.