LANSING, MI — Lansing Common FC (6-1-2) returned to its winning ways on Saturday night, with a 4-2 victory over Tulip City United SC (5-1-4) at Eastern Stadium.
The Robins earned a much-needed 3 points, keeping the club in contention for the top spot in the Midwest Premier League’s Great Lakes West Division.
Lansing wasted no time getting on the board. A Robin counter-attack led by forward Seth Russ found an open Jack Voight, who buried a low-driven shot from inside the box to put Lansing ahead 1-0 in the 17th minute.
11 minutes later, Luke Kalavitz sent a cross from the left side of the box in to Fady Omar, who buried the header to put the Robins up 2-0.
Kalavitz would score a goal of his own in the 41st minute off another assist from Russ, who was played into the box by a long through-ball from midfielder Mark Wischmeyer.
A dominant first half from LCFC was just what the doctor ordered. After being shut out at home against ThunderCats, Lansing put in three goals in the first half to earn a comfortable lead.
“Our mindset was 3 points. Every game is a playoff right now,” said assistant coach Nathan Clarke. “It wasn’t pretty in the second half, but we got the 3 points, and that is the main thing right now is keeping ourselves at the top of the table.”
Omar’s stellar night continued in the second half. The forward intercepted a pass from a Tulip City defender on the back line and finished the easy chance to record a brace and put the Robins up 4-0.
“I think our link-up play improved a lot, our chemistry, and how we work with each other,” said Omar. “We know each other’s habits. I think that is huge for a team, and when we do that, we’ll win the game.”
The Robins continue their homestand next weekend with a pair of games that could decide the Great Lakes West Division. They face the first-place West Michigan Bearings on Friday, July 14th at 7:30pm and second-place 1927 SC from Fort Wayne on Sunday, July 16th at 4:00pm.
Tickets to Friday night’s game are just $5 online when purchased through the Fanbase Clubs app or $7 at the gate.